Maybe not gay, but lovin' him some N&O

That the editors at the N&O were surprised this week when Tom (who is not gay) Fetzer expressed his undying affection is a testament to something, though I'm not sure what.

"I'm very proud of this newspaper," he said. "I'm very proud of what the paper has done about the corruption in North Carolina these last few years. I know that's been a difficult task....Without the diligent work of Andrew Curliss...and others, a lot of this would never have come to the fore. I think the paper can be very proud of its role in this." He was speaking of The N&O's reporting about several Democratic politicians who have gone to prison, as well as our reporting about favors and gifts accepted by former Gov. Mike Easley when he was governor. Easley, a Democrat, is the subject of federal and state investigations.

He concluded: "I want you to know -- I used to consider the newspaper an enemy. I don't anymore."

And with good reason. Because in addition to the N&O's good investigative journalism, the paper has also given the car keys to Art Pope's wrecking crew. For a mere $5 million a year, the Puppetshow has bought its way onto the desk of every N&O political reporter worthy of a byline. Need an expert? Turn to the Puppetshow! Need some political insight? Civitas is ready, willing and able to join the fray. Need an economist? Why Art Pope has a whole stable of them at NC State, each one happy to sing the praises of free market extremism at the drop of a hint.

If I were Tommy Fetzer, I'd be happy as a pig in shit, too.