News opinion 2008-05-16 Andanh.com

Tweaks needed, but Easley's budget priorities sensible Wed, 14 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
Gov. Mike Easley has submitted his last spending plan to the North Carolina General Assembly. The term-limited Easley's final pitch contains no real surprises, pleasant or otherwise.

InstaLetters for May 14 Wed, 14 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
In light of the Hurricane Katrina tragedy, what is happening in Myanmar is horrible. If there were ever a reason to get rid of a regime militarily, this is it.

Deconstructing government's methods of socialism Wed, 14 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
I thought of a new term to use for what governments keep doing and that is "non welfare socialism.

McCain isn't the only one who is out of touch Wed, 14 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
The letter, "McCain not as in touch with middle class as he claims," (AC-T, April 30), stated that Senator John McCain was not in touch with the middle class because his income was $405,000 for 2007 and that he claimed $105,000 (25 percent) of it as...

Wishes more had heard Obama's wife speak Wed, 14 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
Michelle Obama gave an excellent, hard-hitting speech at UNC Asheville. Too bad only Obama fans heard it, as it gave a full picture of who her husband is, what guides his life and what his plans are for this country.

Aghast at WLOS's airplay of offensive campaign ad Wed, 14 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
To quote a former president of ours: "There you go again!" Following in the shameful tradition of (at least the early) Jesse Helms, the North Carolina Republican Party has once again created a racially inflammatory television ad that plays on people's...

Derby's treatment of horses should not be condoned Wed, 14 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
As an animal owner and animal rights activist, I was appalled to read the article concerning the Kentucky Derby in a recent paper. I have always been opposed to horse racing, greyhound racing and illegal dog and chicken fighting.

Why haven't we warmed up to geothermal energy? Wed, 14 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
Any source of heat is a source of energy. But why is geothermal energy being ignored? It's a source available on every continent.

Obama's claims of being an agent of change don't hold up to hard scrutiny Wed, 14 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
If there is one word that dominates the Obama campaign, even a casual observer would conclude that that word is "change." And the area that this candidate for president speaks most often about changing is the "old politics" of Washington.

SUVs about to go the way of the dinosaur Wed, 14 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
The letter, "Plenty of potential storage sheds roam our streets today," (AC-T, Jan. 28, 2003), tickled my funny bone back in 2003 and appears to be prophetic today. The author, Joseph J.

The other Obama Wed, 14 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
Here we go again. After being subjected to eight years of the collegial presidency of Bill and Hillary, when we were told that when we got Bill we got Hillary as a bonus, it looks as if we are facing another twofer: Barack and Michelle.

Wright's tune has a familiar ring Wed, 14 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
It turns out that a number of Jeremiah Wright's incendiary and racist comments are not new, and are traceable to leaders of the Black Muslim Movement. As it turns out, Wright's radical ranting is an echo.

The money chase Wed, 14 May 2008 00:30:00 EST
The just-completed first round of this election season offers mounting reasons to broaden public financing of campaigns.

Hands across the sea Wed, 14 May 2008 00:30:00 EST
When deaths from natural calamities rise into the many tens of thousands, as they have in Myanmar and now China from cyclone and earthquake, the scale of suffering and loss becomes a ghastly blur. The dead, at least, have no more worries.

School floor should be on the table Thu, 8 May 2008 01:02:00 -0500
On last Thursday’s editorial page, Mayor Matthew Block used his column to talk about funding for Scotland County’s school system.

Your vote counts Thu, 8 May 2008 01:02:01 -0500
Today is a big day for many of the local, state and national candidates.

Kandid Katie Wed, 14 May 2008 08:34:51 -0500
Katie Holland This Saturday marks the date of another birthday for my brother, and honestly, I don’t think he will even acknowledge it. He just doesn’t seek out the same recognition that I do when my birthday rolls around.

TIMCO should assess work conditions Wed, 14 May 2008 03:00:00 -0500
The following is a Counterpoint column. By Daniel U. Cregar Jr. I read with interest the article by John R. Cawthron, (CEO, TIMCO) who wrote a scathing piece (April 25) accusing HondaJet of employment piracy. In the early years of my dental practice, I hired a young lady to work part time as an assistant while she completed her senior year in high school. When she graduated, I did not have a full-time position for her, but I highly recommended her to a specialist colleague who hired her. Nine months later, an opening occurred in my practice and I advertised for an assistant. This young lady applied and took the job at a lower salary than the specialist was paying her. When I asked why, she stated that the working conditions at her other job were too stressful and she dreaded going to work in the morning. The specialist, I might add, sent me a scathing letter accusing me of “stealing” his employee. A similar situation to Cawthron’s. I would recommend that Mr. Cawthron seriously look at TIMCO and ask himself if his employees dread coming to work in the morning. He has two choices. He can act like the little boy who owned the only baseball in the park and told the other kids, “Play by my rules, or I will take my ball home with me.” Or he can go to his human resources department and analyze whether or not: 1) his wages are competitive with the industry; 2) he gives his employees a generous insurance and retirement package comparable to industry standards; 3) the working conditions at TIMCO are as stress-free as possible and his employees look forward to coming to work each morning. If any of these conditions does not exist, he needs to address it. I strongly suggest he look at his company closely. If he doesn’t, when HondaJet opens that production line he is going to lose more than four engineers, and he can take that advice to the bank. The writer lives in High Point.

