North Carolina – Republicans
The War on Education
The way things are going, Pat McCrory may end up as the Uneducation Governor. First he questioned a liberal arts college education. Even Carter had trouble swallowing that. Now his administration appoints an early-childhood director who opposes early-childhood education programs. Democrats should welcome the chance to take this one to the voters.…
Read MoreLegislative Privilege
The N&O headline said “Bill would give McCrory, legislature control of some state boards.” Democrats and environmentalists howled “power grab.” But Governor McCrory might not be so happy with the bill. Because the legislature is taking appointments away from him and increasing its own. Exhibit A: the bill cuts the Coastal Resources Commission…
Read MoreReal Reform
Finally the State Department of Health and Human Services is cracking down on a crisis. What’s that, you ask? Mental health? Rising Medicaid costs? Funding for adult-care homes? The uninsured? No. The dress code. I especially like this: “Daily grooming and bathing are required. Clothing should be clean, pressed and in good condition…
Read MoreWelcome to Raleigh!
Governor McCrory is learning that it’s easier to run for office than run an administration. And message discipline is easier in a campaign. Especially when the legislature is in town. McCrory wants his message to be jobs. But he sidetracked himself last week by picking a fight over the value of college education. …
Read MoreA Wayward Pleasure
Respect for higher education has fostered a long-time tradition of reverence for college professors. They’re honored and pampered. They get tenure and sabbaticals to study and think. Then the other day, out of a clear blue sky, the professors’ placid world rocked – when Governor Pat McCrory announced the way he sees it state…
Read MoreComing to America
Gary is taking a break from blogging. Our guest blogger is Tapster Joe Stewart. I grew up in Raleigh, graduating from Athens Drive High School in 1982. The athletic conference (note singular) at the time was the Cap 8 and included (what seemed like) the remote outposts of Fuquay-Varina and Smithfield Selma. I…
Read MoreNipples and College
While I was gone, Governor McCrory came out against college education and Republican legislators came out against women’s nipples. These are two (or three?) big reasons I’m not a Republican. In fairness, the Governor took it back. He said he was for college education after he was against it. Kind of like John Kerry.…
Read MoreSurprise, Surprise
Gary is taking a break from blogging. Our guest blog today is from a Tapster. Republicans won control of the NC General Assembly with a promise to create jobs and improve the state’s economy. So, where is the proposed legislation to do that? Of the 100 or so bills introduced in the…
Read MoreAmong the Freshmen
Gary is taking a break from blogging. Our guest Tapster today is Joe Stewart of JRS Strategy Group. Part of my work as former Political Director at NC Chamber involved seeking out solid business-minded people to run for the General Assembly. Someone I met in 2010 pursing this goal was Rick Catlin.…
Read MoreA Simple Prayer
Gary is taking a break from blogging. Here’s one from another Tapster. When the legislature makes its biennial return to town, our usual tendency is to ridicule the members’ narrow mindedness, laugh at their lack of political sophistication and hold our collective breath that they won’t destroy the state. The gavel drops…
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