Opinion

RALEIGH — One of the most predictable crises of modern times is the implosion of America’s federal finances.

RALEIGH — As recently as 2015, nearly 60 percent of Americans told Gallup that they had “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in U.S. colleges and universities as a whole. Today, just 36 percent of respondents agree — not much different from the shares who say they have only “some” confidence (32 percent) and very little or none (32%).

RALEIGH — Brace yourself. The arrival of Labor Day traditionally begins the homestretch of electoral campaigns. You may well join millions of fellow voters in utter exhaustion with the politics of 2024. But I promise you the candidates and their surrogates are raring to run this final leg of the race.

RALEIGH — Over the past dozen years, North Carolina lawmakers have made our state freer, more innovative, and more prosperous. But in one critical area of policy — the freedom to change careers and enter new occupations — state leaders have made far too little progress.

RALEIGH — Four years ago, communities in North Carolina and beyond were reeling from the COVID-induced Great Suppression. After spiking into double digits in April 2020, the state’s headline jobless rate was still a painful 7.3% by August, with some 376,000 fewer North Carolinians employed than on the eve of the pandemic. Central business districts of Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, and other cities were hardest hit as — thanks to a combination of government edicts and fear — workers, shoppers, and visitors stayed home in droves.

RALEIGH — Before the United States had a Congress, North Carolina had a Congress — and this week marks its 250th birthday.

RALEIGH — In 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted a budget that funded core state responsibilities, instigated critical repairs and renovations of government facilities, built up savings reserves, and slashed tax rates on personal and corporate income.

RALEIGH — If you look at North Carolina’s state flag, you’ll see two dates: May 20, 1775 and April 12, 1776. Each signifies a moment when North Carolinians played a key role in the emerging American Revolution. Each strengthens the claim that our state was, in this context, “First in Freedom.”

Separation of the powers invested in government is a fundamental concept embedded in the U.S. Constitution. The founders understood that history was a long list of kings, emperors, dictators, and tyrants. The founders knew that the only way to prevent abusive government was to ensure that no person or governmental entity could acquire excessive power. Consequently, they divided the powers of government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Warsaw – Mrs. Reba Sanderson Quinn died June 27, 2024 at Arbor Landing in Hampstead.