•Marketing Dollars • Flawed Climate Don’t Materialize, P. 4 Analysis, P.5 One-Room Inspiration, P. 9 C A R O L I N A H2O Emotionalism, P. 17

Statewide Edition A Monthly Journal of News, Analysis, and Opinion from November 2007 • Vol. 16, No. 11 the John Locke Foundation www.CarolinaJournal.com JOURNAL www.JohnLocke.org ‘Direct Instruction’ Hangs Up Charter’s Bid ties. A lot of folks were counting on this. State Board turns down It’s not just me. There’s an outcry about “[T]here has been great success this decision.” Duplin proposal, OKs Duplin Charter had been one of nationally with direct instruction in three schools competing for the state’s Wake, Guilford plans final two charter slots. The state school bringing very low students and their board awarded preliminary approval By MITCH KOKAI lead teachers up to mediocrity ...” to the other two and rejected Duplin Charter’s application. With final ap- Associate Editor proval expected as early as March, the RALEIGH Melissa Bartlett two new schools in Wake and Guilford he State Board of Education has State School Board counties would give North Carolina 100 taken choice off the table for charter schools, the maximum number parents of elementary-age public of charters permitted by state law. Tschool students in one southeastern lectures and presentations and student county, while Guilford has three. N.C. county. recitation, fast-paced delivery, care- “This sticks out like a glowing sore Thanks to a unanimous vote at the ful attention to components of skill thumb,” said George “Buster” Price, the Approval process board’s meeting in October, organizers development, intense teacher-student local poultry farmer and minister who This year marked the first time pro- of the proposed Duplin Charter School and student-student interactions, ho- did much of the early legwork for a Dup- spective charter schools faced a review cannot move forward with plans to open mogenous skill grouping, and frequent lin charter. “When the state came up with from a special State Board of Educa- next fall. The board cited three objec- assessments.” this cap, I assume someone must have tion committee. Review from the new tions, but its main objection seemed to The other two objections dealt with been thinking about one charter school Leadership for Innovation Committee be the plan to use the “direct instruction” the school’s pledge and its method of per county. I can’t understand why that replaced an outside review by a state method at the proposed school for chil- allotting slots to prospective students. wouldn’t affect the decision.” Charter School Advisory Committee. dren in kindergarten and first grades. The board did not, however, base its Price and the supporters of the The state school board disbanded The UNC-CH School of Education decision to deny Duplin Charter on the proposed school are not happy. “I’m ter- defines “direct instruction” as “[t]eacher- geographical distribution of existing ribly upset about it,” Price said. “Duplin centered instruction with methods that charters. Wake already hosts 13 charter County does not have a charter school. include scripted lesson plans, teacher schools, the most of any North Carolina Neither do any of the surrounding coun- Continued as “Direct Instruction,” Page 2 Some See Double Standard as Schools Bend for Islam By KAREN McMAHAN schools because few incidents like those Contributing Editor The “best and safest place for a Muslim child to be in other parts of the country have been RALEIGH reported. But several national and local or decades, Americans have de- educated” is in a home school because of the “preva- Islamic groups are quietly working to bated the role of religion in public infuse an Islamic-friendly curriculum education, leaving many confused lent moral degradation” of American society. in N.C. public schools. Fand divided over what constitutes reli- In fall 1998, Sister Sahar El-Shafie, gious freedom versus promotion. Dr. Ibrahim B. Syed a sixth- and seventh-grade social studies Of increasing concern to critics, Islamic Research Foundation International teacher at Martin Middle School in Ra- however, is the growing number of leigh, wrote an article for Noor on what Muslims who are demanding and re- ceiving special accommodations, while virtually being eliminated from public North Carolinians might be un- Judeo-Christian values and rituals are school classrooms. aware of Islamic influences in public Continued as “Some See,” Page 3 Should the Children’s Health In- 80surance Plan cover children in The John Locke Foundation NONPROFIT ORG. families of four making $62,000 and Contents 200 W. Morgan St., #200 U.S. POSTAGE $82,000? Raleigh, NC 27601 PAID RALEIGH, NC North Carolina 3 PERMIT NO. 1766 Interview 7 Education 8 Higher Education 12 No 62 % Local Government 16 Yes 26 % Books & the Arts 20 Not Sure 12 % Opinion 24 Parting Shot 28 John% William Respondents Pope Civitas in June Institute Civitas Poll, Institute Oct. Poll2007 CAROLINA C a r o l i n a North Carolina JOURNAL Journal ‘Direct Instruction’ Proves Charter’s Undoing Richard Wagner Continued from Page 1 Each dot Editor represents one that advisory committee in April, said Don Carrington charter school Executive Editor Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation education policy analyst. “The state’s own documents called Paul Chesser, Mitch Kokai, this change a restructuring that would Michael Lowrey allow for more in-depth involvement of Associate Editors the State Board of Education in working with charter schools,” Stoops said. “De- Geographical distribution Chad Adams, David N. Bass, spite what any board members might say Shannon Blosser, Andrew Cline, of charter schools about the changes, the purpose of the in North Carolina Roy Cordato, Paige Holland Hamp, Source: N.C. DPI David Hartgen, Sam A. Hieb, new committee is to look for new ways Lindalyn Kakadelis, George Leef, to regulate charter schools.” Karen McMahan, Karen Palasek, As the board reviewed this year’s sarily be given a slot for the next year,” this meeting is to be schools which have Susan Robinson, Marc Rotterman, prospective charter schools, all three Bartlett told her fellow board members. the flexibility to aspire to the highest of Mike Rouse, Jim Stegall, finalists had “good applications,” state “And that was a great concern.” organization … which is very important George Stephens, Jeff Taylor, board chairman Howard Lee told the That’s not what the application in the mission and goals.” Michael Walden, Karen Welsh, News & Observer after the vote Oct. 4 in says, Cramer said. “This part of the ap- Concerns about direct instruction Hal Young Ocracoke. But comments offered during plication gives us the ability to be sure seem misplaced, Stoops said. “The Dup- Contributing Editors the debate show state board members we do not exceed the state’s limits on lin Charter School would have followed raised three objections to the Duplin the number of students we have in a the instructional model used by teachers Charter School proposal. classroom,” he said. “Let’s say you have a at Roger Bacon Academy, one of the most Abby Alger, Clint Atkins, The first dealt with the last section Justin Coates, Josh Harper, classroom with 25 students, and one kid successful schools in the state,” Stoops of the school’s pledge. Duplin Charter Geoff Lawrence, Michael Moore needs to be held back. Do you take away said. “It looks as if the state board rejected Editorial Interns School’s application indicates that a slot from one of the students who’s a charter school application despite the students would recite the pledge each expecting to move into that class?” fact that the school would have used a morning. After pledging to stay healthy Like the student pledge, the proven model of instruction and would Published by and to be truthful and virtuous, Duplin Duplin Charter application imported have held parents and students account- The John Locke Foundation students would say, “I pledge to be obe- the language dealing with guaranteed able for academic performance. Isn’t 200 W. Morgan St., # 200 dient and loyal to those in authority.” student slots from the existing Charter it good to know that they are running Raleigh, N.C. 27601 Some state board members didn’t Day School’s policy guidelines, Cramer education in North Carolina?” (919) 828-3876 • Fax: 821-5117 like that line. “One of the first concerns said. “We’ve never had to execute that Test scores from Charter Day www.JohnLocke.org was the pledge that the students were policy,” he said. “We just wanted to have School suggest direct instruction works required to sign promising absolute a policy in place. We told board members for more than just struggling students, Jon Ham acquiescence to adults in authority,” we would have no problem taking that Cramer said. The State Board of Educa- Vice President & Publisher board member Melissa Bartlett told her language out of the application.” tion has honored Charter Day School colleagues. “It’s not exactly those words, John Hood as an “honor school of excellence.” The but close.” Chairman & President Direct instruction state also recognized Charter Day in 2005 Duplin Charter School supporters as one of North Carolina’s top 25 schools, Bruce Babcock, Herb Berkowitz say that pledge never has caused con- The final red flag from state board out of more than 1,850 K-8 schools, for Charlie Carter, James Culbertson cerns. Charter Day School in Brunswick members targeted direct instruction it- its students’ academic growth rate. Jim Fulghum, Chuck Fuller County has had the same pledge since self. That instructional method requires In 2005-2006, more than 92 percent Bill Graham, Robert Luddy 2000, according teachers to follow of Charter Day School students scored at Assad Meymandi, Baker A. Mitchell Jr., to Mark Cramer, detailed scripts in or above grade level on the North Caroli- Carl Mumpower, J. Arthur Pope superintendent of “It looks as if the state delivering each na End-of-Grade reading tests. Forty-one Tula Robbins, Thomas A. Roberg Roger Bacon Acad- lesson to students. percent of the student body is considered David Stover, Robert Stowe III emy. Roger Bacon board rejected a char- “There seems to economically disadvantaged, according Andy Wells Academy operates be a disconnect to the school’s Web site. Board of Directors Charter Day and ter school application between direct Though unfamiliar to most public planned to operate instruction and school students in North Carolina, direct Carolina Journal is a monthly journal Duplin Charter. despite the fact that the the state board’s of news, analysis, and commentary on state instruction is not a new concept. It’s “an and local government and public policy issues “The pledge school would have used new mission and explicit, scientifically based model of in North Carolina. has always had goals,” Bartlett effective instruction developed by Sieg- strong support a proven model of in- said at the meet- fried Engelmann in the 1960s,” according ©2007 by The John Locke Foundation from parents,” ing. “In a DI ap- to special education professors Nancy Inc. All opinions expressed in bylined articles Cramer said. “It struction.” proach, there has Marchard-Martella and Ronald Martella are those of the authors and do not necessarily consistently gets been great success of Eastern Washington University. reflect the views of the editors of CJ or the 95 percent to 100 Terry Stoops nationally with Key ideas include the beliefs that: staff and board of the John Locke Foundation. percent support Education Policy Analyst direct instruction all children can be taught; an instruc- Material published herein may be reprinted as on parent surveys. John Locke Foundation in bringing very tional program must focus on teaching long as appropriate credit is given. Submis- It sets a bar for low students and basic skills and the application of those sions and letters are welcome and should be students, but it’s their lead teachers basic skills in higher-order skills; and directed to the editor. not about blind up to mediocrity, disadvantaged students must be taught obedience. We also teach students about to average, but beyond that is where it at a faster rate to succeed in school. readers wanting more information CJ Teachers use predesigned scripts between monthly issues can call 919-828-3876 responsibility and telling the truth.” tops out, full stop.” to teach material. Supporters describe and ask for Carolina Journal Weekly Re- The state board’s second objec- Bartlett noted another concern port, delivered each weekend by e-mail, or visit tion dealt with Duplin Charter School’s linked to “innovation.” “Since we have student interaction as “constant and CarolinaJournal.com for news, links, and ex- policy for allotting slots to prospective an open lottery on charter schools, intense.” The scripted lessons require clusive content updated each weekday. Those students. although you may get a lot of average an entire class to respond continually by interested in education, higher education, or “Another concern was that there students that are weak coming in, we speaking and writing. Classes grouped local government should also ask to receive was a clause in the application that said really want to be accelerated — inno- by skill level move forward only when weekly e-letters covering these issues. students who did not reach grade level vative — in that the whole … charge of by the end of the year may not neces- charters if we understand it correctly in Continued as “Direct Instruction,” Page 8 CAROLINA November 2007 JOURNAL North Carolina  Some See Double Standard as Schools Bend for Islam

