Opinion
The Referendum Issue
All the attention so far in North Carolina's lottery debate has centered on the game itself. But what about the precedent that a “nonbinding” referendum would set for other poll-tested issues?
Opinion
What’s still OK for public schools: a scorecard
The recent ruling (now on hold) by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to declare the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional and therefore not fit for public schools is just one of the bewildering changes taking place in our public schools. At this moment, maybe it's time to take stock of what is -- and what isn't -- allowed nowadays.
Opinion
The Push Is On
The July 4th holiday was little more than a brief respite from the bruising battle that has become North Carolina politics. Don't go away, because next week is when things really get interesting.
Opinion
Vouchers and Housing Integration
A Duke University professor makes an intriguing argument in favor of education vouchers: they would likely have significant impacts on the housing market by breaking the link between geographic location and school enrollment.
Opinion
Let’s Have More Elections
Local budget debates this year have illustrated a striking pattern: counties are pretty much holding the line on taxes, while cities are hiking them. This shows the importance of keeping North Carolina's politicians on a very short leash.
Opinion
One Thing at a Time
One of several reasons why North Carolina has gotten into the mess it's in is that politicians introduce too many ideas and try to act on too many of them. We need a new rule: one at a time.
Opinion
UNC-Wilmington feminists abort free speech
When a new Women's Resource Center was established at my university (UNC-Wilmington), I was concerned that it would serve as more of a resource for feminist professors than for female students. I also suspected that the center would try to advance a "pro-choice" agenda with little tolerance for the views of pro-life advocates.
Opinion
Is the Redistricting Case Over?
A three-judge panel in Washington rejected an attempt to stop North Carolina's legislative elections under new maps drawn by Judge Knox Jenkins. Is this long, drawn-out fight really over? Not quite yet, but almost.
Opinion
Still No Lottery Vote
Legislative leaders this week were nestled all snug in their beds, as visions of a lottery vote danced in their heads – but Santa didn't show.
Opinion
GOP Punts on Economy
Republicans think they have a good chance of keeping the U.S. House in November and taking control of the U.S. Senate and some state legislative chambers, including North Carolina's. But they won't get there with a languid economy.
Opinion
A Puny Tuition Increase
State universities elsewhere are boosting tuitions between 12 percent and 25 percent next year. UNC students and profs are upset about an 8 percent hike. It's time for a reality check: North Carolina's minuscule tuitions are bad public policy.
Opinion
A Puny Tuition Increase
State universities elsewhere are boosting tuitions between 12 percent and 25 percent next year. UNC students and profs are upset about an 8 percent hike. It's time for a reality check: North Carolina's minuscule tuitions are bad public policy.
