Two years ago as businesses were struggling through the recession, a family business in eastern North Carolina that cares for shut-ins and older people in their homes received a letter from PCG Corporation of Boston saying, We’re coming to audit the payments you’ve received from Medicaid. Earlier, PCG (the ‘Public Consulting Group’) had told…
Read MoreA TAPster offers a creative solution to gun violence: “The eventual outcome of the approaching debate about gun control – regardless of that outcome – is unlikely to satisfy anybody. Gun owners will chafe at new restrictions, control advocates will cry that more should be done, and people will continue to be shot. …
Read MoreEven if he doesn’t (as is rumored) become Governor-elect McCrory’s budget director, Art Pope will be a power. So – despite its disclaimers – let’s assume the Civitas Institute channels Pope’s thinking when it proposes doing away with the state income tax and replacing it with a broader sales tax. And let’s assume…
Read MoreBack in the old days there was a breed of Congressman, rugged individualists, who, whenever he (or she) had to cast an unpopular vote, would shrug and say, Let the chips fall where they may. That political animal is now all but extinct. In the place of a troublesome conscience (when it comes…
Read MoreDon’t underestimate how much the Newtown killings can change politics. It has happened before. In 1995, President Clinton was struggling to be relevant in a Washington dominated by Newt Gingrich and his newly triumphant Republican majority. Then came the Oklahoma City bombing. Seizing the moment, Clinton spoke for the nation’s grief and anger. The…
Read MoreAfter news broke about the cold-blooded murder of six- and seven-year-old children, some people said, “Now is not the time to debate gun control – it’s time to grieve.” Now it’s time to debate gun control. On Friday, President Obama led the grieving. Often mocked for his Spock-like demeanor, he showed more emotion…
Read MoreBehind the controversy over Governor-elect McCrory’s foundation-fundraiser on Inaugural Day, there’s a story about “shadow governments.” Since Democrats have time on their hands, they should take note of how these governments-in-waiting can develop ideas, leaders and public support. Exhibit A is the John Locke Foundation. You may not like it, but give Art…
Read MorePat McCrory ran against a “pay-to-play culture of corruption.” Now his inauguration day features what looks like a special-interest money grab. His foundation fundraiser gives critics and the media an easy, negative story line for his administration. His strategy is: Suck up as much money as you can in anonymous corporate gifts. Plow…
Read MoreAt breakfast the other morning Tom, who’s liberal, folded back the page of his newspaper and slid it across the table to Mike, who’s conservative, rapped the headline with his finger, and said, ‘Now, that’s what I call progress.’ Mike glanced down at the headline – West Point Chapel Hosts Gay Wedding. And laughed.…
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