Mayor Meeker’s Sancho Panza, Councilman Thomas Crowder, sees a new threat developing to Raleigh neighborhoods: Pawnshops. Crowder announced last week that he sees a trend. Pawnshops are moving into residential neighborhoods (News and Observer; 3-31-07). That seemed to puzzle Raleigh police detective Rich Bargfrede, who was testifying before Crowder’s committee. Barfrede – who is apparently…
Read MoreRichard Moore is facing his first campaign crisis. How he responds in the next month could decide whether he’s elected Governor next year. Carter has blogged before that the State Treasurer is at risk of replacing Jim Black as the new “pay to play” poster boy in Raleigh. Moore hasn’t done anything illegal. But sometimes…
Read MoreDubai is one of the seven princedoms of United Arab Emirates (UAE). It bars Israeli citizens from setting food in its country. It “bans all products made in Israel and even ones with parts made in Israel.” Half the 9/11 hijackers flew to the United States from Dubai. And $234,500 of the $300,000 wired to…
Read MoreAn interesting fight is shaping up over real estate transfer taxes. It has implications for a lot of municipal elections this year, including Raleigh’s. Opponents – Realtors and homebuilders – label the idea the “home tax.” Their website – http://www.itsabadidea.org/ – says: “Bills now being considered in the State Legislature would force the home sellers…
Read MoreFor an interesting story on a newspaper being covered by a newspaper, go to the Independent Weekly’s story about ongoing changes at The News & Observer. Here’s the link: http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A48019 The N&O editors sound just like government or corporate officials sound when they’re caught in an uncomfortable situation they have a hard time explaining. If…
Read MoreObsessions can be two-edged swords, like Ahabâs pursuit of the white whale. Mayor Meekerâs obsession is unusual. Heâs fixated on downtown. His current goal is to transform Hillsborough Street into an enclave of wide-sidewalks, English-style round-abouts and strolling pedestrians. But he has one problem. The âhead shopsâ and tattoo parlors along Hillsborough Street are not…
Read MoreConventional Wisdom says the 2008 Presidential nominations will be decided by money. Especially with a de facto nationwide primary looming in early February. CW (that’s “conventional wisdom,” not Carter Wrenn) says a campaign will have to raise $100 million this year to be viable next year. CW says this Saturday, March 31, is a critical…
Read MoreDavid Stockman lied to the American people about the federal budget a quarter-century ago. This week, he got indicted for doing essentially the same thing to investors. As Ronald Reagan’s budget director, Stockman promised that we could cut taxes and balance the budget. It didn’t turn out that way. Stockman later admitted to a reporter:…
Read MoreCancer is cruel. Politics is cruel. John and Elizabeth Edwards now must live at the intersection of both. Much of the reaction to her cancer falls along predictable political lines. Supporters see admirable courage and determination. Opponents see breathtaking ambition and denial. The most misguided criticism is that John Edwards is pressing ahead because of…
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