This past week Sen. Phil Berger and other GOP leaders announced a skeletal proposal to raise teacher salaries this summer session. Yet, while it appears to be a great gain on the outside, it lacks enough explanation to remove doubt. The Associated Press reported in “Senate GOP would pay teachers more than House, McCrory” that, … Continue reading 3 Negatives Do Not Make a Positive – Senator Berger’s Hiding in the Details
HB2
Going Barefoot When You Need Wading Boots or Legivangelism 101 – An Open Letter to Sen. Chad Barefoot
Dear Sen. Barefoot, No doubt many in your party have congratulated you on your recent appointment to the Chairmanship of the very important Senate Education Committee which oversees the state’s K-12, Community College, and UNC systems. Additionally, you were reaffirmed as the Chairman of the Senate Education Appropriations Committee. In your brief tenure as a … Continue reading Going Barefoot When You Need Wading Boots or Legivangelism 101 – An Open Letter to Sen. Chad Barefoot
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou Reform? I Mean Re-Form?
In October of 2014 toward the end of the contentious and expensive Senate Race between Kay Hagan and Thom Tillis, I wrote a piece that Chad Nance and the Camel City Dispatch kindly posted entitled “Oh Thom Tillis, Where Art Thou?” It explored the use of the crossroads motif in the film Oh Brother, Where … Continue reading Oh Brother, Where Art Thou Reform? I Mean Re-Form?
Mi Casa Will Sue Su Casa!
“Sue you. Sue Me.” – almost a Lionel Ritchie song “Mi casa will sue su casa.” – Gov. Pat McCrory. Actually he didn’t say that, but it’s what he kind of he said. In a move that only NC’s GOP powers could play in this chess game of legality, the state is taking the feds … Continue reading Mi Casa Will Sue Su Casa!
Mommy! There’s a Strawman in the Girls’ Bathroom!
We can debate HB2 all we want, but this bill will soon be struck down. There are lawsuits waiting. There’s a precedent set in the case in Virginia. The Department of Justice has already told the NC General Assembly it is a violation of civil rights. Some people may say that the feds have no … Continue reading Mommy! There’s a Strawman in the Girls’ Bathroom!
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Aren’t Dead! They Live in Eden – An Open Letter to People Who Will Vote in Sen. Berger’s District
Dear Rockinghamcrantz and Guilfordstern (A Shakespearean way of saying “Citizens of Rockingham and Guilford Counties), If Shakespeare has taught us anything about human nature and our lives (actually he has taught us much), then we would certainly know that the state of the king’s palace usually dictates the state of the kingdom. Just review perhaps his … Continue reading Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Aren’t Dead! They Live in Eden – An Open Letter to People Who Will Vote in Sen. Berger’s District
“License Plates For Lawmakers” or “Why I Live at the DMV”
As in most states, North Carolina’s Department of Motor Vehicles allows car owners to purchase a customized license plate and personalize it with individual text and numbers – as long as it is not already taken by another motorist or it is too inappropriate. Monies collected go to the state with a donation made … Continue reading “License Plates For Lawmakers” or “Why I Live at the DMV”
House Bill 539 – A Surreptitious Trojan Horse Disguised as a Romance Novel With Actual Plot
This is in reference to HB539. It is a horrible piece of legislation for those who advocate for public schools. Please share. I have sent it to all legislators. Dear Legislators of the North Carolina General Assembly, I read with great disappointment that House Bill 539 would be brought up for a one-day concurrence vote … Continue reading House Bill 539 – A Surreptitious Trojan Horse Disguised as a Romance Novel With Actual Plot
Governor McCrory, You are No “Eisenhower Republican”
Dear Governor, I have heard many national GOP candidates make mention of their affinity for President Reagan when addressing audiences. Simply channeling “The Gipper” has become almost a necessity to make a good impression especially on those who remember the two-term president from California. His calm voice, his presence, his speech on the Berlin Wall, … Continue reading Governor McCrory, You are No “Eisenhower Republican”
North Carolina’s Playbook to Dismantle Public Education
When the GOP won control of both houses in the North Carolina General Assembly in the elections of 2010, it was the first time that the Republicans had that sort of power since 1896. Add to that the election of Pat McCrory as governor in 2012, and the GOP has been able to run through … Continue reading North Carolina’s Playbook to Dismantle Public Education
caffeinated rage 