We’re about to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the April morning in 1861 when a hot-head (some would say fool) in Charleston pulled the lanyard on a cannon and started what old southern maiden aunts used to delicately call ‘The Late Unpleasantness.’ A lot’s been said and written about why we ended up fighting…
Read MoreI got a nice email from Keith Weatherly thanking me for posting his response to my blog. So I almost feel guilty extending this matter. But I heard from three different TAPsters in response to Keith’s response. And, you understand, my day goes much more easily when I let other people do the work.…
Read MoreAfter passing new laws making it legal to carry concealed handguns in bars and restaurants and holding a ‘how to get a concealed handgun permit class’ at the State Legislature it would seem by now House Speaker Thom Tillis and company would have passed enough new gun laws to rest for awhile – but not…
Read MoreGood Lord! This is truly hair-curling. NBC News and the Wall Street Journal have taken a poll and real estate developer turned reality show star Donald Trump is in second place in the Republican Primary for President. It’s enough to shake your faith in democracy – almost a fifth of the Republican Primary…
Read MoreIn Raleigh and Washington, Republican lawmakers are moving forward confident in the belief that – this time – the American people are really, really ready to really, really cut spending. They better hope so. Historically, we elect politicians who promise to cut taxes and cut spending. Then we revolt when we see the…
Read MoreI received this email from Keith Weatherly re my blog on “The Tillis Retirement Home”: “You need better informed TAPsters. I work for Majority Leader Stam – not the Speaker. Past 2 years I worked for Minority Leader Stam. I had floor privileges as staff for minority (as does current Minority Leader’s staff). Majority Leader’s…
Read MoreCynics laugh and say no good deed ever goes unpunished and I’m beginning to think they have a point: Last year for the first time since Reconstruction voters elected a Republican legislature, which looked like a near fatal political blow to Governor Perdue but now, instead, it looks like voters may have thrown the Governor…
Read MoreWhatever her talents as NCSU’s AD, Debbie Yow’s PR skills are lacking. As an alum, I hope she’s better at hiring than communicating. I’m a fan, not a fanatic. I like what I see about the new coach. But, once again, I’m stunned by the frenzy Wolfpack fans can work themselves into when everything…
Read MoreHere’s an interesting tip from a TAPster: “Has anybody noticed that the cozy corner office of the NC Speaker of the House has become a retirement home for wayward ex-legislators? At last count, the Speaker has three of the lost souls on his staff. Charles Thomas and Bill Daughtridge were recently joined by Bruce…
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