Opinion (274)
LETTER: Hamlet officers went above and beyond
Written by Letter to the Editor Contributor
To the editor:
I just experienced one of the most emotional and heartwarming conversations ever.
Ms. Antoinette Catalano is a disabled female that was traveling home to Tampa Florida, via Amtrak. Ms. Catalano and other passengers became engaged in some verbal disagreement and she was asked to leave the train for reasons unbeknownst to Hamlet Police officers.
We all want North Carolina to be an attractive place to live, work, create jobs, rear families, and build communities. When we move from ends to means, the level of disagreement moves from low to high.
COLUMN: Used books, raccoons and other flea market finds
Written by Joe Weaver
When people think of things that are decidedly American, I'm pretty certain flea markets are somewhere on the lists. In almost every part of this nation, on any given weekend, you can find a flea market. Some are big and some are small. Some are not far from major metropolitan areas and some are in the middle of nowhere.
COLUMN: If the gift is a promise, you can’t return it
Written by Richard Rogers
A large majority of retirees work between 25 to 30 years in public service before receiving their retirement, contributing 6 percent of their pay each month. For many public sector workers that monthly, required contribution impacts their daily lives — this mandatory contribution to their pension often takes money away from a family’s daily buying power.
GUEST EDITORIAL: When investigation itself is punishment for free expression
Written by Wilson Times
When no crime’s been committed, there’s nothing to probe and no one to punish. So why are two North Carolina colleges wasting their time investigating protected speech?
COLUMN: Facebook isn't a monopoly, let's not make it one
Written by Thomas L. KnappFacebook co-founder Chris Hughes, adding his voice to calls to "break up" the social media giant, calls it a "powerful monopoly, eclipsing all of its rivals and erasing competition." In recent years, we've seen similar claims, and heard demands for similar remedies, aimed at Google, Amazon, and other large companies.
North Carolina appropriates less taxpayer money to state colleges and universities in real terms than it did before the onset of the Great Recession. Tuition has risen markedly and now accounts for a larger share of total revenue. But our state remains one of the most generous in the country when it comes to funding higher education.
GUEST EDITORIAL: Uncle Sam should butt out on raising smoking age to 21
Written by Wilson Times
Spurred by a public health scare, Congress is considering a big-government power grab to save young adults from themselves.
COLUMN: Americans need to stop silencing each other
Written by Joe Weaver
Most of the time, this column is pretty lighthearted and fun. Rarely do I take a step toward hard journalism or topics of controversy. That's not to say there aren't topics that catch my interest and stir within me a desire to write about them.
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LETTER: 'If you can't follow the rules, you should never walk into the woods'
Written by Letter to the Editor Contributor
To the editor:
This is in response to Mr. Maples' defense and interpretation of the recent hunters being charged with various and numerous charges.
LETTER: Hunters facing charges need our support
Written by Letter to the Editor Contributor
To the editor:
I would first like to say I have the greatest respect for members of law enforcement and the military. I pray every day for their safety and success. I understand our system of government in the U.S. and N.C. and appreciate everyone involved. From the law makers to the individuals who devote their lives to enforcing those laws. Like many of you, there may be a few laws I disagree with, but like all of you, I am honor bound to follow them.
LETTER: The NC teachers march and rally is over — now what?
Written by Letter to the Editor Contributor
To the editor:
May 1 is gone, but certainly not forgotten. Now is the time for reaction, reflection, and even criticism — by all interested parties.
Although the North Carolina House has approved its version of a biennial budget, there’s a lot that North Carolinians can’t yet know about how much will be spent, and on what, over the next two years. But here’s something we can assume with near-certainty: Gov. Roy Cooper will veto it.
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