Continued from Page 1 Ostensibly, Arabic language in- Muslim parents need to know about “Can you imagine the barrage of lawsuits and prob- struction helps students learn globaliza- raising their children in public schools. tion issues in compliance with President She blamed the problems of Muslim lems we would have ... if we tried to teach about the Bush’s National Security Language Initiative. But critics say it’s how some children in public schools on Western contributions of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the society, saying that “the good news is courses are taught that raises concern. In National Review that these are problems to which only the July 2007 edition of Apostle Paul?” Online Islam offers the correct solution.” , Stanley Kurtz asserts that Saudi- This view appears prevalent California parent reacting to Muslim preference in schools sponsored Islamists are taking over K-12 among Muslims in America. Dr. Ibra- teacher training in colleges and universi- him B. Syed of the Islamic Research ties, and thus promoting a radicalized appeal. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of biases” and to view media treatment of Foundation International in Kentucky, version of Islam. Moreover, they are Appeals ruled that Islamic catechism is Islam as “at odds with scholarship.” wrote in 2001 about educating Muslim doing it by using Title VI of the Higher constitutional. “American Muslim Teens Talk,” children in American public, parochial, Education Act, which requires public Concerned Women for America a video being promoted by The Islam private nonparochial, Islamic, and home outreach. Kurtz said, “… university- and other Christian advocacy groups Project on YouTube, is part of a lesson schools. He concluded that the “best distributed teaching aids slip into the say that texts used in California schools plan on stereotypes. In the lesson plan, and safest place for a Muslim child to be K-12 curriculum without being subject omit any references to or discussion teachers are advised not to tell students educated” is in a home school because to the normal vetting processes.” of Islamic intolerance throughout the “at the outset that all the students are of the “prevalent moral degradation” of Analysts say that what passes as centuries and the suppression of human Muslims.” Only after the video has American society. Arabic instruction is little more than rights and democracy in many Islamic been shown and discussed are students After reading his article, one would promoting cultural studies biased in countries today. Instead, Islam is por- to learn the title. The lesson’s authors conclude that any Muslims with disci- favor of Islam. In June 2007, three N.C. trayed positively, while Christianity is suggest some stereotypes that might plinary or morality problems are the public schools systems received funding portrayed negatively. emerge are, “All Republicans are white result of American influence and that for Arabic language instruction from the Muslims in Baltimore County, Va., and wealthy,” and, “All immigrants are Muslims in non-Western countries have U.S. Department of Education. They are have been petitioning for four years to people of color.” The teacher is to guide no problems with drugs, gangs, sexual Cumberland County Schools, $157,819; change how Islam is taught to middle- students in understanding how to apply promiscuity, poverty, or crime. Burke County Public Schools, $47,975; and high-school students in the county’s what they learned on stereotypes about and Union County School District, local public schools, charging that texts Muslims and Islam to other groups. $153,324. Double standard are erroneous and have “misleading Dr. Thomas Tweed, an adjunct As recently reported by the Inter- Recent media reports about reli- stereotypes” about Islamic culture “be- associate professor of American studies collegiate Studies Institute, schools are gious issues in the classroom have led ing monolithic.” at the University of North Carolina at failing to teach American history. But analysts to assert that public schools Chapel Hill, advises American educators increasingly teachers are being trained have a double standard, giving prefer- Influencing curricula on how they should introduce Islam to to teach Islam and Muslim history, using ence to Islam over other religions. their students. He suggests that educa- Islamic-approved methods and Islamic- SoundVision.com, a Web site Since a landmark case in 1971, tors might end a discussion on Islam influenced curricular materials. devoted to teaching Muslims how to Lemon v. Kurtzman, establishing how in America by asking, “Is America a win public school accommodation for Christian Nation?” given that Islam state-run schools must handle reli- An issue of fairness Muslim beliefs and practices, coaches might well be the second largest religion gious practices, numerous groups and parents on dealing with misinformation in America, if not already so. In a 2004 article, Charles Haynes, individuals have successfully sued to about Islam in public school texts. Par- An N.C. Department of Public First Amendment Center senior scholar, eliminate Christian texts, icons, and ents are admonished to evaluate texts on Instruction official could not confirm said, “… administrators may not or- holiday celebrations from public schools, world history, cultures, geography, and whether any questionable textbooks ganize, sponsor, or otherwise entangle prohibit students from wearing crosses comparative religions and make sure to are being used in classrooms, but she themselves in religious activities during and crucifixes, and abolish Christmas point out inaccuracies in how they cover did say that the textbooks for history the school day.” The National Educa- and Easter celebrations. Meanwhile, Islam. Students are told to raise their and social studies were approved Oct. tion Association’s 1995 statement of Muslim advocacy groups are forcing hands and offer the proper perspective 4. The list is not yet available. A review principles said public schools “must public schools to accommodate their and correct the misinformation. of currently approved textbooks shows be places where religion and religious religious views and needs. Sound Vision offers extensive in- that the history and social studies text- conviction are treated with fairness and On July 25, 2007, USA Today re- formation on First Amendment rights, books are published by a subsidiary of respect.” ported that Carver Elementary School quoting former President Bill Clinton’s Houghton Mifflin, the publisher of con- But that is not happening. Regard- in San Diego added an extra recess, an- 1995 statement of principles as one of troversial textbooks used in California’s ing special treatment to Muslim students other 15 minutes out of the instructional the best arguments for religious expres- middle- and high-school world history not granted to any other religious faith, day, for the sole purpose of allowing sion. On the one hand, parents are told curriculum. one California parent said: “Can you Muslim students to pray. The school to be nonconfrontational and polite imagine the barrage of lawsuits and also added Arabic to the curriculum while making sure to indicate they are Not just social studies problems we would have from the ACLU and segregated classes by gender. The exercising their constitutional rights if Christianity were taught in the public Muslim Students’ Association actively when contacting teachers, principals, The Muslim American Society schools, and if we tried to teach about the advocates for schools and universities to and school superintendents. Among Freedom Foundation, North Carolina, contributions of Matthew, Mark, Luke, provide prayer rooms, prayer rugs, and Sound Visions’ suggestions are to invite is pushing for Arabic language instruc- John, and the Apostle Paul? But when it foot baths, the newspaper reported. The a child’s “teacher and principal over for tion in state schools. In its letter to the comes to furthering the Islamic religion Council on American-Islamic Relations dinner as a gesture of goodwill” and to N.C. State Board of Education, MASNET in the public schools, there is not one also defends these programs. “leave a paper trail.” One writer was promotes professional development for word from the ACLU, People For The The July 9, 2007, Investor’s Business concerned that not enough Muslims teachers of Arabic to “cultivate a true American Way, or anybody else. This is Daily reported that Carver Elementary are bringing legal action, unlike other appreciation for cultural, ethnic, and hypocrisy!” has “banned pork and other foods that minority groups. linguistic diversity.” Lindalyn Kakadelis, director of the conflict with the Islamic diet.” The The Islam Project is another orga- One of MASNET’s chief arguments North Carolina Education Alliance, is article called attention to California’s nization actively working to promote is that “knowledge of Arabic will pro- a strong advocate of religious freedom world history curriculum that requires Islamic-friendly curricula through vid- mote investments here since there are a and says parents need to be aware of seventh-grade students in a Bay-area eos, books, detailed lesson plans, and lot of revenues from oil.” The organiza- what goes on in their children’s schools. school to role-play being Muslims and other materials aimed at public school tion urges North Carolina to follow the She says parents should en- recite the Muslim profession of faith. teachers. Teachers are advised to become lead of New York, Michigan, and Illinois courage their children to report any When outraged parents sued, they lost “conscious of their own intellectual or high schools by adding Arabic language problems and to take their concerns in federal court and in their subsequent cultural presumptions and potential to its curriculum. to school officials. CJ November 2007 CAROLINA  North Carolina JOURNAL Parton Theatre Marketing Dollars Never Materialized including $500,00 in initial marketing Attendance estimates and advertising, an appropriation of $800,000 from the North Carolina Gen- based on $2 million eral Assembly, $200,000 from the state of North Carolina, and $500,000 from promotional campaign Governor Easley,” the study stated on page 24. By DON CARRINGTON The study used the expected mar- Executive Editor keting support to predict attendance. RALEIGH “Due to this especially strong level of consultant’s prediction that a initial marketing support, ERA assumes total of 250,000 spectators would that occupancy will stabilize in Year 3 attend shows the first year of op- operations and that opening year at- Aerations at the Randy Parton Theatre in tendance will be over 80 percent of Roanoke Rapids was based on $2 million stabilized attendance, or about 250,000,” of publicly funded marketing support it said. The Randy Parton Theatre, which is located prominently near an exit of I-95 near Roanoke that never materialized. Neither the city nor theater man- Rapids (CJ file photo) The marketing funds and atten- agers will release attendance figures, handling the procurement of state funds organization and Watson’s conflict of dance estimate were detailed in a 2005 but media reports and accounts from for the entertainment project. I am not interest. The partnership was terminated feasibility study prepared by Economic local citizens have indicated nightly aware of any direct involvement of any and all activities were transferred to the Research Associates, an international attendance at the 1,500-seat theater is of the Northeast Commission/Partner- commission. consulting firm. significantly lower, sometimes less than ship Board members or other staff in the In February 2007, Parton filed Carolina Journal could find no one 100 people. matter,” Rogerson said. amended documents with the N.C. associated with the early stages of the The state-funded N.C. Rural Eco- Former Northeast Partnership Secretary of State’s Office that left him theater’s development to explain the $2 nomic Development Center provided a and Commission CEO Rick Watson as the sole manager of Moonlight Bandit million total. $25,000 grant to the Northeast Partner- recruited Randy Parton to Roanoke Productions. Public records do not say The General Assembly provided ship, a regional economic development Rapids. Watson and Parton formed whether Watson still has any connec- $500,000 in the 2005-06 budget for mar- organization, for the study that was Moonlight Bandit Productions LLC on tion with Parton or the theater. Neither keting. The money went to the Halifax dated April 15, 2005. Feb. 11, 2005. The commission and part- Watson nor Parton could be reached County Tourism Authority. No other CJ furnished the relevant portion nership boards of directors terminated for comment. CJ state funds have been designated. of the study to City Manager Phyllis Watson’s employment in spring 2006 R o a n o k e Lee and former after State Auditor Les Merritt issued a Don Carrington is executive editor of Rapids borrowed City Manager scathing report on the activities of the Carolina Journal. $21.5 million to Rick Benton and build the theater “Efforts to secure state asked each of them and turned over the funding during this time whether city offi- building in March cials told authors to Parton’s com- frame were undertaken of the report about pany, Moonlight pledges of state Bandit Produc- by representatives of the funds. Benton is tions. Parton has now the city eco- almost total control NE Partnership, not the nomic develop- of the facility. The City.” ment director. first show with his “As I have band, the Moon- told you in the Rick Benton past, I was not light Bandits, was Roanoke Rapids City Mgr. conducted July 26. involved in the He normally per- project during the forms about four period of time in two-hour shows per week. He has not which the Feasibility Study was pre- scheduled any other performers for pared. Therefore, I do not know who, if this year. Based on the theater’s current anyone, from the City made the claim schedule of about 200 shows per year, to ERA; what representative of Gov. an average of 1,250 attendees per show Easley may or may not have promised would be required to achieve a first-year $500,000; and I have no documents or attendance of 250,000. e-mails concerning any promise of State According to the study, Roanoke money,” Lee said. Rapids city officials had claimed that “Efforts to secure state funding Gov. Mike Easley would appropriate during this time frame were undertaken $500,000 of the marketing funds. Carolina by representatives of the NE Partnership, Journal furnished the relevant excerpt not the City,” Benton said. from the study to Easley’s office and Lee also confirmed that she has asked for confirmation of the prom- received another quarterly financial ise. “No, Gov. Easley did not promise report from the theater, but that the city funds,” deputy press secretary Seth still maintains the report is not a public Effron said. document. The study’s project manager, Bill The Northeast Economic Develop- Owens, has refused to discuss the docu- ment Commission was the parent orga- ment. Owens said city officials told him nization of the Northeast Partnership. not to answer any questions about the Commission CEO Vann Rogerson said study. “The City of Roanoke Rapids he had no information on the market- reports that the theater is expected to ing funds. enjoy especially strong level of pre- “To my knowledge, during this pe- and post-opening marketing support riod of time, Rick Watson was personally CAROLINA November 2007 JOURNAL North Carolina  ‘Seriously Flawed’ Analysis Hurts Climate Debate By CJ STAFF process of studying climate change in lina to estimate costs and benefits of just a ‘dog and pony show’ to provide RALEIGH North Carolina, we should doubt the its recommendations, the report said. some cover for the alarmist agenda.” n outside consultant likely used merits of any recommendations from The similarities suggest the flaws in The proposals were billed as ways “seriously flawed” methods to that consultant.” CCS cost-benefit analysis work in other North Carolina could address problems help craft state global warming “Unfortunately for North Carolina states also apply to North Carolina. For linked to climate change. The proposals Apolicy proposals for North Carolina, and other states using CCS estimates, the instance, “they never estimate the dollar include items that would raise taxes, a report by a Boston-based economic cost-benefit methodology is seriously value of the supposed benefits of their restrict land use, and increase energy research group says. flawed,” concluded the Beacon Hill In- recommendations.” costs, Cordato said. The N.C. Division The John Locke Foundation in stitute, the 16-year-old research arm of Without a dollar value linked to of Air Quality set up CAPAG. October highlighted the Beacon Hill the Department of Economics at Boston’s greenhouse gas reduction, there’s no “The problem is that the Center Institute’s peer review assessment as Suffolk University. “First, CCS fails way to tell whether any policy that for Climate Strategies is no objective N.C. policy makers began to quantify benefits in a has a cost is desirable, according to the consulting firm,” he said. “It is an ad- to review proposed global way that can be meaning- report. “For example, if a policy could vocacy group disguised as a consultant. warming policy ideas. fully compared to costs. reduce [greenhouse gas] emissions by This group tied to the Pennsylvania “Unless the methodology Second, when estimating five tons, but it would require giving Environmental Council has been bought used to construct their economic impacts, CCS up two tons of steel and paid for by a North Carolina report often misinterprets costs in lost production, battery of left-wing is significantly different to be benefits. Third, the would it be desir- foundations. For from the work they have estimates of costs leave able?” the report “The Center for Climate several years it has done in the past, the … out important factors, asked. “CCS gives been infiltrating report will contain little causing CCS to understate us no guidance be- Strategies fails to do one state government information that could the true costs of its recom- cause we cannot all across the coun- guide policy makers to mendations.” directly compare of the most basic calcu- try.” make efficient decisions,” according to The Beacon Hill Institute did not tons of [greenhouse Problems ex- the Beacon Hill assessment. review CCS’s work in North Carolina. gas] reduction to lations included in any tend beyond just Beacon Hill Institute researchers Researchers instead based their findings tons of steel, so we responsible cost-benefit the consultant’s specifically focused on the work ofa on nearly identical CCS policy propos- are left essentially viewpoint, Cordato Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based group als developed for other states. CCS has comparing apples study: it does not quan- said. “The 56 pro- called the Center for Climate Strategies. completed greenhouse gas reduction and oranges.” posals were chosen CCS served as the consultant to North plans in 10 states and is working on The Beacon tify both benefits and from an original Carolina’s Climate Action Plan Advisory plans in 15 other states, according to the Hill Institute finds costs in dollar terms so list crafted by CCS Group. Beacon Hill report. similar problems with no other op- CAPAG released a list on Oct. 16 of Publicly available data suggest with misinterpre- that they can be com- tions allowed to be more than 50 policy proposals for North policy recommendations for North tation of costs and part of the discus- Carolina. All are billed as strategies for Carolina mirror those CCS has proposed benefits, along with pared.” sion process,” he mitigating global warming. Among for other states, the Beacon Hill Institute understatement of said. “In addition, those proposals are policies that would report said. CAPAG issued 56 policy rec- the true costs of Beacon Hill Institute all these propos- increase taxes, restrict land use, ration ommendations for North Carolina. Each CCS recommenda- Peer Review Report als were adopted energy use, and raise energy costs. recommendation came from a master list tions. The report with absolutely no “This peer review from the Beacon of more than 300 proposals from CCS. labels at least one discussion of the Hill Institute arrives at a critical time in “In plans that CCS is involved with the CCS proposal as science of global North Carolina’s debate about global typical state plan contains between 50 “astonishing.” warming. CCS and its government en- warming,” said Dr. Roy Cordato, the and 75 specific policy actions,” according “CCS is claiming that by forcing ablers forbade all efforts to bring up the John Locke Foundation’s vice president to the Beacon Hill Institute report. individuals to comply with their recom- science. CCS devised rules of discussion for research. “If we can’t trust the work CCS also appeared to have used mendations, the individuals themselves that stifled all scientific debate.” of the consultant that guided the entire the same methodology in North Caro- will receive direct cost savings that CCS has employed the same strat- make them better off,” the report said. egy in other states, said Pat Michaels, “There are good reasons to be skeptical former Virginia state climatologist and about this claim of a free lunch. If there former president of the American As- are direct benefits (negative costs) to sociation of State Climatologists. individuals from reducing activities that “In state after state, CCS ‘advises’ emit greenhouse gases we should expect on this process, specifically what to do in their own self-interest to guide them to order to achieve ‘consensus,’” Michaels reduce emissions. … Most people would said. “In fact, CCS presents a series of simply do what CCS recommends on stipulations, one of which is particularly their own.” odd: The Commission will take discus- The CCS cost-benefit analysis does sion of global warming science off the not hold up to the scrutiny of peer review, table.” according to the Beacon Hill Institute Stifling that discussion allows CCS report. “The Center for Climate Strate- and its state-government colleagues to gies fails to do one of the most basic avoid hard questions, Michaels said. calculations included in any responsible “There isn’t any extant suite of tech- cost-benefit study: it does not quantify nologies that are politically acceptable both benefits and costs in dollar terms to the CCS crowd that can significantly so that they can be compared.” alter the warming trajectory the planet In addition, the John Locke Foun- is on,” he said. “That’s the science that dation questions the background of CCS CCS wants off the table.” and the process it directed through the Any policies resulting from such a Climate Action Plan Advisory Group. flawed process must be suspect, Cordato “This process has been skewed said. “That’s right, a panel set up to de- from the start toward the agenda of vise strategies for dealing with climate global warming alarmists,” Cordato change allowed absolutely no discussion said. “The announcement of proposals of the science,” he said. “There’s noth- for addressing climate change is really ing like open government.” CJ November 2007 CAROLINA  Washington JOURNAL

