Opinion
NC’s civics education should be revolutionary
By assessing civics statewide and tracking progress with a standardized benchmark, we could ensure students understand how our history equips them to be informed, engaged citizens.
Opinion
Don’t forget the gift of religious freedom this Christmas
Living in the United States, we don’t often dwell on how unique it is in history to be able to worship God as we see fit and celebrate the holidays we hold dear. For most of human history, kings and other rulers generally wanted those they ruled to join in the approved rituals and holidays....
Opinion
The shuttering of NC’s churches is a bad sign for liberty
The statistics on religion show both affiliation with and attendance at America’s churches are plummeting. And North Carolina is feeling the effects, with church buildings shuttering across the state due to lack of members and donations. This is a dangerous sign for the future of our state. Ryan Burge — a Baptist pastor, data scientist,...
Opinion
Christmas gets a cheeky defense
One of the ironies of the holiday calendar is that Christmas follows closely after Thanksgiving. Many of the Pilgrims and Puritans who helped make Thanksgiving an American tradition were appalled by and opposed to the celebration of Christmas. One of my ancestors, the pioneering Connecticut publisher John Tully, made a big stink about the issue...
Opinion
Should big tech shield us from science, even if it’s controversial?
When it comes to cancel culture and big tech, nothing is more high profile right now than medical doctors or other health professionals being de-platformed over dissenting views on COVID-19.
Opinion
Jefferson neighbors seek liberty
The travails of Albemarle County Baptists and other religious dissenters during the 1760s and 1770s had a strong impression on Thomas Jefferson.
Opinion
Presidential candidates mislead voters
Whether it is Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, politicians who promise to make your life better by suppressing competition and innovation are misleading you.
Opinion
How North Carolina Came To Be Shaped Like It Is Today
A concern about concentrated power helped shape the state's geography.
Opinion
How North Carolina Came To Be Shaped Like It Is Today
When did North Carolina become known as North Carolina and acquire its modern shape? We must go back to Jan. 24, 1712, when Edward Hyde became the first governor of what became known as North Carolina, or more specifically, he was the first official governor under the Lords Proprietors. Carolina was then divided into two...
Opinion
Regionalism Potent N.C. Influence Since 1700s
In the colonial era, regional differences about governance at times were resolved violently.
Opinion
Regionalism Has Been a Potent Influence in N.C. Since 1700s
Driving along Highway 64 from Murphy to Manteo, you can experience the state’s geographical diversity and in so doing hear distinctive, regional North Carolina accents in the mountains, the Piedmont, and eastern North Carolina. Along the way you also can eat barbecue that in one region is taken from the shoulder and another from the...
Opinion
Religious Revolution at Top of the GOP
Although the Democrats consider themselves the diverse party, the array of religious beliefs represented at the top of the Republican Party demonstrates it has a “big tent” character as well.
