Patriots lit torches for liberty — literally

The July 1775 burning of Fort Johnston was the first true military action of the Revolutionary War in North Carolina — but it would hardly be the last.

Policy research has its limitations

The overwhelming consensus is that states and localities that subsidize ballparks and arenas do not derive enough economic return to justify the cost.

Three factors could limit our growth

Convincing out-of-state businesses to relocate or add new facilities here is wonderful. But startups make economies more resilient.

Keep moving forward on housing

Most countries don’t use government-sponsored enterprises to buy home loans. America’s system increases cost and risk without boosting homeownership rates.

America’s freedom clock needs winding

When we commemorate the formal birthday of the United States of America, we don’t just celebrate a place, a set of governmental institutions, and a shared history that binds together people with differing backgrounds, faiths, and aspirations. We celebrate a revolutionary act. As John Adams put it in 1818, the war that secured America’s independence...

How American conservatism came to be

I’m a conservative without a conversion story. Plenty of others have such a tale — they read a certain book, had a certain teacher, or somehow became disenchanted with their previous, left-leaning views. If the conversion happened as adults, after first being politically active as a progressive, socialist, or communist, they were called neoconservatives. One...

AI will aid transit, not transform it

Outside of a few highly dense markets, transit’s primary function is to provide essential mobility for those who cannot drive or afford their own vehicles.

Lawmakers aren’t deadlocked on regulation

For more than a decade, lawmakers have used both fiscal and regulatory policy to make North Carolina a more attractive place to live, work, and do business.

Make riots a political dead end

Tearing down statutes isn’t equivalent to looting stores or assaulting people. But allowing any riotous act to accomplish a political end sets a bad precedent.

Carolina congressmen tell off constituents

Ever written your congressman? I have. I always get a prompt and cordial, if bland, reply. Back in 1988, I actually spent a few weeks as a Capitol Hill intern reading and drafting responses to constituent correspondence. I’ve never written more boring prose (although longtime readers of mine might well disagree). Then as now, I’d...

Look before leaping to new system

In a recent column, I outlined three ways that North Carolina’s system of government differs from that of many other states, including our neighbors. First, I observed that our state constitution unambiguously gives the legislature primacy over public policy while dividing and weakening our executive branch. I also pointed out that North Carolina funds our...

Supply-side policies boost North Carolina

After North Carolina conservatives won control of the General Assembly in 2010, they began a systematic application of supply-side principles to state policy. It’s been a phenomenal success — although I admit others might disagree if their definition of “supply side” differs from mine. The difference isn’t necessarily partisan. I know both Republicans and Democrats...