NC Delegation Watch Open to interpretation Reps oppose Internet tax National Park Presentations Don’t Stay Static Six members of the U.S. House from North Carolina’s By HAL YOUNG but passionate about the subject. That’s delegation — four Republicans Contributing Editor where we have to engage them.” and two Democrats — signed on RALEIGH The At Guilford Courthouse National as cosponsors of a measure that as Samuel Adams motivated Military Park in Greensboro, gradu- would ban taxes on Internet access primarily by greed and not ate students from UNC-Greensboro’s and transactions. patriotism? Were American Federal history program supplement two full- The Permanent Internet Tax Wcolonists simply disaffected Britons who time rangers and one seasonal ranger. Freedom Act was introduced at took up arms against their fellow citizens File The chief ranger on site, Gary Henson, the end of January and has ac- because they were said there is certainly a possibility that cumulated cosponsors up until unwilling to pay a ranger or volunteer with an unortho- mid-September, when Reps. Vir- even the lowest dox view of history might introduce ginia Foxx, R-5th; Walter Jones, tax rates in the unplanned innovations in their tours, R-3rd; and Patrick McHenry, R- Empire? Was “No which has happened at other locations. 10th; joined 174 other members of taxation without He didn’t think it very likely at Guilford Congress in support of the legisla- representation” Courthouse, though. tion. The bill would help ensure an impossible “We work pretty closely with one Americans are not forced to pay demand, because another,” he said. “If one person was new taxes on Internet access. time and distance presenting something that was really The Permanent Internet Tax made it impracti- off base, you’ll hear about it and cor- Freedom Act would extend the cal for colonies to rect it.” moratorium on Internet access be represented in Parliament? Full-time rangers such as Henson taxes and duplicative taxes on These may be unexpected state- might be designated as law enforcement e-commerce. Congress instituted ments to hear in rural North Carolina, been contentious, such as Mesa Verde or interpretive rangers, he said, but in a temporary Internet tax morato- unless you visit Moore’s Creek National National Park in Colorado. There, no less sites like his there is overlap of respon- rium in 1998 to encourage growth Battlefield near Currie. There, Chief than 28 tribal groups argue for conflict- sibilities. Henson’s own background is of online commerce. In 2004, Con- Ranger Bert Dunkerly starts his tours ing interpretations of local history. The in law enforcement, but he also leads gress extended the moratorium with a decidedly pro-British slant “be- Great Smoky Mountains park shares its tours, he said. The site has a historical for an additional three years, cause it gets people’s attention.” And eastern boundary with the Cherokee library with original documents and which was scheduled to expire because many rangers at other parks are reservation in Swain County, so Miller copies pertaining to the site, and rangers Nov. 1. temporary employees, and most write said they try to coordinate with the do most of their own research. Reps. G. K. Butterfield, their own presentations with minimal tribal authorities on anything touching Guilford Courthouse is not a very D-1st, and Howard Coble, R- guidelines, each visit to a national park Cherokee history. controversial site, though. “There’s very 6th, signed on to the measure might be different from the last — and “Typically we allude to that, but little discrepancy in the facts here,” he as cosponsors in June, and Rep. some visitors don’t appreciate it. we don’t provide very in-depth informa- said. Heath Shuler, D-11th, was added tion here,” Miller said. “We direct them in July. Attention, please to Cherokee to the village and museum Is all history revisionist? — they are very effective.” The five his- The National Park Service is no toric districts in the Great Smokies center Even so, Henson notes that “the Group: Shuler is prolife stranger to controversy. Many sites on the pioneer settlers’ communities and biggest obstacle to us interpreting any- have had public relations issues over homes, he said, “so we interpret those thing at our park is making sure the U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, interpretations of events and the bal- buildings, not the people who were here historical facts are correct. From time N.C.-11th, who ran for office as ance between competing political and a thousand years before.” to time facts come up that change what a pro-life Democrat last year, has historical perspectives. The introduc- we thought was right.” fulfilled his campaign promises tory video at the Lincoln Memorial A temporary situation New information comes to light on those issues, according to a was changed in 2004 after conservative from a variety of sources, and what his- national lobbying group that groups complained it focused almost Employee turnover can be a prob- torians and rangers miss, visitors, and concentrates on social and family exclusively on anti-war demonstrations lem. The Park Service relies heavily former landowners, will bring up. Miller concerns. and protests for liberal causes such as on volunteers and part-time, seasonal said that while visitors to the Smokies Focus on the Family Action, gay rights and feminism. rangers to supplement permanent staff. seldom complain, families who used to a lobbying group separated from While the Park Service has profes- Mary Doll, the chief of interpretation live within the park’s boundaries won’t the more familiar Focus on the sional historians on staff, rangers on for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, hesitate to speak up. Family advocacy organization site are typically given a basic outline Wright Brothers National Memorial, and “The Smokies were acquired from founded by Christian leader James as a foundation for their talks. They Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, said private owners in the 1930s, and if we Dobson, said Shuler has been reli- are expected to develop their own pre- the three parks have a rigorous training hear complaints, typically it’s from fami- ably prolife since entering office sentations for tours, bringing their own program to ensure the 23 temporary lies that were moved out of the park,” he last year, although his opportuni- perspectives and experiences into play. rangers know the ropes. said. “‘You are calling this “The Oliver ties to demonstrate that have been Dunkerly, for example, found the taxa- “The intensive training we do Cabin” when my grandfather’s name relatively few. Focus on the Family tion question interesting, so he wrote at the beginning sets the stage for the was Bennett.’ Those kind of things come Action officials said altogether, it into his verbal presentation, though expectations and the boundaries, and up pretty commonly,” he said. four House Democrats who ran it doesn’t play a major role in the site’s rarely does anyone go beyond them,” Dunkerly at Moore’s Creek said, on antiabortion platforms have printed or audiovisual materials. she said. After the first couple of weeks “A lot of times, history is just consen- kept their promises. Sites connected with the Civil War a member of the permanent staff will sus,” he said. “At most of the historic “Based on their voting frequently draw debates from visitors, audit the seasonal rangers’ presenta- sites there is research done on events records in the 110th [Congress] said the Park Service’s Bob Miller. “There tions and interaction with visitors. For and people, archeology, and in-depth so far, we’ve got four freshmen are people who have studied every example, Doll said there is still so much studies of the site. Parks put together lawmakers in the House who have bullet that was fired and where every unknown about the Fort Raleigh site, interpretive plans and those change voted consistently prolife,” said boot struck the ground,” he said. Miller the location of the “Lost Colony,” that over time as we learn something new Ashley Horne, federal policy ana- worked at park sites in Washington, D.C. rangers need to be adept dealing with and maybe learn that something we’ve lyst for Focus on the Family Ac- before coming to Great Smoky Moun- opposing viewpoints. said is wrong.” tion. CJ tains National Park, where he now heads “There could be discussions that “That happens,” he said. And the public affairs department. come up, but that’s in the training,” she when it does, the presentation changes Native-American sites also have said. “It’s not that [visitors] are angry, once again. CJ CAROLINA November 2007 JOURNAL CJ Interview  Warshauer Discusses Andrew Jackson and 9/11 Precedents

atthew Warshauer, professor of it did — and I can be nothing Madison lation created that precedent with no history at Central Connecticut more specific about left really a gaping precedent. And when Lincoln turned to State University, recently ad- that if you would hole in the future of the use of martial law and the suspension Mdressed a John Locke Foundation North like — but it was civil liberties in this of habeas corpus during the Civil War, Carolina History Project Headliner lun- the aftermath, years nation. in an 1863 letter, he specifically cited cheon in Raleigh. He also discussed his later, when Con- Jackson’s use of martial law in New book, Andrew Jackson and the Politics of gress debated what Kokai: By Orleans and Congress’ subsequent ap- Martial Law: Nationalism, Civil Liberties, he did that really taking no action proval. Now the legislation, of course, and Partisanship, with Mitch Kokai for created the prec- at that point, was didn’t say approval, but giving him the Carolina Journal Radio. (Go to http:// edent that Lincoln there a precedent money back with interest — precedent www.carolinajournal.com/cjradio/ to turned to and then set that things like with no precedent. find a station near you or to learn about in turn other presi- this could be done the weekly CJ Radio podcast.) dents. Woodrow if you could come Kokai: Fast forward now to the Wilson, Franklin up with ends that post-2001 era. As you have seen what Kokai: People who have paid a lot Delano Roosevelt, seemed appropri- has happened with the use of executive of attention to the executive branch and and then, of course, ate? power in the Bush administration, what the president, the powers that he has and George Bush turned parallels do you see? uses in the wake of 9/11, might not know to these previous Warshauer:: that this is an issue that goes back many, precedents. Yeah, well, it was Warshauer: Well, the primary many years in our history. As you have a precedent that parallel is this question of security over Matthew Warshauer speaks at a JLF Head- been following what’s been going on K o k a i : O f liner luncheon in Raleigh in September. set no precedent, freedom. What do we do to balance with the post-9/11 United States, do you course this tends to if you follow me. maintaining our civil liberties on which think, “Hey, I’ve been studying about come up during a war, when the nation’s Jackson was fined $1,000 for contempt this nation is founded? The legacy of, this with Andrew Jackson for years”? security seems to be most threatened. of court by a federal judge. He paid the you know, the very creation of our Con- Do you get the sense that Jackson at the fine. A thousand dollars is a lot of money stitution and how the founders set up Warshauer: The timing could not time that he took his actions was pretty at that time. Years later, after he retired our system of government in this nation have been better. You know, one of the well supported among those who were his presidency, he was sitting at home that we hail as a nation of liberty? They things about American society is that we fighting the British enemy in the War in the Hermitage in Tennessee, and he understood that governments have the are a law-based society, and therefore of 1812? is looking back over an otherwise bril- tendency to increase power over time. everything is built upon the idea of liant career. That is certainly what has occurred precedent and the powers that President Warshauer: Well, the interesting He thought, “I have one final stain in this nation across many levels. Not Bush has taken on, he has used precedent thing — that’s a great question. It’s the on my reputation and my legacy. And just involved with civil liberties, but and history to support and justify what logical question. Most people in New it is this New Orleans fine, and I want certainly executive power has expanded, he has done. But he has expanded more, Orleans when Jackson imposed martial the money back with interest. And im- you know, exponentially especially in I think, than other presidents have in law supported it. It helped to ready the portantly I want to set that very clear the 20th century and now in the 21st terms of executive privilege and execu- city for defense against the British. Once precedent for acknowledging emer- century. And I think that if there are any tive power. But certainly the idea of it the victory was gency powers in a lessons from the Jackson episode, from is nothing new. won on January 8 time of, you know, the Lincoln episode, from Woodrow everyone expected great danger to the Wilson, form Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Kokai: When you look at the Jackson to relin- “Most people in New nation.” and then from September 11 and what example of Andrew Jackson and the quish martial law. And so this George Bush has done, the very, very steps that he took, what are some of the He thought that Orleans when Jackson turned into a two- clear lesson is that we need to be proac- main things that people should know another British in- year struggle in tive in the future in regards to protecting about the use of executive power in vasion was immi- imposed martial law sup- Congress over re- our civil liberties. that time? nent, and therefore turning this fine. What that truly requires is an emer- he held martial law ported it. ... He thought And it was very gency action plan that is very clearly Warshauer: Well, the really inter- in place for another that another British inva- partisan-motivat- defined and spelled out as to how long esting thing about Jackson is that most two months. Well, ed. You know, the the president can invoke emergency people aren’t aware of it. Even most those in support sion was imminent, and Whigs hated Jack- powers and what type of support he constitutional historians have not really of martial law be- son. The Demo- needs from Congress in order to main- paid attention to what Jackson did. When gan to wane rather therefore he held martial crats loved him. It tain those emergency powers. I don’t they look at the origins of emergency war quickly in their law in place for another turned into a parti- think that there is anything wrong with powers and executive power, they turn support. san free-for-all that imposing emergency powers in a time to Lincoln. But Lincoln turned to Jackson. And so the two months. Well, those was as much about of really dire emergency. I believe that And what Jackson actually did was not internal struggle in the presidential what Jackson did was correct. I believe done while he was chief executive. He New Orleans was in support of martial law election of 1844 that what Lincoln did was correct. But it was not president at the time. Rather, he pretty unique and as it was about can’t be open-ended because I sat and I was a general. And this is what created got rather nasty to began to wane rather civil liberties in the watched many of these 9/11 tributes, and his national fame. the extent that Jack- quickly in their support.” United States. they are moving and they are thoughtful It was the Battle of New Orleans, son was hauled And it did, and people discuss liberty and freedom in which he just absolutely devastated before a federal Matthew Warshauer in fact, create a and fighting for our democracy. a formidable British army that was at- district judge and Andrew Jackson historian precedent because Well, what happens if we de- tempting to invade New Orleans. Ev- fined $1,000 for it changed the defi- stroy it from within by breaking down eryone expected him to lose the battle. contempt of court. nition of the very the essential frameworks of our own He did not. He became an overnight And outside of term, the legal Constitution, which protects liberty? sensation and it is what paved the way New Orleans, in Washington, virtually definition, of the term “martial law.” It … Yale law professor Bruce Ackerman to the White House for him. nothing was said about this. Jackson did not, however, create a precedent in … outlines, you know, a blueprint But in order to win that battle received a couple of lengthy letters terms of legislation. Because the actual for an emergency Constitution that what did he need to do? He needed to from the secretary of war, Armstrong, bill refunding Jackson’s fine did not would in fact give the president the impose martial law and suspend the writ expressing President Madison’s deep say one word, not a single word, about executive powers that he needs when of habeas corpus, and it was the first in concern over military exertions. whether or not what Jackson did was an emergency is before us, but not so American history it had ever been done. But beyond that Madison did abso- legal, illegal, whether it should be al- open-ended that the president can claim And it didn’t create immediate contro- lutely nothing. And one of the things that lowed in the future. and do anything he would like to do. versy at the time he did it. To an extent I have argued in the book is that in doing But the very silence of the legis- I think that is really the key. CJ November 2007 CAROLINA  Education JOURNAL State School Briefs ‘Direct Instruction’ Scuttles Charter

Union against records release Continued from Page 2 parties filed bills to raise the cap from The state’s largest teachers’ the group demonstrates “fluency, profi- 100 to 125 charter schools statewide. One organization attacked the Wake ciency or mastery, depending on the goal “It was calm and or- bill endorsed by five Democratic sena- County school board Oct. 18 for of the lesson,” according to Rory Don- ganized. Everything tors and four Republicans would have releasing portions of a teacher’s aldson of brainsarefun.com, a Denver, authorized 25 new charters for schools personnel file, including his repri- Colorado-based education Web site. seemed in order. Stu- in which at least 30 percent of the stu- mand for inviting a speaker who dents qualified for free or reduced-price denounced Islam, the News and dents showed a will- lunches. Even with that restriction, the Observer of Raleigh reports. Duplin Charter details bill went nowhere. Eddie Davis, president of the Duplin Charter School would have ingness and desire to That cap makes little sense to Price. N.C. Association of Educators, said been the third direct instruction-based learn.” “The word ‘choice’ has come up quite a Wake’s decision will intimidate school associated with the Roger Bacon lot,” he said. “It seems to make sense if teachers who would fear that their Academy, named for the 13th century George “Buster” Price what we have isn’t working. Our public files will be released in retaliation English scholar. “His ethical standards Duplin charter backer school system is failing miserably.” for standing up to administrators. in science and his relentless pursuit of A model that has worked well in The Wake board released the truth stand as a beacon to inspire us all Brunswick County and drawn interest documents Oct. 17 to justify its to the utmost in keen, objective obser- in Columbus County might work just more than two new charter schools next refusal to let Robert Escamilla, a vation and scrupulous honesty in all of as well in Price’s county, he said. “The former Enloe High School teacher, fall. North Carolina has operated with our undertakings,” the academy’s Web program they use — direct instruction return to his post. a statewide cap of 100 charter schools site explains. — some say it’s old and antiquated,” he Davis said the board was try- ever since the General Assembly first Founder Baker Mitchell and Cra- said. “I can’t understand why. I drive a ing to win a nationwide battle of mer opened the first Roger Bacon cam- approved charter school legislation in opinion. The board’s transfer of Es- 1996. good dependable vehicle. This sounds pus, Brunswick County’s Charter Day like a good dependable vehicle. camilla to an alternative school has School, in 2000. A school that started with Charter supporters have attempted “You would think the model they angered conservative Christians 53 students now serves more than 700 in to raise or eliminate that cap over the past are using would be welcomed in schools who said he is being persecuted kindergarten through eighth grade. The decade, but bills designed to accomplish where the dropout rate is so high,” Price for his religious views. Civil liber- school conducts a lottery each year for that goal have died in both the House tarians contend his actions stirred slots in each grade, since the demand for and Senate. This year, 19 representatives said. “Another thing has become quite anti-Islamic fervor and ushered school slots exceeds the state-mandated endorsed a House bill to scrap the cap. apparent to me: People in the private evangelism into the classroom. enrollment cap. That bill died in committee. sector tend to put out a higher quality “It seems that teachers’ per- Roger Bacon Academy’s second In the Senate, members from both of product for a lower price.” CJ sonnel files will be sacrificed to school, Columbus Charter School in give some kind of public relations Whiteville, opened this year for stu- advantage,” said Davis, who has dents in the youngest elementary school often supported the Wake school grades. Mitchell, the academy’s founder, system. “That’s not right.” is also a member of the John Locke A teacher’s personnel file is Foundation’s board of directors. E.A. MORRIS normally confidential under state Duplin Charter School would have law. But the school board cited an targeted an enrollment of about 150 FELLOWSHIP FOR EMERGING LEADERS exemption that says the information students for its first year. In its state ap- can be released if it “is essential to plication, Duplin Charter is described as maintaining the integrity of the a “sister charter school” for the existing board.” Brunswick campus “to bring an added The E.A. Morris Fellowship is seeking principled, educational choice to the parents of that energetic applicants for the 2008 Fellowship class. Poor bus maintenance county and adjacent counties and to help attract new residents to the area.” Every school day, the parents Organizers promised that Duplin of about 12,000 students in New Ha- Charter School would use the same nover County count on 190 school educational and business model “that buses to take their kids to and from has proven so successful at its Brunswick school, secure in the assumption campus and that has brought its rural those buses are in top shape, the student body to achieve High Academic Wilmington Star reports. Growth two years in a row — a feat But what few people outside duplicated by only one other school of the superintendent’s office and in the five-county area and only 91 of maintenance staff know is that 2,353 schools statewide,” according to New Hanover County’s buses the application. consistently rank near the bottom That success attracted Price, the on state maintenance inspections. farmer with school-age grandchildren in In 2005-06, the district had the Duplin County. “I heard Mark Cramer Applications available online or at the John Locke Foundation. second worst score of the state’s talk about the Charter Day School on Application deadline is November 15, 2007 100 counties. the radio,” Price said. “I was impressed In the 2005-06 school year, from the interview, and I visited the New Hanover’s score, 108.39, was school to get a better view. It was calm nearly double the average score for and organized. Everything seemed in 39 counties in the eastern part of the order. Students showed a willingness state, 55.24. Only Warren County’s and desire to learn.” 134.83 score was worse. www.EAMorrisFellows.org That year, 13 of 18 inspected [email protected] buses in New Hanover County were Charter school cap taken off of the streets until repairs Regardless of the Duplin school’s were made. CJ qualifications for a state charter, the 200 W. Morgan St., Ste 200 Raleigh, NC 27601 1-866-553-4636 State Board of Education could not add CAROLINA November 2007 JOURNAL Education  Learn-Earn Schools Inspired Commentary By One-Room Schoolhouses Standardizing Mediocrity

