Carter Wrenn
Gary Pearce
What’s Wrong with the Conservative Movement?
The answer in a nutshell is Republicans in Washington. The other morning ole Newt Gingrich, who talks the talk and has gotten himself anointed as ‘conservative thinker’ numero uno turned his attention from Washington to Lake Placid, New York and endorsed a liberal who’d make Nancy Pelosi proud. Why would a deep-thinking Republican…
Don’t Blame the Democrats
Most of my political conversations these days are about investigations, not elections. Especially about John Edwards and Mike Easley. This can’t be good for Democrats. But maybe the party can find shelter from the fallout. Try this: Neither Easley nor Edwards ever was a good party man. Easley rarely went…
It’s Not About You
When Ken Lewis entered the U.S. Senate race, he had a good story about his family’s rise from slavery and the farm. The N&O said he “vowed to support policies that would help other families pursue the American dream.” Lewis said: “That arc of progress that begins right here in PersonCounty at the…
I’ve Been Selected!
I’ve been chosen – according to the official-looking letter – to be part of the 2009 Congressional District Census! And to whom do I owe this honor? Michael Steele, chairman of the national Republican Party. His letter tells me that I am “one of a select few” chosen for the Census in…
Bowles and Burr
Some Democrats will no doubt grumble about Erskine Bowles joining ex-foe Senator Richard Burr’s economic-development summit. Burr no doubt welcomes the bipartisan image as he begins his reelection campaign. Bowles no doubt would tell critics he’ll work with anybody to help the university and the state. Truth is, Bowles was never comfortable…
The Mysterious East
Thirty years before Governor Perdue’s trip to Asia, I went with Governor Hunt on the first trip by a North Carolina governor to China. That was not long after the fall of the Gang of Four. We saw “Democracy Wall” in Beijing where people could post and read news. But censorship was still…
How Government Works: No Bid Contracts
Last January Governor Perdue decided to climb out on a limb and appointed a health care lobbyist, Lanier Cansler, head of state health care programs. Of course, Secretary Cansler came into office with a welter of conflicts of interest. His old clients – like the Nursing Home Association – do business with his department.…
A Real Peace Prize
It’s scary when Carter and I agree. But he’s right about Afghanistan (see his blog below). President Obama can start earning that Nobel Prize by vetoing General McChrystal’s request for 40,000 more soldiers. History teaches us to respect the courage of American military men and women. The supposed genius of generals – not…
Go East
Governor Perdue is getting some criticism for going to China and Japan during a budget crisis. The criticism is short-sighted. In a global economy – especially in these economic times – a governor needs to be going around the world selling the state. Mike Easley was criticized for not doing enough selling.…