Check location of seats before buying tickets Wed, 14 May 2008 03:00:00 -0500
I’m sorry Mike Kastanek (letter, May 12) didn’t like his behind-the-stage seats and, therefore, didn’t have a good time at the Bruce Springsteen concert at the Greensboro Coliseum. Any Springsteen fan, hard-core or newbie, would agree that’s a shame. Bruce and his band put on a great show, and the Greensboro show, in particular, was one of the best on the current tour. Clearly, Mike witnessed Springsteen play to the back of the crowd several times, ascending the ramp behind the stage for that very purpose. But that’s not an argument with Mike — if it didn’t do the trick for him, it didn’t do the trick. What’s not clear is this: Why was Mike surprised at where his seats were located? When you buy tickets, presumably from Ticketmaster, you have easy access to a seating diagram before paying. No like seat? No buy seat. And the coliseum staff is eager to please: A phone call would have clarified where your seats would be. Alternatively, both Craigslist and eBay were loaded with sellers offering better seats, most at a discount. Mike, I hope you’re not too soured on Springsteen or the coliseum. The next time the E Street Band rolls into town, call me: We’ll score some better seats and you’ll have a blast. Don Freedman Greensboro

City’s real estate market is performing quite well Wed, 14 May 2008 03:00:00 -0500
I just finished reading another article about the weak real estate market and couldn’t resist trying to set the record straight. In Greensboro, our real estate market is performing quite well. With more homes on the market than last year, home buyers have a better selection. And home prices are actually quiet stable and quite affordable, unlike many other areas of the country. I worry that national news stories have scared away potential home buyers in Greensboro who have the opportunity to make a terrific investment. Contact a Realtor in the Greensboro marketplace to show you the great housing values and opportunities available. You may find exactly what you’re looking for, at the right price, too. Michael Barr Greensboro The writer is CEO, Greensboro Regional Realtors Association.

Some parents, coaches lack sportsmanship Wed, 14 May 2008 03:00:00 -0500
Youth baseball has just gotten underway, and already we have some parents and coaches acting as if Little League were the major leagues. Parents and coaches, I admonish you. Please behave yourselves and allow youth to enjoy the game. Youth engage in sports for the fun of the game, especially at the younger ages. Where do coaches and parents get the nerve to yell, belittle, intimidate, threaten, embarrass and curse at the youth, referees, umpires or anyone whom they feel are somehow causing a team to lose? I am not saying that our youth should not be encouraged to do the very best they can. However, please keep in mind that adults do not appreciate being yelled at, belittled, intimidated, threatened, embarrassed, or cursed at, especially in front of an audience. If you have a grievance with a player, coach, referee or umpire, handle it like an adult and go through the proper channels. After all, our youth are watching the parents and coaches. If you all are cutting up and showing lack of respect toward each other, the children/youth will almost surely follow suit. Letitia Vann Greensboro

John Edwards is back Wed, 14 May 2008 18:18:01 -0500
Our ambitious former senator has been retired from running for president for three months or so -- his longest break in years -- but he returns today to endorse ... ... this is suspenseful ... Barack Obama! Wow! Is it too late to bet on Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby? Rather than step in before his home state primary last week, Edwards chose to wait and name his choice in Grand Rapids, Mich., this evening. This is portrayed as Obama's answer to Hillary Clinton's victory in West Virginia yesterday. She won big with white, working class voters ... He gets the endorsement of one white, multimillionaire trial lawyer. I thought all along Edwards would back Obama. Edwards is much more closely aligned in his views with the very liberal Obama than with the moderate-liberal Clinton. When he delayed, I figured he was bargaining for the best deal -- attorney general? secretary of poverty? vice president? Time will tell what Obama offered. Edwards' support likely will help Obama a little, but it hardly matters at this point. The nomination is all but decided. If Obama wins in November, this endorsement will help Edwards more ... and I expect he's counting on that. He's not done running for president.

Our neighbors let the public see their police chief finalists Wed, 14 May 2008 11:17:09 -0500
Kudos to the city of Winston-Salem for naming four finalists for the police chief position today. The city Web site provides background info about each candidate and includes an online feedback form. Even better: "The public is invited to attend a public forum to meet and address the candidates on Thursday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber. The forum will be televised live on WSTV 13, the government channel on TimeWarner Cable." Last week, Charlotte-Mecklenburg announced its three finalists for police chief. The three spoke at a public forum attended by about 200 people last night. (Observer's coverage here.) The three candidates are the current chief from Richmond, an assistant chief from Atlanta and Charlotte-Meck's deputy chief. So much for the often-heard dodge that you won't attract top applicants if you're going to name the finalists. The public really cares about crime and public safety, and citizens deserve the opportunity to hear what a potential police chief has to say before he or she is hired. Yes, the city manager makes the final decision, but that selection should be informed at least partially by public opinion. Leaders in Charlotte and Winston-Salem should be commended for taking that route. Every city should do the same. Addendum: You may notice that Alan Dreher from Atlanta is a finalist for both jobs.