By KAREN WELSH five design principles, which include n recent years, public debate in thus consigned to spend their days Contributing Editor college preparatory curriculum, power- K-12 education has focused in- steeped in boring, familiar academ- RALEIGH ful teaching and learning, and providing tensively on the needs of strug- ic content. n 2003, the Melinda and Bill Gates personalization through advisory sup- Igling students. Universal grade- Even mainstream curriculum Foundation gave an initial $11 mil- port and tutoring. level proficiency, mandated by 2014 decisions can snuff out incentives lion educational grant to the state. He said the new schools have also under the federal law No Child for high achievers to perform. The ISince that time, the foundation, which redefined professionalism by allowing Left Behind, has become the holy Charlotte Mecklenburg System, in focuses on reducing educational inequi- teachers to become teams through shared grail of education reform. Clearly, the midst of a three-year math cur- ties within the United States, has raised planning time. “Everything is organized ensuring that all children achieve riculum transition, is decelerating the funding to $20 million for launching around getting kids ready for college, basic competencies is worthwhile the pace of honors math instruction new schools and redesign within North careers and life,” he said. “Students are and necessary. But our to ensure all students Carolina. empowered to make choices.” lopsided attempt at master the “basics.” This The money, along with matching Although the program is only in academic parity has year, seventh-grade hon- grants from the government, has proved its third academic year, Garcia said, the produced a new class of ors math students have to be a catalyst for change and has been schools are meeting and exceeding their forgotten children: high to sit through concepts used to develop the North Carolina New benchmark targets. “It’s early yet, but the achievers. they covered last year Schools Project. statistics are promising,” he said. “We’ve Smart students are, — a colossal waste of Admittedly, there have been some got the markers we are looking for and after all, a sure thing time and talent. Parents difficulties along the way. Joseph Garcia, we feel like our schools are making when it comes to pro- are running low on vice president for advocacy and com- changes. There’s powerful teaching and ficiency on state tests. patience. munications for the NCNSP, said start- learning going on. It’s a successful story. So it should come as no The result is an ing an innovated program has required This is innovating high school. We feel surprise that a system Kristen emerging educational pushing through “huge mountains of like what we’re doing is well-grounded equating success with Blair exodus, dubbed “bright attitudes and beliefs” that currently and is preparing graduates for life.” basic mastery stints these flight.” Increasingly, prevail. Marie Groark, spokeswoman for kids on resources and in- in North Carolina and Undaunted, Garcia said his orga- the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation, structional time. But this elsewhere, families with nization has opened 86 new Learn and said foundation officials are pleased is shortsighted and unfair. Fritter- high-performing children are flee- Earn early college high school campuses with how the state is using their grants. ing away the intellectual capital of ing traditional government schools. throughout the state, with 25 more set “We are seeing a return on our invest- our sharpest minds has pernicious, Some are leaving for private or to open next year. ment,” she said. “There’s been a positive far-reaching cultural and economic home schools, others for public Whether intentional or not, this impact on students. Optimism goes a implications. If we don’t nurture charter or magnet schools. new approach to learning is going long way.” the gifts of our best and brightest, What can we do? Let’s start by back to the principles used to govern She said the ultimate goal of the who will rise up to pen great litera- redefining success. Basic proficien- one-room school houses, which was a organization is to improve high school ture, discover life-saving medicines, cy shouldn’t be the gold standard; staple of education across America until and college graduation rates among or help us compete in the global rather, we ought to expect im- the mid-1950s. minorities. Groark said the founda- marketplace? provements from all students. One Garcia said each Learn and Earn tion chose North Carolina because of Besides, there’s more to particularly effective way to track school is small, with no more than 100 its high level of need in both rural and education than averting negative student gains is through the use of students per grade level and is personal- urban areas. outcomes for poor-performing value-added assessments. Simply ized, focusing on rigorous and relevance Garcia said the NCNSP will con- students. Failing to tap the po- put, value-added data reveal the in learning and in relationships among tinue to move forward. He said the tential of bright children is costly, academic growth of the same kids students and the teaching staff. NCNSP has discovered an effective too. According to a 2000 study by over time. For some, success means He said students attending the way to approach education and will Joseph Renzulli and Sunghee Park, reaching grade-level proficiency; school are able to earn high school and continue to reform education in North dropout rates for gifted students for others, the sky’s the limit. college credits at the same time. Garcia Carolina. Only then, he said, can high were virtually indistinguishable Value-added systems don’t said each school has a “purposeful schools throughout the state reflect from those of nongifted adoles- negate the need for high state stan- design” and is required to implement 21st century citizenship. CJ cents. Even top performers who dards. They do, however, change stay in school often live up to our our incentive structure. Teachers low expectations: A 2006 National and schools are deemed effective Bureau of Economic Research study when they produce consistent gains by Colleen Donovan, David Figlio, in students at the bottom, middle, and Mark Rush found that “an and head of the class. Guilford accountability system based on a County’s innovative superinten- low-level test of basic skills…led to dent, Terry Grier, has successfully generally reduced performance by used value-added data for the past high-achieving students.” several years to measure student Yet the bulk of our resources growth and teaching efficacy. now goes to “subsidize the educa- In the end, fairness cuts both tion of the least gifted,” according ways. “Unless we have excellent to an August 2007 Time article education for both our plumbers by John Cloud: American public and philosophers, neither our pipes schools spend more than $8 bil- nor our ideas will hold water,” lion a year to teach the mentally American novelist John Gardner retarded, but allocate less than $800 said. Our brightest minds are grow- million for gifted students. In an ing dim with neglect. Isn’t it time educational economy that exalts we did something about it? CJ basic skills, enrichment programs are disappearing like mist before Kristen Blair is a North Carolina Education Alliance Fellow. Methods used in one-room schoolhouse like this one in Rowan County in the 19th and early the sun; precocious students are 20th century are inspiring administrators of the Learn and Earn program. (NCDPI photo) November 2007 CAROLINA 10 Education JOURNAL

School Reform Notes Less than projected

Home schooling popularity School-Enrollment Levels Puzzle Officials Hanging from the walls of Ronda Marshall’s dining room, in- By JIM STEGALL stead of family photos and artwork, Contributing Editor in Candler are U.S. and world maps RALEIGH and geography terms. hen school doors opened On most days Marshall con- this fall, some principals and verts her dining room into a superintendents around the classroom and her kitchen into a Wstate began to notice something odd science lab. The mother of six has about their students. There weren’t been home schooling her children enough of them, at least not as many as for 12 years. had been expected. Parents across western North In districts that had projected and Carolina are moving toward the planned for sharp increases in student alternative education form as a way enrollment, the anticipated surge wasn’t to emphasize values and have more materializing. Classrooms had been control over their children’s educa- built, teachers and staff hired, and funds tion, the Citizen-Times of Asheville allocated based on projections of contin- reported. Over the past 10 years, the ued high growth. Now, school leaders number of home-schooled children in some districts are worried that they in Buncombe County has grown won’t have enough students to justify about 74 percent. the increased expenditures. Many counties are seeing lower enrollments than they expected for the 2007-2008 school year (CJ file photo) In North Carolina, only Wake It’s not that growth has stopped. and Mecklenburg counties have Fast-growing counties, such as Union School Board in early October, Green ting about as many students as they more home-schooled children. and Wake, continue to experience hefty said that the district would continue should expect. He’s used to being right “There is somewhat more of a spirit increases in their student populations. collecting data through the 40th day of — his projection of statewide enrollment of independence in the western But the rate of increase has slowed un- enrollment and work toward a plan for was off by only 170 students last year, counties of the state. People like expectedly. dealing with allocated funds then. although he admits luck played a role to be more in control and indepen- Union County Public Schools was A number of theories have been in that accomplishment. That’s out of a dent. That kind of thinking works bracing for a record 12 percent increase floated to explain this year’s dip in total student population of more than well with home school,” said Ernie over last year’s numbers, but as of early growth figures. The rising popularity 1.3 million. Hodges, president of North Carolin- October the growth in enrollment was 7.8 of charter schools, private schools, and Unlike some of the faster-grow- ians for Home Education, a private percent. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools home schooling might account for some, ing districts, which attempt to predict volunteer organization that sup- planned on growing by more than 5,200 but not all, of the shortfall in public enrollment growth by looking at local ports home educators. students, but fewer than 3,300 additional school enrollment. trends in home construction and other In North Carolina, about 4 students have enrolled. According to David Mills of the economic factors, Konanc relies heavily percent of school-aged children Guilford, Wake, and Forsyth N.C. Division of Non-Public Educa- on a simpler, experience-based formula. are home-schooled. In most states counties are also reporting shortfalls in tion, an increasing number of parents “It’s notoriously difficult to predict across the country, 2 to 3 percent growth projections. are choosing these alternatives for their [enrollment] based on housing and of school-aged children are home- While the easing tide of growth children’s education. Private school en- economic trends,” he said. schooled, said Laura Derrick, might provide rollment has gone His method, which incorporates president of the National Home some respite for up every year birth data, school grade structure, and Education Network. districts that have since 1992, and enrollment growth trends from previous been struggling to “It’s notoriously difficult home schooling years, has apparently yielded statistical- keep up, district to predict [enrollment] has increased ly accurate predictions for most school Crowded Davie high school finance officers steadily since at districts, with Charlotte-Mecklenburg are concerned that based on housing and least 1986. being the exception. The superintendent for Davie they soon might But the rate He’s still puzzling over why the County Schools recommended Oct. not get all of the economic trends.” of increase has model apparently hasn’t worked for that 12 that grade levels throughout the state money their been about the one district. However, he’s convinced school system be reconfigured to districts have al- Engin Konanc same as North that his method is more reliable than ease crowding at Davie High School, ready planned for. NCDPI analyst Carolina’s overall those used by some districts. the Winston-Salem Journal reports. Before the school growth in popu- “The only thing I have to watch out Sixth-graders would attend year begins, dis- lation. Mills said for is a sudden policy change,” he said, the school system’s six elementary tricts request funds based on estimates of that figures for this year’s enrollment such as a change in academic standards schools, and ninth-graders would how many students school officials think in private and home schools will not be that might cause an inordinate number be moved out of the high school they will have. But if after two months of available until June, but that he doesn’t of retentions or dropouts, or a sudden and go to the school system’s three operations a district has 2 percent fewer think the school-choice options account increase or decrease of personnel as- middle schools. The move would students than anticipated, the district’s for the slowdown in public school enroll- signed to one of North Carolina’s several take more than 500 ninth-graders authority to draw state funds is reduced ment growth. major military installations. out of Davie High, reducing the accordingly. The nationwide slowdown in the For local school officials, the student population from nearly In Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s case, housing market might also be a factor. consequences of guessing too low are 1,900 to about 1,400. North Carolina’s housing market has severe. Once allocations of state funds The Davie County Board of it’s possible that district officials will not deteriorated as badly as those in have been set, it is more difficult to raise Education will vote on the plan at a receive $3 million to $5 million less other states. But if families elsewhere them when more students show up than special meeting in early November, than the $703 million they thought was said Carl Lambert, chairman of the coming. have trouble selling their homes, some of expected. school board. Superintendent Rob- According to Maurice Green, chief the migration to North Carolina would That’s why Union County officials, ert Landry also recommended that operating officer of Charlotte-Mecklen- be delayed. in charge of the state’s fastest-grow- the school system build a seventh burg schools, that could mean the loss of Engin Konanc, a statistical analyst ing school district, studied the slew elementary school on property up to 40 teaching positions, although the with the Department of Public Instruc- of huge new housing developments off U.S. 158 in northeastern Davie Charlotte Observer has reported that the tion, has a different take on the puzzle. being built on the county’s burgeon- County. CJ district plans to cover the position losses Konanc is responsible for projecting ing west side and concluded that they by reassigning teachers to vacant posts. individual district enrollment, and he might have as many as 4,000 more In a report to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg calculates that most districts are get- students this year. CJ CAROLINA November 2007 JOURNAL Education 11 Report: Longer Class Time Doesn’t Guarantee Results

By HAL YOUNG actually supported other hand, the “extending the school day won’t neces- Contributing Editor by Department of Netherlands, No. sarily help teachers deliver a balanced RALEIGH Public Instruc- “It is important not to 4 on the list, spent curriculum. Research has shown that it n a move to add instructional time tion’s own inter- confuse time spent in 110 hours on math is how time is used verses [sic] the amount to the school day, a high school in nal guidebooks, instruction each of time that students are in school that Bergen County, N.J., recently sched- Stoops wrote. school with learning. year, but scored makes a difference.” Iuled nearly 1,000 students to share a Stoops’ re- more than 11 per- “It is important not to confuse time single lunch period in a cafeteria built port, “Better In- ... No notable research cent higher. spent in school with learning,” the guide for 300. News reports showing students struction, Not The United says. “Learning is complex and affected eating lunch on the cafeteria floor — and More Time,” says exists suggesting that States ranked 27th by a variety of factors. No notable re- a microbiologist’s analysis of the clean- that when student extending time in school out of 39 countries. search exists suggesting that extending liness of the floor — brought about a results on inter- U.S. students spent time in school results in a direct increase change in seating accommodations, but national tests are results in a direct in- the equivalent of in student learning.” not the schedule. compared, the four weeks more Stoops acknowledged that some It might be logical that extending nations with the crease in student learn- than the global successful schools do have a longer the number of classroom hours allows highest average average time in instructional day, such as those based teachers to present more comprehensive scores are not al- ing.” math class, but on the Knowledge Is Power Program lessons and deepen the learning experi- ways the ones with ranked only barely (KIPP). However, he said, the difference ence. Many students in other states and the greatest num- From Balanced Curriculum ahead of the low- is what they do with the time. overseas spend more time in class than ber of classroom N.C. DPI publication est fourth. “KIPP’s success has much more to North Carolina’s, and Howard Lee, hours. “ O v e r a l l , do with their high-quality instruction chairman of the State Board of Education, In mathemat- there was no con- and superior school climate than with supports not only longer school days but ics, for example, sistent relationship the length of their school day. KIPP also longer school years. students in the United States average 169 between in-school instructional time in schools are able to fill their longer school However, research suggests that instructional hours per year. In a study mathematics and the countries’ average day with highly effective instruction, might not be the right move. A report of 39 countries by the Organisation for score,” Stoops wrote. “In fact, there is a whereas most public schools do not,” by the John Locke Foundation’s Terry Economic Co-operation and Develop- slight decrease in math performance as he said. Stoops outlines proof that simply add- ment, the nation with the highest math instructional time increases.” Programs such as KIPP demon- ing hours to the day doesn’t increase scores, China, spent 177 hours per year A study published by Pennsylva- strate that “an extended school day and academic performance. Some nations in math class, only 4.7 percent more than nia State University found similar results year may be well suited for students who with higher test scores actually spend in the United States, but scored nearly in science, reading, and civics instruc- could benefit from high-quality supple- fewer days in the classroom, a concept 14 percent higher on the exam. On the tion. The researchers recommended that mental instruction,” Stoops wrote, but as long as scores were within interna- longer time “is not the panacea that tional norms, “Do not waste resources advocates make it out to be.” Instead of in marginal increases in instructional imposing a blanket solution across the time … If there is a choice between us- state’s entire school system, he recom- ing resources to increase time versus mends making longer, or shorter, school improving teaching and the curriculum, days available at different schools, and give priority to the latter.” giving parents the option to place their Publications from the Department children where the time would best be of Public Instruction acknowledge the spent. need to focus on instructional quality “Otherwise,” he said, “the measure over simple questions of seat time. DPI’s becomes one in a long list of one-size- guide for implementing the Standard fits-all reforms that invariably fail to Course of Study, a pair of documents deliver on the promise of increasing titled, The Balanced Curriculum, cautions, student achievement.” CJ

