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
The Mayflower Compact: America’s first great experiment
The Mayflower Compact stands as living proof that the principles John Locke would later define were already embedded in the human pursuit of liberty.
Opinion
Carolina patriots showed their resolve
Our state’s official seal presents North Carolina as a series of dualities. In the background of the circular emblem are green-topped mountains to the west and crystal-blue water to the east. In the foreground, two female figures in classical garb symbolize Liberty (clutching a constitution in one hand and the traditional “liberty cap” in the...
Opinion
Old World canon law’s influence on NC’s New World legal system
Even in cases where North Carolina departed from canon law, that code still remained in the background, providing a millennia of guidance and wisdom.
Opinion
This day in 1776, NC’s first constitution was adopted
North Carolina has had three state constitutions. The first one was adopted on Dec. 18, 1776. This column explores some historical context and a few particulars of that constitution. The three state constitutions were adopted in the following years: 1776, 1868, and 1971. (Many revisions were made in 1835 to the first state constitution, yet...
Opinion
Revolving around the president’s sun
Donald Trump is the sun of the contemporary American political system. Its institutions, such as Congress, the parties, the media, the states, think tanks, popular culture all revolve around him as if planets. On a recent visit to the United Kingdom, I discovered his gravitational pull extends far beyond our shores. The president structures politics in Britain today in...
Opinion
Fort Dobbs linked N.C. to first ‘world war’
North Carolina has a tangible tie to the war that preceded America's bid for independence.
Opinion
They Were Cavalier About It
The 17th century conflict between the Stuart kings and their various foes, foreign and domestic, explain much of the settlement patterns and early politics of colonial America.
Opinion
‘The King’s Speech’ Touching Tale of Quiet Heroism
Ever felt embarrassed after stammering or stuttering in public? What if you were the son of a king and the whole world was watching? In The King’s Speech, directed by Tom Hooper, Prince Albert (Colin Firth), the future George VI, faced just that situation. As the second son of the George V, he was expected to appear in public representing his father — and his nation. And yet he could barely utter a complete sentence. If Albert were no more than a young naval officer, this would not be a problem. But all eyes were fixed on the son of the man who ruled a quarter of the world’s people. ... The King’s Speech is not to be missed — a gripping, personal tale of quiet heroism and personal drama played out on the world’s stage. One that will leave you with tears in your eyes.
Opinion
1938Argues that Leader of ‘Master Race’ Had no Master Plan
This is a difficult book to read. MacDonogh’s descriptions of street brutality against Jews and the political thuggery practiced by Hitler and his lieutenants are chilling. The shameful inaction, and sometimes shameful action, of the Western powers can produce guilt feelings and our own question of conscience: Though the Holocaust memorials say, “Nie wieder”, never again, do we have the political and diplomatic – or military – will to halt such a monstrosity today?
