Opinion
Let’s be realistic about bipartisanship
In a more civil climate, one in which Democrats and Republicans have more productive discussions, you will still be routinely disappointed with outcomes.
Opinion
Five New Year’s resolutions to consider for 2024
This year, I am tired of being frustrated and angry. Inflation, governmental overreach, and an apparent disregard for the authority of parents and the importance of personal autonomy have reached a breaking point for me. Instead, I resolve to focus on what is going right, and work to encourage it.
Opinion
Entitlement is not just bad politics, but a sickness of the soul
Jussie Smollett’s release from jail mere days into his sentence for faking a hate crime reveals another example of entitlement culture run amok. It’s not just that Smollett likely got preferential treatment with his release because of his money and status, but that he never apologized or admitted any wrongdoing from his hoax. When held...
Opinion
Mark Twain and Andrew Breitbart ponder curated resentment theory
If you raft on the river of popular culture, then you can hardly do better than to hire Mark Twain and Andrew Breitbart as your guides. One man lived long enough to become the elder statesman of American letters by 1910, and the other died young in 2012, but both of them paid sharp attention...
Opinion
Interest in Mark Robinson is a reminder that tepid conservatism won’t win elections
A number of high profile Republican political candidates are already jockeying to be the next U.S. Senator from North Carolina. Yet, much of the attention quickly pivoted towards the suspense of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson running. Even if Robinson was merely drumming up his name ID for the news cycle, with no serious consideration of...
Opinion
Civilizing forces needed in fight against partisan hatred
I’m only half joking when I argue that a true sports fan loathes his archrival more than he loves his own team. Sure, it’s an exaggeration. But one suspects that at least some Boston Red Sox supporters enjoy feasting on New York Yankee futility more than they celebrate their own team’s fourth World Series title...
Opinion
Politics as performance art hurts our system
Government institutions have strayed from their traditional trustworthy roles.
Opinion
Better leaders lead to better politics
Effective leadership means something other than winning elections or transacting legislative business. It means rebuilding public confidence and restoring a public discourse that elevates rather than demeans.
Opinion
Be realistic about bipartisanship
In a political climate more civil than the one we have now, in which Democrats and Republicans have more productive discussions, you will still be routinely disappointed with outcomes.
Opinion
Conservative Principles and Incremental Change
Conservatism is not dead, but many of its advocates misunderstand it and do it a disservice.
Opinion
Still More Carolina Conceit
You can be disappointed with the outcome of the marriage-amendment vote and not subject yourself to embarrassment as Perdue did last week.
Opinion
Political Lessons in Humility
How could the NC electorate show no stronger level of support for Jim Hunt, a significant political figure since the 1970s, than they do for Scottie McCreery.