7
/Ê7 Ê  6 4HE*OHN,OCKE&OUNDATIONBELIEVESTHATOURSOCIETYMUSTRETURNTO OURvœÕ˜`ˆ˜}Ê«Àˆ˜Vˆ«ià 7EAREA>˜`ʜvʏˆLiÀÌÞWHERENATURALRIGHTSOFINDIVIDUALSPRECEDEAND SUPERSEDETHEPOWEROFTHESTATE 7EAREAVœ˜Ã̈ÌṎœ˜>ÊÀi«ÕLˆVINWHICHGOVERNMENTPOWERISLIMITEDAND EMPLOYEDFORTHEPURPOSEOFPROVIDINGLEGITIMATEPUBLICGOODSRATHERTHANFOR THEBENElTOFINSIDERSANDNARROWINTERESTGROUPS 7EAREAvÀiiʓ>ÀŽiÌINWHICHPERSONS INDIVIDUALLYORCOLLECTIVELY HAVETHE NATURALRIGHTTOSELLGOODSANDSERVICESTOWILLINGBUYERS ANDINWHICHTHE INDIVIDUALPURSUITOFECONOMICOPPORTUNITYBENElTSALL !NDWEAREAvÀiiÊÜVˆiÌÞWHERECITIZENSSOLVESOCIALPROBLEMSNOTONLYTHROUGH GOVERNMENTBUTALSOBYWORKINGTOGETHERINFAMILIES NEIGHBORHOODS CHURCHES CHARITIES ANDOTHERPRIVATE VOLUNTARYORGANIZATIONS &ORMOREINFORMATION CONTACT / iÊœ ˜ÊœVŽiʜ՘`>̈œ˜ 7EST-ORGAN3T 2ALEIGH .# \ehj^[jhkj^CALLUSAT ORVISITUSAT WWW*OHN,OCKEORG November 2007 CAROLINA 12 Higher Education JOURNAL Campus Briefs Looking for balance

• Recently, the NCSU Stu- dent Senate drafted a proposal UNC-CH Wants Moeser Successor By June recommending which campus enti- By JAY SCHALIN ties should receive fee increases for tion speech, Moeser said that National passages from the Muslim holy book, the 2008-2009 academic year. The Contributing Editor Institutes of Health funds, which have was considered overly sympathetic to proposal was based on a student CHAPEL HILL accounted for more than half of all Islam, as it omitted many passages from referendum Oct. 1. Yet the student he resignation of UNC-Chapel research funding in recent years, were the Qu’ran that present a grimmer ver- recommendations might fall on Hill Chancellor James Moeser was “drying up.” The volatility of research sion of Islam. Offended students filed a deaf ears, should the UNC Board not entirely unexpected. Seem- funding suggests that over-reliance on lawsuit against the school. Undeterred, Tingly within minutes of his announced research grants could make expansion Moeser not only supported the choice of Governors decide to ignore them again. Last year, students’ objec- retirement during his 2007 State of the a costly extravagance, with taxpayers of this book but led a classroom discus- tions to the fee-based funding of University Address, a 19-member search footing the bill. sion of it. a campus Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, committee for his replacement was Moeser was the driving force be- Some heralded Moeser as a and Transgender Center were formed, and a promise was made to have hind UNC-CH’s innovative Carolina champion of academic freedom; oth- rebuffed. A package of reforms to a successor Covenant scholarships, which assure ers viewed his actions as supporting a the UNC Code in 2003 provided by the time that low-income students can complete rosy and unrealistic view of Islam that for the establishment of Fee Review he leaves at their degrees debt-free, largely through was inappropriate following the Sept. Committees, with requirements the end of federally funded work-study programs. 11 destruction performed in the name that they include students. Even June 2008. The program has been copied by more of Islam. after the so-called reforms, how- Moes- than 40 universities. While Moeser re- The Qu’ran incident illustrates ever, the trustees and the Board of er’s replace- ceived considerable acclaim for making what is perhaps a more fundamental Governors still reserved the right ment will a college education more accessible for characteristic of Moeser’s reign — his to deny student or administrative h a v e b i g some, he was also instrumental in an failure to challenge, or even acknowl- recommendations. shoes to fill, unsuccessful attempt to raise tuition for edge, what many see as an increasingly for the cur- most students, with the goal of increas- left-wing or radicalized faculty. rent chan- ing faculty compensation. As many articles have illustrated, a • First they banned smoking cellor left a More successful was his promotion number of UNC-Chapel Hill faculty dis- in classrooms and administrative large foot- of a state law that allows scholarship parage American society and its philo- buildings. Then, in 2004, they print on the UNC-Chapel Hill Chan- students from outside the state to pay sophical underpinnings. Some students cellor James Moeser banned smoking in residence halls Chapel Hill only in-state tuition. This provides an even complain of being penalized for and their outdoor breezeways. And landscape. enormous break for scholarship donors, expressing conservative viewpoints. again, earlier this year, they banned Moeser’s robust leadership was praised shifting the extra costs onto taxpayers. No administrator can serve the smoking in outdoor areas near by students, officials, and the media, yet A key lobbyist for this benefit was a needs of all constituencies equally. The medical school and throughout the his years at the helm were not without well-funded political action commit- selection committee has the opportunity health affairs campus buildings. controversy, and his vision for the fu- tee, Citizens for Higher Education, one to provide balance to the policies of the Now, UNC-Chapel Hill officials ture of the university was not shared of whose members, Nelson Schwab, is last seven years. This balance could be are planning to prohibit smoking by all. now the head of the search committee largely accomplished by choosing a new within 100 feet of any facility on or Moeser’s resignation gives UNC that will seek Moeser’s successor. chancellor likely to put the educational off the main campus. That won’t President Erskine Bowles and the Board Moeser also gained the national experience of undergraduates and the leave much, except for athletic of Governors a chance to consider spotlight for his approval of a controver- concerns of taxpayers at the center of fields and large parking lots. The whether the future of UNC-Chapel Hill sial choice for the school’s summer read- his or her strategic plans. CJ proposed policy effectively outlaws will be to follow the path set by Moeser’s ing program. In 2002, with tensions still the designated smoking area. This administration or to move in a different heightened by the World Trade Center latest likely encroachment on indi- direction. Moeser’s administration was catastrophe, the school required incom- viduals’ rights, which could take successful in a number of ways, but some ing freshmen to read Approaching the Jay Shalin is a writer and researcher effect early in 2008, is a response of his policies might not be sustainable, Qu’ran: The Early Revelations, by Michael for the John William Pope Center for Higher to a law enacted by the General and the critical issue of undergraduate Sells. This book, which featured selected Education Policy in Raleigh. Assembly this summer that em- education seemed of secondary impor- powers localities to set up 100-foot tance. non-smoking buffers. The UNC Fund-raising is often a chancellor’s system will let individual campus- first priority, and Moeser was a star, rais- New report from Pope Center: es decide whether to join the ban. ing about $2.2 billion during his seven years in office. While he was gifted at attracting contributions, he was equally • Lesbians, gays, bisexuals “To Be or Not To Be: quick to spend, committing the univer- and trans-gendered individuals sity to an aggressive building program (LGBT) from across the state gath- Shakespeare in the totaling $2.1 billion. ered on the Duke campus Oct. 3 This building program is not just to discuss the best ways to further English Department” adding six million square feet to the their political agenda. The one-day main campus. The university is also strategy session was called the 2007 by Amanda Anderson and Jane S. Shaw Equality Conference and Gala. contributing to the research campus at Along with keynote speeches, Kannapolis, orchestrated by entrepre- breakout sessions for brainstorm- neur David Murdock. Moeser has also ing, and opportunities for network- promoted the Carolina North campus, To receive your copy, call the Pope Center ing, House Speaker Joe Hackney an expansion of the Chapel Hill campus at 919.532.3600 or download from our Web intended for research. The initial cost presented the first Equality North site popecenter.org Carolina Award for Legislative estimate of the infrastructure alone for Leadership to Rep. Rick Glazier. the 900-acre tract is $220 million. Trust- Featured guests also included Ala- ees anticipate that the state will pick up bama Rep. Patricia Todd and Neil most of the cost. Visit the Pope Giuliano, president of the Gay and While the university’s grants and Center online at contracts for research total $610 million Looking out for today’s college students Lesbian Alliance Against Defama- popecenter.org tion (GLAAD). CJ after doubling over the last decade, much of the income for research comes from government sources. In his resigna- CAROLINA November 2007 JOURNAL Higher Education 13 Marx, Mao, and Mischief at UNC Commentary

By JAY SCHALIN interpretation” is unmasked. Contributing Editor At least 22 of the 40 selections Insights from the Past RALEIGH were written by individuals with con- laims that professors use their nections to a publication called Monthly ondering what makes an edu- romantic self-actualization notions classroom positions to indoctri- Review, including Moore himself. The cated citizen is as old as the of progressive education. nate rather than educate their publication’s editorial slant is Marxist, ancient Greeks and as recent What was lost amid this Cstudents crop up frequently in today’s with strong Maoist inclinations. Several Pas the meeting of the University of supposed progress was the idea polarized political climate. contributors to the list of recommended UNC Board of Governors Oct. 11. that education should include the A monthlong course taught at readings in “Geographic Issues” served Responding to a request by inculcation of virtue. Past thinkers UNC-Chapel Hill by instructor Jason as the chief editors of the journal, includ- Board of Governors Chairman engaged in lively conversations Moore in May 2007 called “Geographical ing Harry Magdoff. Magdoff openly de- Jim Phillips, officials from three about how to teach virtue and Issues in the Developing World” appears clared the publication’s Maoist tenden- UNC campuses told the ethics — and differed to be a perfect example. Moore was con- cies in an interview in the May 1999 issue: board how they updated over how to teach them tacted but declined to comment. “Oh, there was a Maoist component. The course catalogue description There’s no question about it. There were their general education to unruly, passionate, indicates that things that Mao said that we felt were requirements. These are and headstrong youth. “Geographical major contributions to Marxist theory the courses that students Isocrates, an Athenian Analysis Issues” focuses and to understanding of the problems take to develop the of the fourth cen- on three themes. of the third world, to this day.” “whole person” (using tury B.C., was dubious The first is about population trends, Moore assigned three of his own the university’s termi- about the intellectual including growth, health, and migra- articles. In one, he alludes to the theme nology). advances of his day, tion patterns. The second concerns the that dominates much of his work: “I Don’t think that such as geometry and sustenance of populations, including show that Wallerstein’s socio-ecological UNC campuses have a Jane astronomy, but he said water supplies and the transition from insights, coupled with Marx’s ecological core or common cur- Shaw that “at any rate it keeps self-sufficient communities to advanced critique of capitalism, prove enormously riculum to which all the young out of many market economies. useful for rethink- students are exposed, other things which are The third involves ing environmental however. UNC-Chapel Hill stu- harmful.” issues concerning transformations in dents have 2,000 courses from These days, educators do not urbanization and “Oh, there was a Maoist world-historical which they can choose their “gen allow the “wisdom of the past to sit poverty. There’s no perspective.” ed” classes. At N. C. State students in judgment on our own prejudices hint of any politi- component. There’s no A n o t h e r can adopt “thematic tracks” such and activities,” Gamble says in The cal orientation or question about it.” contributor to as environmentalism or follow one Great Tradition. Past writings are agenda. Moore’s reading of six interdisciplinary programs to preserved only because they give O n c e y o u Harry Magdoff list is Canadian meet the requirements. Fayetteville “a prophetic glimpse of Bacon or read the syllabus, Monthly Review editor author and activ- State is more focused on specific Rousseau or Dewey.” (Today’s eth- however, it be- ist Naomi Klein. outcomes — what should gradu- ics classes in business schools rep- comes clear that Her speech “Re- ates “know and be able to do.” resent a Johnny-come-lately effort the course is not claiming the Com- These ways of developing the to restore some of the education in about the study of geography as an ob- mons” appears to have little to do with whole person might have merit, but virtue that was once pervasive.) jective social science. Instead, it seems the objective study of geography. “The they are a far cry from the tradition What is left, besides imparting intended to plant seeds of doubt about, local movements fighting privatization of liberal learning (an earlier term a trendy set of beliefs without any or even hostility to, free markets, inter- and deregulation need to link their cam- for “developing the whole person”) firm grounding in the past, is vo- national trade, and the United States. paigns into one global movement…” she that underlay the creation of the cational training. Today’s colleges The revealing phrase in the sylla- implored her audience. “This movement University of North Carolina and are now job-oriented, with majors bus is Moore’s stated intention to teach we conjure goes by many names: anti- many other American universities. from interior design to golf course the course from “one interpretation” corporate, anti-capitalist, anti-free-trade, One scholar who regrets management. only, without naming that interpreta- anti imperialist.” the loss of traditional learning is Gamble opposes this overrid- tion. He suggests that the interpretation Also of dubious value to geogra- Hillsdale College historian Rich- ing emphasis on the “usefulness” of has “five themes.” Not only is there no phy students is the 1966 revolutionary ard Gamble. He has just compiled education — a theme that perme- direct correspondence between the three manifesto, the “Black Panther Party a 658-page collection of readings ates the deliberations of the educa- themes in the catalogue and the five in Platform: What We Want and What about what students should learn tion establishment, whether at a the syllabus, but the two descriptions We Believe,” with its 10-point list of to become more complete citizens. Board of Governors meeting or in sound as though they’re for different demands. Among the demands were: The Great Tradition courses: one an objective course on “We want an end to the robbery by Called , the book the UNC Tomorrow Commission’s geography and the other one an overtly capitalists of our Black Community….” starts with Plato and ends with Eric discussions of the future of the political, interdisciplinary course mixing “We want education for our people that Voegelin, a 20th century political university. When asked about how elements of history, economics, political exposes the true nature of this decadent philosopher. to balance preparation for 21st theory, and geography. American society….” Gamble was inspired to write century jobs with finding time for First among these five themes is The preceding examples are rep- this book by teaching students in reading ancient works, Gamble the concept that “national societies do resentative of the ideas to which Moore Great Books classes at Palm Beach says students will always learn not ‘develop’ but only become richer exposed his class. It is unlikely that North Atlantic College. He observed that their professions through on-the- or poorer within the modern world Carolina’s citizens desire this manner modern education teaches young job training. system.” This suggests that economic of indoctrination when they send their people that the past is merely a The four years of college development is a zero-sum game, with children away to be educated. It is also prelude to a “modern” or “progres- should be primarily about some- wealthy nations taking an undue share probable that students who sign up for sive” future. Ancient and medieval thing grander, he said — not just at the expense of lesser nations. geography courses are not seeking a writers are neglected or dispar- how to work, but what kind of per- Another theme is about inequality philosophical makeover that will place aged because they view the “whole son to be. That is liberal learning, within countries, particularly the United them at odds with their families, friends, person” as having a soul that needs viewed through the wisdom of the States. This entails examining “the rela- and future employers. CJ nurturing. Belief in the soul and ages. CJ tions…that create wealth and poverty,” reliance on heroic models to guide including “imperialism, neoliberalism, education were weakened by the Jane S. Shaw is executive vice capitalism.” Jay Schalin is a writer and researcher rationalistic Enlightenment and, president of the John William Pope The syllabus included a reading list for the John William Pope Center for Higher more recently, discarded by the Center for Higher Education Policy. of 40 selections, whereby Moore’s “one Education Policy in Raleigh. November 2007 CAROLINA 14 Higher Education JOURNAL Bats in the Belltower UNC System One Step Closer A Victory for Free Speech To New Admission Standards