Obama loses the latest most important state, in Clinton's estimation Wed, 14 May 2008 08:25:40 -0500
Should Barack Obama give up his presidential campaign after his crushing defeat in yesterday's West Virginia primary? A Democrat can't win in November without West Virginia, and only Hillary Clinton commands the loyalty of those poor, uneducated, working-class white voters. So she says. Is Obama thinking of the good of the party as he clings to his lead in delegates, superdelegates and popular votes yet ignores the only people who really count: Clinton supporters? If he can't win West Virginia, what business does he have running for president?

Play hard but fair Wed, 14 May 2008 08:06:59 -0500
My column today ...

Wednesday 5.21 Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 MST

Beloved Binge, Grappling Hook

Tuesday 5.20 Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 MST

PaganFest; more

Monday 5.19 Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 MST

Yo Majesty

Sunday 5.18 Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 MST

The Sociologist, The Architect and the Twisting Tower; more

Saturday 5.17 Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 MST

Artsplosure; more

Friday 5.16 Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 MST

Pin Projekt; more

Thursday 5.15 Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 MST

First Blood; more

Wednesday 5.14 Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 MST

John Darnielle

Editorial: Panel is missing the point Tue, 13 May 2008 08:59:58 -0500
A panel appointed by Gov. Mike Easley and tasked with reviewing the state's policies on retention of emails as public documents seems to be aiming wide and missing the mark.

Common sense? Tue, 13 May 2008 08:59:58 -0500
I want to clear up a few misconceptions about the establishment of English as our official language.

Editorial: It's time to get real Tue, 6 May 2008 09:49:35 -0500
The ongoing debate about immigration policy is focusing primarily on the Spanish-speaking illegal immigrants from Central America but is ignoring the total picture which includes people from around the world.

Which 'English'? Tue, 6 May 2008 09:49:36 -0500
It's been interesting to read the thoughts of fellow Dare County citizens on the recent declaration of English as the official language of Dare County.

Decision unfairly penalizes illegal immigrants' children Fri, 16 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
In a misguided effort to comply with a federal law that's apparently being misinterpreted, the state's community college system decided earlier this week to bar people in the country illegally from pursuing an education on its campuses.

InstaLetters for May 16 Fri, 16 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
Doug Ward, the Cullowhee Valley School teacher who refused to inflict end of grade tests on pupils incapable of taking them deserves a medal.

Thinks it's time for the name cycle to be broken Fri, 16 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
Seeing former President Clinton's face on a recent front page made me think -- so far in the last 19 years, we've had Bush, Clinton, Clinton, Bush, Bush and now some people want another Clinton.

After years of dishonesty, Americans need Obama Fri, 16 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
North Carolinians have spoken and their words say that they will no longer buy the politics of fear and ignorance. No longer will they buy the politics that creates richer rich and poorer poor.

When will someone put a gag order on Rev. Wright? Fri, 16 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
I am rather shocked that the African-American community, as well as the DNC, has not put a sock in the mouth of Rev. Wright by now.

Encourages oil companies to use their profits wisely Fri, 16 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
Since Exxon and Shell have recorded the largest profit margins in America's history, maybe everyone should start filling their vehicles with all the other brands of gasoline.

Grateful for light shed on group's 'honest mistake' Fri, 16 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
Thanks to Scott Mooneyham for his column ("N.C. legislators should examine system of electoral votes," AC-T, May 7) exposing the organization Women's Voices Women Vote for what it really is and its ties to the Clinton campaign in N.C.

Wants investigators to leave Sheriff Alexander alone Fri, 16 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
Haywood County Sheriff Tom Alexander is one of the finest men in this entire region.

One big question for all the presidential candidates Fri, 16 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
If I had a chance to ask the candidates a question, it would be this: In light of the obvious crimes of this administration and with the weakness of the Democrats in Congress to impeach, do you (McCain, Clinton, Obama) intend to restore our government to...

Skeptical about usefulness of Clinton's gas-tax holiday Fri, 16 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
The North Carolina Democratic primary is over now, but there is still something I must say.

This is a crucial time to protect a Transylvania river that is a real jewel Fri, 16 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
Outstanding Resource Waters! What a blessing that we in Transylvania County have a river that meets this prestigious state water quality designation.

Spending good money for bad bullets Fri, 16 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
It sounds like the plot of a Tom Clancy thriller: A tiny company run out of an unmarked Miami Beach office by a barely legal troublemaker siphons hundreds of millions of dollars from the Pentagon by selling it rusting weapons from aged Communist...

With the Clintons and race, what goes around ... Fri, 16 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT
As the Barack and Hillary Show extended its tour to such off-off-off Broadway primary states as Indiana and North Carolina (coming soon to Puerto Rico!), it was inevitable that both sides would dust off the "playing the race card" script.

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