charlotte observer

Our friend from across the aisle, Bob Orr, wrote a good op-ed piece on the business of economic development in the Charlotte Observer today.

In addition, if we make it easier for existing North Carolina companies to grow and make North Carolina an ideal environment for start-ups, our economy will be successful. We have spent millions trying to lure the next Google here with tax credits and payoffs. I don't want the next Google to be lured here; I want it to be born here.

Charlotte Observer: Wayne Goodwin's "firsthand knowledge of the insurance department, his track record there and his relationships in the legislature can make him a capable, effective -- and independent -- commissioner."

Two days ago Brandon Friedman, of Vote Vets and Vet Voice posted this: Congressman McHenry Violates OPSEC; Endangers Troops and followed with this: McHenry Endangers Troops; Tries to Hide Evidence

The Charlotte Observer recently ran a story about Virginia Foxx's comments to members of Charlotte's Chamber of Commerce that were visiting Washington. ("Scary Politics")Surely the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce knew that Ms. Foxx screamed the sky is falling because Democrats control the US House. Her party has borrowed and spent their way into the history books as having racked up more debt than all previous administrations combined. Her party has led us to the brink and instead of taking responsibility she has chosen to resort to name calling and scare tactics.

news article

If you've spent any time at all following the ravings of North Carolina's free-market extremists, you know that they see charter schools as something akin to the second coming. If only the politicians would lift the cap on charters, all would be right with the world and challenges in public education would magically be solved. Today the Charlotte Observer weighs in with a well-reasoned editorial that puts things in perspective.

The seven-term Charlotte mayor today filed a statement of organization with the NC Board of Elections signaling his intention to run for governor. And why wouldn't he? McCrory has had months to take a good look at the other three Republican candidates, and no doubt figures he can coast to the Party of Greed nomination.

A smattering of opinion from hither and yon . . .

The Old Reliable has not much of interest to say:

This old world has had a tough year, from the war in Iraq to natural disasters to assassinations to continued tensions in a hundred or so of what the experts call "hot spots." Somehow, and they deserve credit, people in those hot spots manage to find a few joys and a few hopes here and there to keep them going, because they do carry on. And the world keeps spinning. Perhaps that's why, after so many challenges, so many really dire things facing this planet, we trust that it, and we, will endure -- because we have.

We'll endure because . . . we have? Tell it to the dinosaurs, Steve.

When it comes to insight about North Carolina politics, few journalists and pundits can top Jack Betts of the Charlotte Observer. His column today about the governor's race is mostly right, and where it's wrong, he has me to correct the record.

:)

The Charlotte Observer reports this afternoon that the newly appointed ranking Republican on the Senate's Veteran Affairs Committee hasn't bothered to show up for more than half the votes during his tenure.