reedom of speech has re- conduct would constitute a ‘threat’ to By JANE S. SHAW Bowles said that before he arrived turned to Fayetteville State an individual’s academic efforts.” Contributing Editor the Board of Governors had “opened University, thanks to school RALEIGH the doors” to unqualified students. Fofficials’ decision to drop an explic- • “Moreover, it is clear that the he University of North Carolina “But they didn’t get support, and they itly unconstitutional speech code. fact that a statement may victimize or moved a step closer to setting flunked out,” he said, adding that it was This change represents a victory stigmatize an individual does not, in systemwide minimum admission “a really bad deal” for both the students for liberty, for students, and for the and of itself, strip it of protection under Tstandards at the Board of Governors and taxpayers. advocates of true liberalism on col- the accepted First Amendment tests.” meeting Oct. 11. Bowles also indicated that the lege campuses, which include the Speaking at a policy session, Har- minimum standard would direct more Pope Center for Higher Education • “The terms of the Policy were old Martin, senior vice president for high school graduates to community Policy and the Founda- so vague that its enforce- academic affairs, proposed to the board colleges instead of four-year institutions. tion for Individual Rights ment would violate the the following minimum criteria for en- He promised, as he has implied before, in Education (FIRE). due process clause.” tering freshmen in 2013: a 2.5 grade point that at the next legislative session he will In January 2006, average in high school and a minimum support additional funding for commu- the Pope Center and Enforcing a vague SAT score of 800 nity colleges. FIRE worked together speech code is no small (out of 1600 total) The effects to produce “The State matter on a univer- or ACT score of 17 on the students of the First Amendment sity campus, where the (out of 35). UNC President Erskine who might fail to in the University of interpretation of threats Today, al- Bowles stressed that meet the proposed North Carolina System” can be heavily politi- though each uni- standards were (http://popecenter.org/ Jon cized. versity campus sets the minimum standards also explored. inquiry_papers/article. Sanders Consider a current its own admission C h a r l i e html?id=1659), which case that FIRE is work- standards, there would be “a plus for the Nelms, the new looked at individual ing on. is no statewide c h a n c e l l o r o f UNC policies in light of their consti- At Hamline University in requirement, and university and a plus for North Carolina tutionality and found several lack- Minnesota, shortly after the Virginia some campuses the kids.” Central Univer- ing. Among them was Fayetteville Tech massacre, university adminis- in the UNC sys- sity, which will in- State’s Code of Student Conduct’s trators sent e-mail messages to the tem have none. If stitute a minimum definition of proscribed “racial entire campus community discuss- approved by the standard starting harassment”: ing the tragedy. Board of Governors in January, initial next fall, said that in his experience A student, Troy Scheffler, standards would start in the fall of 2009 people do meet standards once they [V]erbal or physical behavior that responded by saying university with a 2.0 GPA and 700 SAT or 15 ACT, learn what they are. He also noted that stigmatizes or victimizes an individual officials should “reconsider [their] and increase incrementally until the 2013 “the best predictor of future success is on the basis of race and involves an ban on conceal carry law abiding levels are achieved. Martin added that a student’s grade in algebra.” Patricia express or implied threat to another gun owners” in order to protect stu- the chancellor would always have the A. Sullivan, chancellor of UNC-Greens- person’s academic pursuits or partici- dents from being defenseless before right to waive requirements for a maxi- boro, indicated that admission officers pation in activities sponsored by the a Columbine-inspired killer, noting, mum of 1 percent of students. at Greensboro can predict how well a University or organizations or groups as many commentators and even The initial impact on applicants student will do often simply by knowing related to the University. Such behavior Virginia Tech students had said, might be small. If the 2013 standards which high school the student gradu- may also create an intimidating, hostile that VT had had a gun ban in place were in place today, said Martin, only 675 ated from. or demeaning environment for such at the time of the massacre. of the freshmen applicants for entrance Their comments led to a discussion academic pursuits or participation. For that, Scheffler was sus- in the fall of 2006, out of a total of more of how high schools’ performance in pended and told to undergo a than 77,000 applicants, would have been preparing students for college is mea- As the Pope Center and FIRE psychological examination before refused admission. sured. When a governor asked whether showed, such a policy relied on returning. Martin’s presentation evoked the federal No Child Left Behind law vague, imprecise language entirely That was at a university questions and spirited commentary. is improving high school preparation, too dependent upon interpreta- whose policies explicitly guaran- For example, the audience perceived a Bowles said the information would be tion, nor did it even require that the teed that students were “free to seeming anomaly in statistics gathered easily obtained by comparing the results behavior be deemed threatening by examine and discuss all questions by the UNC General Administration on of NCLB tests with information available a reasonable individual. of interest to them and to express graduation rates: Students having less about the performance of high school FSU should have known bet- opinions publicly or privately”! than a C average in high school, but an graduates. ter, according to the report, because The new code at FSU bans SAT score of at least 700, performed Martin said that the UNC General a speech code at the University true harassment (which is not better in college than those with a C Administration tracks every high school of Michigan, featuring the same protected speech), defining racial average or just slightly above, also with graduate in the state who attends a UNC wording used by FSU, had already harassment as “verbal or physical SAT scores greater than 700. Martin campus. He also noted that the univer- been struck down in federal court behavior on the basis of race that is explained that one reason is that many sity sends this information annually to in 1989. so severe, pervasive, and objective- students in the lowest category are ath- every school district in the state. Thus, Granted, that decision ly offensive that it bars the victim’s letes who get special academic guidance the school districts know exactly how — Doe v. University of Michigan, access to an educational opportu- and support. well they are preparing their graduates 721 F. Supp. 852 (E.D. Mich. 1989) nity or benefit or alters the condi- UNC President Erskine Bowles for UNC. — would not be legally binding on tions of the victim’s employment stressed that the minimum standards The fact that this rich source of FSU, but it did indicate how the and creates an abusive working would be “a plus for the university and assessment information is not widely courts would likely have viewed environment.” a plus for the kids.” They would initially publicized induced observations of FSU’s code had it been challenged. Congratulations to FSU for affect the institutions that do not now surprise by the governors. One said When FIRE named FSU’s policy its doing the right thing. CJ have a minimum admission standard. that it should be labeled a “secret,” in “speech code of the month” in Janu- These schools are primarily historically order to stir up publicity about it. CJ ary 2007, it included several quotes black colleges that have low gradua- from the 1989 decision: tion rates. They have been designated Jon Sanders is research editor for “focused growth campuses” because Jane S. Shaw is the executive vice • “It is not clear what kind of the John Locke Foundation. they have received special incentives president of the John William Pope Center to increase enrollment. for Higher Education Policy in Raleigh. CAROLINA November 2007 JOURNAL Higher Education 15 Opinion A Conservative Student’s Rude Awakening at UNC-Chapel Hill

By ALYN BERRY ure out why I was words, but occa- bias that I experienced in my three CHAPEL HILL earning such poor sionally my gradu- years at Carolina (I graduated a year ike most prospective college grades. As a mere ate student instruc- early), but there were countless es- students, I expected to “find freshman, I con- tor would scribble says, papers, and exams where my myself” in college. I didn’t have cluded that college “that’s not really conservative ideas were under severe La clear idea of what that meant at the must have been true” on my paper. scrutiny. A noticeably higher standard time, but having been politically ac- more difficult than It didn’t bother me was applied to conservative ideas tive in high school, I wanted college I’d imagined and that my instructor than to liberal ones. In academia, to challenge my principles and make that I was simply disagreed with me conservative ideas are presumed to be me defend them. I hoped I would take not working hard — he’s certainly untrue until you prove them, while classes with professors who would enough. entitled to his own liberal ideas are presumed to be true make me re-examine my perspective One day after class, a fellow beliefs — but it did bother me that until disproven. In most cases, the on the world. classmate approached me in the eleva- my grades reflected our ideological grade differences would be small, I went to the University of North tor; she said, as I recall it, “From our disagreements. maybe a B-plus instead of an A-mi- Carolina at Chapel Hill. Although class discussions, I get the feeling that I knew better than to go to office nus. You can’t reasonably argue with a UNC is highly respected in this state we have some of the same ideas. You hours and accuse my instructor of ide- professor for such a small difference in and others, many native North Caro- know, conserva- ological discrimi- grades, and most students don’t. This linians jokingly insist that Chapel Hill tive ideas. How nation. Instead, difference may seem insignificant, but is not a part of our state. Some call are your grades In academia, conserva- I experimented. these slightly lower grades accumu- it the “People’s Republic of Cha- on these papers? My papers in the late over the course of a semester, or pel Hill,” poking fun at this college Mine are terrible. tive ideas are presumed next few weeks even a college career. town’s liberal reputation. Despite this, Do you think our were bad, but It is still entirely possible for a I packed my bags and moved my life low grades have to be untrue until you the grades were student with conservative views to do just an hour down the road — but a something to good. Instead of well at UNC, but it is definitely more world away. do with being a prove them, while liberal offering seri- difficult to have your ideas graded on I was able to accept my liberal conservative?” I ideas are presumed to ous solutions to their merits, not on the opinion of the roommate from San Francisco, the hadn’t ever con- problems such as professor. While I truly believe most protests in “the Pit,” and the home- sidered that I was be true until disproven. poverty, educa- professors have no agenda, their per- less men on Franklin Street. What being punished tion, and the sonal beliefs do affect the difference bothered me was what was happening for my conserva- environment, I between that B-plus and an A-minus. in the classroom. My ideas were not tism because up until that point in my personally attacked President Bush By no means do I blame every bad being “challenged” as I had imagined; life, everyone had always encouraged and bashed the “greedy conserva- grade I got at UNC on liberal profes- instead, they were being attacked me to freely explore ideas and come to tives” in Congress. My shift from sors. Admittedly, most of them were head-on. my own conclusions. analytical, yet conservative, papers to my fault — but some of them were My first semester at UNC, I took My classmate had sparked my rash and political ones earned me B’s not. CJ a history course in which I was asked curiosity, so I went home and looked and even a couple of A’s, instead of to write weekly short papers compar- over my papers. To my amazement, the C’s I had been getting. This change ing our readings with current events nearly every even remotely conser- was both shocking and disheartening. Alyn Berry, a 2007 graduate of and sometimes offering policy sugges- vative statement I had made in my I realized that college, which is often the University of North Carolina at tions. Week after week, I was dis- papers was covered in red. My ideas thought to be a place of free inquiry, Chapel Hill, lives in Kernersville. Before couraged when I would get back my about free markets, deregulation, and was going to be much more restrictive graduating, she served as an intern at the grades: C, C+, D+, and so they went. I individualism had all been crossed than I had thought. John Locke Foundation. This article was always did my readings and worked out, circled, or struck through. These That history course was the published in The Chapel Hill Herald on hard on my papers, and I couldn’t fig- marks were rarely accompanied by most extreme example of classroom Aug. 21, 2007.

Concerned About Higher Education in North Carolina? So Are We!

The John William Pope Center for Higher Education Policy online carries up-to-date higher education news coverage and research on North Carolina universities.

popecenter.org Visit the Pope Center online at Looking out for today’s college students. popecenter.org November 2007 CAROLINA 16 Local Government JOURNAL Town and County Courts Clarify Traffic-Stop Constitutionality Durham reclaimed water By MICHAEL LOWREY Associate Editor Durham County is aiming to RALEIGH establish a separate water distribu- he state’s second highest court tion system for water industrial has held that a traffic stop based and irrigation uses. The idea is to upon an officer’s mistaken belief take treated wastewater that would Tthat someone is speeding is unconstitu- otherwise be discharged back into tional and that evidence of other crimes Jordan Lake and instead sell it at obtained during the stop cannot be a lower cost for uses that don’t admitted as evidence at trial. require potable water. Such water The ruling comes in a case from is referred to as being “reclaimed” Hyde County and is one of two cases or “reused.” the N.C. Court of Appeals recently de- As an additional benefit, a cided challenging the constitutionality reclaimed water system reduces of traffic stops. phosphorous and nitrogen dis- Deputy Matthew Shane Bryan charges, which are associated with spotted a sports utility vehicle going algae growth. around a curve on Ocracoke Island at “In a time of drought, this about 30 mph. Believing that the speed provides opportunity for signifi- limit was 20 mph on that stretch of road, cant conservation,” Ellen Reckhow, the officer pulled the vehicle over. Bryan chairwoman of the Durham County issued the driver, William McLamb, a Commissioners, said to the Durham After a recent ruling by the N.C. Supreme Court, police need to be sure a motorist is speed- warning ticket for speeding and arrested ing before pulling them over for exceeding the speed limit. (File photo) Herald-Sun. “We’re cooperating with him for driving while impaired. some other jurisdictions, and this is At trial, McLamb moved to sup- curred, the potential for abuse of traffic William C. Griffin, Jr. ruled, however, a really exciting project.” press the results of the stop, arguing that infractions as pretext for effecting stops that she couldn’t do so because she The other jurisdictions are Bryan had no legal basis for pulling him seems boundless and the costs to privacy had not been stopped at the actual Wake County and Cary, which have over. Critically, though Bryan thought rights excessive.” checkpoint. already committed to a reclaimed the speed limit was 20, it really was 55. The N.C. Court of Appeals was per- Haislip challenged Griffin’s ruling water system. The three localities After Judge William C. Griffin, Jr. ruled suaded by the logic of these rulings. and her DWI conviction before the N.C. are determining how to share the in McLamb’s favor, the state brought the “Based upon Whren, Ivey, and Court of Appeals. construction and operating costs case before the Court of Appeals. the reasoning of the many cases cited “In this case, according to his un- associated with operating a linked “The question presented for our from the Federal Courts of Appeals, disputed testimony, Lascallette stopped system. review is whether a mistaken belief by we conclude that the legal justification Defendant “pursuant to . . . the check- Durham County could start a law enforcement officer that a defen- for Deputy Bryan’s stop of defendant’s point plan,” not “in light of and pursu- selling reclaimed water as early as dant has violated the speed limit can vehicle was not objectively reasonable,” ant to the totality of the circumstances,” next year. constitutionally support a stop of the Steelman wrote. “Whether the legal Judge Linda Stephens wrote for the “We’ve had conversations vehicle,” Judge Sanford Steelman said justification for Deputy Bryan’s traffic appeals court. with several potential customers,” for the Court of Appeals. The appeals stop was subjectively reasonable is ir- “He did not stop her because she Durham County Engineer Glen court held that it could not. relevant.” turned across the center turn lane, be- Whisler said. “Possibly there’s Last year, the N.C. Supreme Court “Because the legal justification cause of how she drove down Dudley’s more interest than we can meet the ruled in State v. Ivey on whether failing for this traffic stop was not objectively Grant, or because of the manner in which demand for.” to use a turn signal was enough to allow reasonable, we hold that the stop vio- she exited her vehicle. He stopped her for a traffic stop. It held: lated defendant’s Fourth Amendment based on the systematic plan of the In examining the legality of a rights.” checkpoint. It necessarily follows, and Franklin water policy traffic stop, the proper inquiry is not A different three-judge panel of the we so hold, that when a defendant is the subjective reasoning of the officer, Court of Appeals ruled Oct. 2 in another stopped pursuant to a checkpoint plan, Franklin County is facing dif- but whether the objective facts support case concerning the constitutionality of a defendant has standing to challenge ferent issues with its water system, a finding that probable cause existed a traffic stop. the constitutionality of the plan by which The News & Observer of Raleigh to stop the defendant. Probable cause On the evening of Feb. 2, 2005, she was ‘snared.’” reports. It’s struggling with having exists when there is a fair probability Greenville Police Department patrol In reaching this conclusion, the too few paying water customers. To or substantial chance a crime has been officers Lascallette and Webb discussed appeals court specifically rejected the address the problem, the county has committed and that the defendant com- the possibility of setting up a “driver’s state’s argument that a N.C. Supreme banned additional neighborhoods mitted it. Thus, the United States and license checkpoint” at about 2:30 a.m. on Court decision in 2004 should control the from connecting to the system until North Carolina Constitutions require an Firetower Road. As Lascallette testified outcome of the case. In State v. Mitchell, next summer. officer who makes a seizure on the basis in court, he “didn’t think it was a very the high court held “that it is error to Franklin County’s water and of a perceived traffic violation to have effective spot, but it served the purpose analyze the stop and arrest of someone sewer system actually produces little probable cause to believe the driver’s — it kept us gainfully employed.” eluding a checkpoint in terms of the of its own drinking water. Instead, actions violated a motor vehicle law. While Webb and a third officer legality of the checkpoint.” The Court the county buys water from nearby Finding that the failure to use a handled the checkpoint proper, Lascal- of Appeals noted that Mitchell was a towns and resells it. The system has turn signal in that case did not violate lette positioned his car to chase down case about a driver running through a spent heavily in recent years on in- the law, the Supreme Court ruled that vehicles that tried to evade the check- roadblock. frastructure improvements to allow the officer in Ivey did not have probable point. One possible way to do so was to The appeals court sent the case it to serve a greater area. cause to conduct the stop, and thus the turn on to a side road 400 to 500 yards back to Superior Court for a determi- The problem for the county stop violated the Fourth Amendment of from the checkpoint called Dudley’s nation of the constitutionality of the is that its heavy spending hasn’t the U.S. Constitution and that evidence Grant Drive. checkpoint. triggered a proportionate increase obtained must be suppressed. When a car driven by Shannon N.C. Court of Appeals rulings in revenue. It has authorized a num- A number of federal appeals courts Haislip turned onto Dudley’s Grant, are controlling interpretations of state ber of residential developments to have come to the same conclusion. The Lascallette proceeded to stop it. Lascal- law that the state’s trial courts are obli- connect to its system that haven’t Fifth Circuit, for example, has held that lette arrested Haislip for driving while gated to follow unless overruled by the been built as fast as anticipated. The “[I]f officers are allowed to stop vehicles impaired. N.C. Supreme Court or U.S. Supreme county has only 2,500 customers to based upon their subjective belief that At trial, Haislip said he sought Court. finance $19 million in debt issued traffic laws have been violated even to contest the constitutionality of the The cases are State v. McLamb (06- to upgrade the system. CJ where no such violation has, in fact, oc- checkpoint plan. Superior Court Judge 1319) and State v. Haislip (06-1488). CJ CAROLINA November 2007 JOURNAL Local Government 17 Water an Emotional Subject, Commentary Especially During Its Scarcity Stop Wasteful Spending

By SAM A. HIEB effect on Reidsville’s wastewater treat- n all likelihood this column Interestingly, that growth is Contributing Editor ment plant operations,” Festerman will generate some gratuitous not unlike the way bonds were de- GREENSBORO wrote. hate mail. Whenever arguments signed to work. You don’t have to ater is a very emotional sub- Bluegreen, a Florida-based devel- Iare posed counter to the “growth pay for the new school immediately. ject for a lot of people,” N.C. opment company, is being represented doesn’t pay for itself” religious You finance it over time so that the Department of Environment by lawyer Henry Isaacson, who said movement, anger erupts. Nonethe- growth in the tax base helps to pay Wand Natural Resources section chief Tom state regulations will protect the envi- less, those arguments need to be off the bond. As the new students Fransen said in July. A battle brewing ronment surrounding the development made because the public’s accep- come into the system and their in Guilford County over water, land, and the park. Officials with DENR did tance of annual tax increases “for families begin to pay taxes, the tax and suburban development confirms not know of any water permits for the children” has withered. base grows and the tax impact gets Fransen’s words. which Bluegreen had Researchers at spread across a larger County commis- applied. the John Locke Foun- section of the commu- sioners in December But considering dation have been nity. are scheduled to hear a the expense involved studying many county The same occurs controversial rezoning in applying for per- budgets as the state with other aspects of lo- request by Bluegreen mits, not to mention geared up for numer- cal government like fire Development Corp. to the expense Bluegreen ous potential sales and and police protection. build a 700-home golf has already incurred in land transfer tax ballot The 1,000 new home course development on preparing for the devel- initiatives. In almost development doesn’t 700 acres adjacent to the opment, the company every instance, it was have 1,000 new homes Haw River State Park. appears confident the found that taxes at the for years. As such, One issue is the devel- state will sign off. local level are growing police and fire protection opment’s plans to draw As for the land faster than inflation needs grow only as the 100,000 gallons of water adjacent to the park, and population growth community grows and peer day from the Haw Bluegreen has offered combined. The short the tax base to pay them River. Another issue is up a 100-acre buffer version of this is that spending is grows as well. that the development on the park’s northern growing faster than incomes across The real problem is that local would limit expansion side as well as a 50-acre the state. governments are rarely held to ac- of the park. buffer on its eastern Currently, more than two count for their wasteful spending as Commissioners side. dozen counties have pushed for it’s simply more popular to lament were scheduled to hear Randal O’Toole, new sales taxes or land transfer that growth doesn’t pay for itself the case in October, but Bluegreen re- a scholar with the Cato Institute who taxes even though they are gaining even as equestrian centers, senior quested a delay. In the meantime, the specializes in land-use issues, said in at least $500,000 in new revenue centers, pools, golf courses, civic/ company has begun negotiating with an e-mail message that “50 acres really from the state as the “hold harm- convention centers and a myriad of the state on a possible purchase of the isn’t much — a 50-acre square is 1,475 less” component of the Medicaid nonessential government projects property at a fair market value of $12.4 feet on each side. But why do they need relief bill. are funded and millions are given million. a buffer anyway? What did they think Having watched several local away in economic incentives and Jill Lucas, public information was going to happen to the land? That municipal debates this season, I donations to local charities. officer with the N.C. Department of it would be open space forever?” was struck by the preponderance In addition, local governments Administration, which is overseeing If the state is unable to broker a of candidates who previously had rarely look into getting more bang the negotiations, confirmed that a deal deal for the land, it will ultimately come begged for growth and supported for the tax dollar by competitively is in the works but that she couldn’t down to Guilford County commission- tax increases due to lack of growth sourcing what they do. Being re- comment otherwise. ers, who have supported other develop- now explaining that new taxes were sponsible with taxpayer money has If anything, the delay provides ments. They’ve recently approved two needed to pay for growth. With become the refuge of the unpopular more time for citizens and environmen- projects despite passionate protests from new developments comes the need conservative on the town or county tal groups against the development to residents claiming such developments for new schools, law enforcement, board. Asking tough questions and further influence county commissioners. would harm their health and their qual- fire protection, roads and water being frugal isn’t nearly as popular On the surface, public opinion appears ity of life. system capacity. Yes, those needs as saying we should preserve more to be against the development, which is In April, commissioners approved do come, more quickly in some open space (government-owned to be named Patriot’s Landing. The Triad a sports complex proposed by former areas than others, but it is always open space) or that a new walking Business Journal has editorialized against NFL star Ricky Proehl after nearby over time. trail would certainly be nice. the development, while the the News residents complained that the increased Looking forward we rarely In truth, it’s probably a bless- & Record of Greensboro has published noise, traffic, and light pollution would look at what happens to tax money ing that we don’t get all the govern- several editorials and letters to the editor disturb their neighborhood and lower used to pay off old debt from the ment we pay for, but we should at opposed to it. the value of their property. previous sewer, school or road least be asking serious questions Opponents have also started a Web Earlier this summer, Sharpe bonds. When that debt is paid, mu- when people try to tell us that site, Citizens for Haw River State Park, Brothers Co. proposed an asphalt plant nicipal officials tend to find other growth doesn’t pay for itself. to aid their cause, while two influential across Interstate 85 from a residential places to use the money that has People should stand toe to Greensboro blogs, “A Little Urbanity” neighborhood. little to do with growth and then toe and have leaders explain how and EdCone.com have spoken out in Residents presented studies show- laments that they need more money. spending tax money faster than support of the state park. ing emissions from the plant and in- Thus the seven-cent tax increase both inflation and population Reidsville officials also have creased truck traffic would pose grave you had to pay for the new middle growth isn’t enough. CJ spoken out against the development. danger. A member from an environmen- school or sewer system 20 years ago In September, Mayor James Festerman tal group presented a study showing that has now been paid off with no tax wrote a letter to both Guilford and Rock- residents downwind from a Salisbury relief. ingham county commissioners outlining asphalt plant suffered greater incidents A percentage of those new Chad Adams is the director of the the city’s opposition. of illness and death as a result. homes will go to existing homeown- Center for Local Innovation, vice president Reidsville disposes its wastewater After hearing residents emotion- ers moving into better homes. Thus for development for the John Locke Foun- into the river, and significant withdraw- ally state their case, commissioners the growth isn’t always staggering, dation, and a former vice chairman of the als, especially in the face of the drought, voted, 9-2, to allow the asphalt plant. it’s moderate and occurs over time. Lee County Board of Commissioners. “could have a devastating and costly Isaacson represented Sharpe Bros. CJ November 2007 CAROLINA 18 Local Government JOURNAL

Local Innovation Bulletin Board From Cherokee to Currituck Double Taxation for Police Transit Delusion and Reality esidents of the Mecklenburg sued Kevin Morse, who had managed County neighborhood of Shan- to rack up $2,300 in parking tickets in ransit spending McDonald’s alone cre- namara are paying property 2004 and 2005. At trial, Morse argued that has been waste- ates more than 38,660 Rtaxes twice for police protection. Under the city had waited too long to bring its ful and has failed jobs and about $752.4 N.C. law there doesn’t seem to be much lawsuit seeking to collect. State law gives Tto reduce traffic, says million in spending in the residents can do about it, The Charlotte localities one year to sue after assessing Wendell Cox, a visiting Los Angeles County. In Observer reports. a late fee unless a city adopts a different fellow of the Heritage addition, the business Most of Mecklenburg County is limit when it writes its parking regula- Foundation. The money makes a contribution part of Charlotte or another municipal- tions. Greensboro did not do so. instead should have of $20 million in taxes ity. The portions that aren’t, however, City attorneys argued unsuccess- been used to increase and licenses. are in a special service district that pays fully at trial that the unpaid tickets road construction. Others see the for police pro- amounted to The diversion of move as an intrusive tection from a debt from federal road user fees regulatory move with- the Charlotte- an implied to nonhighway projects out any boundary to Mecklenburg contract, and began in 1982. Since that the limits of govern- Police Depart- that as a result time, annual transit expenditures ment controls. “When you start re- ment. a three-year have doubled, after adjusting for stricting one type of business, what’s In De- time frame inflation. next?” said Kearsten Shepherd of the cember, the should apply. Fair value would have been for California Restaurant Association. town of Stall- Judge Mar- transit ridership to double, but today ings annexed garet Sharpe annual miles of travel by transit are one such previously unincorporated rejected the city’s arguments. The city is only 25 percent higher than in 1982. area, the Shannamara neighborhood. planning to challenge her ruling before Spending on transit by all levels of The call that can save a life With annexation came municipal police the N.C. Court of Appeals. government is at least $15 billion protection and associated taxes, pro- The case has implications beyond more per year than in 1982, more than Reluctance to call 911 could rated to the end of the fiscal year, June just parking tickets, as the same section twice the amount being diverted at make the difference between life and 30. Shannamara property owners had of state law also covers civil penalties the federal level from fuel taxes paid death for a victim of a heart attack, already paid for CMPD police protection from building or fire code violations, by motorists. The Wall Street Journal says. for the entire fiscal year. Mecklenburg noise violations, and illegal water use In every one of the nation’s Gender differences in calling for County officials contend their tax was violations. urban areas with a population of rescue services emerged in a recent legal — and residents are not due any A decision by the N.C. Court of more than one million, where more Minneapolis Heart Institute study. refund. Appeals would be a binding interpreta- than 90 percent of transit ridership According to its authors, 37 percent “No, we cannot legally refund tion of state law, applicable throughout occurs, road use increased per capita of men from rural communities ar- the Mecklenburg County police tax,” the state. and by no less than one-third. Peak- rived at a hospital in an ambulance, Mecklenburg Tax Assessor Garrett period traffic congestion rose by 250 compared with 49 percent of rural Alexander said. “It’s just one of those percent. women. things, I think.” Inlet-hazard area concerns This paltry performance does Urban men and women called Mecklenburg County officials note not mean that transit does not have 911 in equal percentages — 65 per- that the issue is Stallings’ fault, as it chose A major new concern is emerging a role. Transit does an efficient job of cent. to annex the neighborhood during the for beach property owners. The state is getting people to the largest down- Rural patients were treated six middle of the July 1-June 30 fiscal year. currently reviewing how it determines town areas in the nation. minutes sooner if they called 911. North Carolina law allows annexations inlet-hazard areas, the Wilmington Star- The problem is that, on average, Patients from urban areas got their to become effective at any time during News reports. 90 percent of jobs are not situated arteries opened 18 minutes faster the year, though most annexations occur Much larger hazard areas are likely downtown. when they called an ambulance, as at the beginning of a fiscal year. in the future, which will affect where Those 90 percent of employees opposed to driving. Double taxation for services and to what degree people are allowed are spread over an area more than Whatever the gender, the bigger has occurred before. In the 1980s, the to build or rebuild. 500 times as large as downtowns. issue is that only about half of people General Assembly passed legislation “If you look at problem areas The only real way to reduce traffic who suffered a heart attack decided to that allowed for the pro-rating of fire along our coast from severe erosion congestion is to provide more road- call 911, and that can have important protection charges under similar circum- and sandbags to threatened homes and way capacity. It’s either that, or watch consequences not only for survival, stances. The legislature did not extend infrastructure, you will find the vast traffic congestion worsen and suffer but also for long-term health. the provision to cover taxes for police majority are associated with inlets,” the economic losses. Up to 5 percent of patients go protection, however. said Courtney Hackney, chairman of into cardiac arrest en route to the “Unfortunately, they’re just stuck,” the N.C. Coastal Resources Commis- hospital. If not revived within two said David Lawrence, a public law and sion and a biologist at the University of minutes, odds of survival plummet. government professor at UNC-Chapel North Carolina- Wilmington. “But what The menu police of L.A. The faster a clot is cleared, the quicker Hill. “Maybe this would be an impetus we hadn’t been able to do until recently blood supply is restored to the heart to get something similar (passed) for is get the science to the point where we Fast-food restaurants in Los muscle. Faster treatment minimizes police.” were comfortable defining those new Angeles might soon have their privi- permanent damage, which can lead inlet-hazard zones.” leges revoked, if Councilwoman Jan to chronic heart failure. Larger inlet-hazard areas probably Perry’s proposal to put a two-year Heart experts and public-health Parking ticket challenge will be required. Possible regulations moratorium on new fast-food res- officials have long been stymied in associated with enlarged inlet-hazard taurants in her district becomes law, efforts to get people to pick up the A lawyer is challenging how zones include greater setback require- says ABC News. phone instead of their car keys when Greensboro collects parking ticket ments and size limits on structures. The But the plan to ban new fast- experiencing symptoms such as revenue. If the state’s appellate courts rules might make it impossible to rebuild food restaurants in parts of the city chest pain, sweating, and shortness uphold a district court judge ruling in in certain areas if a major storm should is getting mixed reviews. One of the of breath. the lawyer’s favor, the case could have strike the area. concerns is the potential negative Conventional wisdom is that serious implications for localities across Final regulations are still months economic effect. According to Mc- people balk at calling 911 because the state, the Greensboro News & Record from being approved and would Donald’s franchisee Lindsay Hughes, they’re in denial. CJ reports. come after several rounds of public This past summer, Greensboro hearings. CJ CAROLINA November 2007 JOURNAL Local Government 19 Forced-Annexation Residents Question Golf Course By KAREN WELSH nally built in the 1940s, because it was Contributing Editor outdated and was not originally built to LEXINGTON PGA standards. he grass isn’t always greener on “The 70-year-old greens affected the other side of the hill, leaving play and there was a decline in at- residents in Sapona angry over tendance,” he said. “It was outdated Tthe forced annexation they are trying to and was not originally built to PGA overturn with neighboring Lexington. standards. As a result, the attendance At the center of the conflict is the began to go down, and it cost the city Lexington Golf Club, a municipal golf money.” course that has lost more than $1 mil- He said a citizen’s action group was lion in the past seven years and was organized in 2001 to determine the fate of renovated in 2003 at an additional cost the Lexington Golf Club, and it decided of $1.9 million. that the course would be rebuilt with Sapona resident Keith Bost said the better greens and an assortment of tee city, with a population less than 20,000, boxes for all players, including women, doesn’t have the tax base to handle the children, and senior citizens. debt, so city officials are forcing annexa- However, now that the renovations tion on adjacent communities to help A page from from the Lexington Golf Club’s Web site touts expensive renovations and are complete, Carson said the golf course shows the green fees per round at the subsidized public course. pay for their mistakes. is starting to make money and is moving “Lexington picked a fight when in the vicinity, but not one of these people services, such as hiring more police of- along on a projected target of gains. He they started to annex us,” he said. live on the golf course.” ficers and filling potholes. said that the course has a high PGA rating “They are pleading poverty as their Bost said that if Lexington was in “Next, the city budget would be and that it is attracting more golfers and need to annex us, yet they just did a big financial trouble, the officials should increased by nearly $190,000 per year tournament play from outside the com- golf course renovation. This is a vanity have sold the golf course instead of try- because the city would no longer have munity. That translates to more money project, and if they have enough money ing to take over his community. to cover the golf course’s operating being spent at shops and restaurants for their vanity projects then they don’t “They need to quit asking the resi- deficit. That contribution to the city within the city, he said. “Outside players need to annex.” dents of Sapona to sacrifice, sacrifice, and budget would be even greater if the are becoming our staple,” he said. “They The mayor of Lexington, Richard sacrifice,” he said. “We have not been last two years’ average loss of $400,000 are helping to fill the void.” Thomas, and members of the city council asked if we want to be annexed. We are became a trend. Carson said rebuilding the golf own land on the golf course, Bost said, being told we will be annexed. We don’t “Finally, by transferring the land course was done with foresight and, once and the renovations raised their land want to be a part of Lexington city and to the private sector, the land would be the debt is paid off, the city is certain to values. “(The mayor and council) say we never did. The city has more negative returned to the tax rolls and the new reap the financial benefits for years to they renovated the golf course for the characteristics for us than benefits, and owners would pay taxes, boosting the come. “Looking back on it now, I can’t good of the people,” he said. “They will yet we will be forced to pay for the very city budget and perhaps preventing pick on anything that should have been deny it, but their property values went things we do not want, including a golf a future tax increase.” Although the done any differently,” he said. “Really, I up as a result.” course that most of us will never use.” Lexington City general fund is paying have no reservations.” Lexington Assistant City Manager Michael Sanera, research director a mortgage of more than $200,000 an- Bost said he’s not satisfied with Alan Carson denied that city officials and local government analyst for the nually for the golf course renovations, the actions of Lexington officials. “It live on the golf course. John Locke Foundation, agrees. Carson said play on the course has wouldn’t be so bad if the Lexington City “We don’t have a single council “Selling the golf course seems to steadily increased and the projected Council wasn’t wasting their money on member or the mayor that lived on the be the better option because it would earnings are on target. things like the golf course,” he said. “I golf course at the time of the renova- benefit Lexington taxpayers in three He also said that even though the believe they feel the tax money is there tions, nor at the present time who live on ways,” Sanera wrote in a recent report. golf course has lost money in the past, to support them and their spending the golf course,” he said. “One council “First, the city would gain funds from he defends the actions of city officials to habits. member lives in the area and a few live the sale that could be used for essential renovate the course, which was origi- They don’t have any ethics.” CJ

Since 1991, Carolina Journal has provided thousands of readers each month with in-depth reporting, informed analysis, and incisive commentary about the most pressing state and local issues in North Carolina. Now Carolina Journal has taken its trademark blend of news, analysis, and commentary to the airwaves with Carolina Journal Radio. A weekly, one-hour newsmagazine, Carolina Journal Radio is hosted by John Hood and Donna Martinez and features a diverse mix of guests and topics. The pro- gram is currently broadcast on 18 commercial stations – from the mountains to the coast. The Carolina Journal Radio Network includes these fine affiliates:

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From the Liberty Library Book review

• Countless busybodies across Corsi: U.S.’s National Sovereignty in Danger the nation are rolling up their sleeves to do the work of straightening out • Jerome R. Corsi: The Late Great USA: threat from China. He argues that “free your life, according to Denver Post The Coming Merger with Mexico and trade” agreements such as NAFTA have columnist David Harsanyi. Certain Canada; WND Books; 2007; 241 pp; $25.95 not been fair trade agreements and have Massachusetts towns have banned hardcover decidedly favored Chinese imports. school-yard tag. San Francisco has “With the advent of super corri- passed laws regulating the amount By DAVID N. BASS dors, the Chinese will circumvent expen- of water you should use in dog Contributing Editor sive U.S. labor unions by shipping their bowls. RALEIGH goods to Mexico, which will then travel The mayor of New York City iven the erosion of sovereignty by truck to the rest of North America,” has french fries and doughnuts in his and increasing emphasis on Corsi writes. He says China is heavily sights. In some parts of California, globalization in the West, the investing in Mexican ports in order to smoking is prohibited — outside. Gquestion is worth asking: Could a bring containers into the United States The government, under pressure governmental structure similar to the along the NAFTA superhighway. from the nanny minority, is twist- European Union be in store for North But what about news reports ing the public’s arm into obedience, America? Backed by copious amounts touting China as an emerging empire Harsanyi writes in Nanny State. of research, Jerome Corsi argues the of capitalism, sharing Western values Playground police, food fascists, answer to that question is yes in The of free enterprise? Don’t these changes anti-porn crusaders — whether Late Great USA: The Coming Merger with make China a worthy, or at least toler- they’re legislating morality or Mexico and Canada. able, trading partner? Not so, according wellbeing — nannies are popping The EU was born out of hopes to Corsi. “That China has combined up all over America. Learn more that a unified Europe would foster eco- profit with communism does not mean on the Web at www.randomhouse. nomic strength and end warfare that has that human rights are suddenly being com/broadway. plagued the continent for centuries. The “Our national sovereign- honored for its citizens,” Corsi says. movement progressed incrementally, “Religious and political persecutions beginning directly after World War II ty is in danger of being occur in China on a daily basis, even if • Look at the polls today and and culminating with the acceptance of you might think President Bush is the Euro among most member-nations in compromised in favor the government keeps them from the eye of the media.” a failure. The media is relentlessly 2002. Today, the EU comprises more than of an emerging regional hostile to him. His party lost both 25 nations, with more countries vying to Regardless of where one stands on houses of Congress in the 2006 elec- join. National sovereignty and political government, designed so-called free trade, how can the United tion. And yet his presidency could power are subordinated to decrees from States legitimately condemn the human be one of the most important in the real seats of power in Brussels and of the elite, by the elite, rights abuses in China while at the same modern times. Luxembourg. time engaging in trade with China? That George W. Bush not only faced The EU is clearly European social- and for the elite, who are is Corsi’s main point. an unprecedented attack on the ism gone wild, but Corsi sees powerful working to achieve glob- Economically, Corsi sees the dis- American homeland, but he also forces pushing for a similar unification of tinct possibility of a unified currency responded with an ambitious effort the nations of North America — Mexico, al ambitions in the pur- similar to the Euro cropping up as part to remake the world. Washington the United States, and Canada — into of a potential North American Union. Examiner White House reporter Bill one economic unit with shared borders suit of wealth and power He says policymakers are attempting Sammon, in his new book The Evan- and currency. to “wire” economic events such that gelical President, offers a snapshot of “Our national sovereignty is in for themselves.” a collapse in the value of the dollar the Bush administration from winter danger of being compromised in favor Jerome R. Corsi would make Americans more willing 2005 to summer 2007. See www.reg- of an emerging regional government, de- to accept a common currency known nery.com for more information. signed of the elite, by the elite, and for the In The Late Great USA as the Amero. Just as Americans were elite, who are working to achieve global willing to forego some civil liberties ambitions in the pursuit of wealth and United States on a similar path. after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, so • My Grandfather’s Son is the power for themselves,” Corsi writes. Corsi finds the SPP particularly also Corsi says “unanticipated crises can story of Supreme Court Justice Does that sound far-fetched? It troubling. The agreement was sold as a cause otherwise unimaginable changes Clarence Thomas, told in his own might be if Corsi did not back up his way to improve trade among the nations in national policy.” words. Thomas was born in rural assertions with hard facts. Although of North America, strengthen security, One of the most unsettling aspects Georgia in 1948, into a life marked Corsi’s writing style can be a bit cum- and increase economic vitality, but Corsi of the North American Union is that by poverty. His parents divorced bersome, his message is clear: U.S. sov- writes that it is a dangerous step to- many so-called conservatives appear when Thomas was still a baby, and ereignty could soon go the way of the ward eliminating borders and national unwilling to stand in its way. The same his father away, leaving his mother dodo. Most readers might be tempted sovereignty. Many of the reasons given Bush administration that ran on a plat- to raise him and his brother and to write off The Late Great USA as the to justify the EU are the same ones be- form of limited government in 2000 sister on the $10 a week she earned product of conspiracists who believe ing used by policymakers to justify the now appears to be pushing strongly for as a maid. At age 7, Thomas and his in contrails and black helicopters. But SPP and, perhaps one day, the North arrangements that might inevitably lead 6-year-old brother were sent to live Corsi does not make wild accusations American Union. with his mother’s father and her or indulge in idle speculation. His book Corsi spends a fascinating chapter to an EU-like system in North America. stepmother in Savannah. It was a is factually based, making the premise discussing the Trans-Texas Corridor, or The most significant opposition seems move that changed Thomas’s life. all the more chilling. NAFTA superhighway, which is planned to be in Congress, but even there voices His grandfather raised the fam- One of Corsi’s most startling rev- to be four football fields wide and stretch of dissent appear less fervent. ily in the years of Jim Crow. Thomas elations is the correlation between the from the Mexican border in Texas to If you’re inclined to dismiss the witnessed his grandparents’ stead- rise of the EU during the second half of the Canadian border north of Duluth, idea of a North American Union as fastness despite injustices. His own the 20th century and a similar “stealth Minn. The first segment of the corridor, conspiracy theory hype, The Late Great quiet ambition would propel him to revolution” taking place in America. paralleling Interstate 35 through Texas, USA is definitely worth a read. Is The Holy Cross and Yale Law School, and Europe began to unite economically with is already under construction. Late Great USA prophetic of a future eventually, despite a bitter, highly the establishment of the European Coal To Corsi, one of the most significant North American Union? That remains contested public confirmation, to the and Steel Community in 1951. Likewise, threats a corridor of this nature poses to be seen. But steps are certainly being highest court in the land. Learn more Corsi contends that agreements such as is granting China greater access to the taken in that direction, and it’s impor- at www.harpercollins.com. CJ NAFTA and the Security and Prosper- United States. Corsi spends a good por- tant for Americans to be aware before ity Partnership, created in 2005, put the tion of his book discussing the trade it’s too late. CJ CAROLINA November 2007 JOURNAL The Learning Curve 21 What is History? Not as Easy a Question to Answer as You’d Think ver notice how the seemingly edge into it.” — John Lukacs evaluation of the past and one’s impres- those we do.” — Lord Acton simplest questions are the most “He who does not know what hap- sion of long-gone actors. New myths “If you would understand anything, difficult to answer? For in- pened before he was born will remain replace the old.” — Evan S. Connell observe its beginning and its develop- Estance, it’s difficult to answer, “What perpetually a child.” — Cicero ment.” — Aristotle is good?” or “What is America?” “All modern wars start in the his- Recently, I traveled to Belmont “History is a great drama beginning tory classroom.” — Unknown “The deepest, the only theme of hu- Abbey College to answer the ques- and ending in the mind of God.” — St. man history, compared to which all others “To develop and perfect and arm are of subordinate importance, is the con- tion “What is Thomas Aquinas conscience is the great achievement of his- flict of skepticism and faith.” — Johann history?” and tory.” — Lord Acton Wolfgang von Goethe to stress the “History is humanity’s knowledge of itself. . . . Like John the Baptist it is not importance of “Nothing capable of being memo- “While the mediocre European is ob- the discipline. the light but sent to bear witness to the light.” — Johann Gustav Droysen rized is history.” — R. G. Collinwood sessed with history, the mediocre Ameri- Far from being can is ignorant of it.” — H. L. Mencken a mere timeline “History is the selection of those “Life is not simple, and therefore of events or one threads of causes or antecedents that we history, which is past life, is not simple.” “The real problem in America is fact after an- are interested in.” — Justice Oliver — David Shannon not so much what people don’t know but other, I argued, rather what they think they know that just Dr. Troy Wendell Holmes history is much Kickler “We can be almost certain of being ain’t so.” — Will Rogers wrong about the future, if we are wrong more. “History is the projection of ideol- about the past.” — G. K. Chesterton “History in general only informs us I believe ogy into the past.” — Unknown the quotes below will help illustrate what bad government is.” — Thomas that point. “To converse with historians is to Jefferson “The socialist crusader interprets keep good company; many of them were the conduct of others according to his own “History is a certain kind of memo- excellent men, and those who were not, “It is everlastingly true that on the idea of History . . . . Because he proclaims have taken care to appear such in their whole the best guide to the future is to be ry, organized and supported by evidence.” the universal truth of a single view of His- writings.” — Lord Bolingbroke found in a proper understanding of the — John Lukacs tory, he reserves the right to interpret the lessons of the past.” — Warren G. past as he pleases.” — Raymond Aron “History does not repeat itself. His- Harding CJ “The past is the only thing we know. torians just repeat one another.” — Max The present is no more than an illusion, “History is lies agreed upon.” Beerbohm a moment that is already past . . . . And — Napoleon I Troy Kickler is director of the North what we know about the future is nothing “History demands sympathy for Carolina History Project (http://www. else than the projection of our past knowl- “As values change, so does one’s those we do not love, and detachment from northcarolinahistory.org) Stay in the know with the JLF blogs Visit our family of weblogs for immediate analysis and commentary on issues great and small mmm$@e^dBeYa[$eh] 9"1,Ê" Ê" Ê/ Ê7 Ê",ÊÊ The Locker Room is the blog on the main JLF Web site. All JLF employees and many friends of the foundation post on this site every day: http://www.johnlocke.org/lockerroom/ ",/Ê
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The John Locke Foundation, 200 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27601 | 919-828-3876 November 2007 CAROLINA 22 The Learning Curve JOURNAL

Short Takes on Culture Book review ‘Nutcracker’ Not to be Missed Unions in America — Good or Bad? • Edited by James T. Bennett and Bruce • “The Nutcracker” details to the Christmas story of Mat- E. Kaufman: What Do Unions Do? Carolina Ballet, Raleigh thew and Luke’s Gospels, the movie — A Twenty-Year Perspective; Transaction; www.carolinaballet.com stays true to the original meaning of 2007; 653 pp; $39.95 Christmas. The humility and wonder very year the Carolina Bal- of Christ’s birth in the lowly manger By GEORGE C. LEEF let performs Tchaikovsky’s is a beautiful climax to the film and Contributing Editor “Nutcracker” at the Progress contrasts nicely with the opulence RALEIGH EEnergy Center in Raleigh and Me- and pride of King Herod, showing the he founder and CEO of Whole morial Hall in Chapel Hill. Despite difference between heavenly values Foods, John Mackey, whose com- having seen it numerous times, I and earthly ones. pany is widely touted as among never tire of the holiday classic; the The characters are beautifully Tthe best to work for in America, was re- performance seems better each year. represented and remain true to the cently quoted in The Wall Street Journal as It just isn’t Christmas without “The Biblical account. Joseph especially saying, “The union is like having herpes. Nutcracker.” stands out as a God-fearing man, It doesn’t kill you, but it’s unpleasant In Tchaikovsky’s holiday staple, unafraid to take on the responsibility and inconvenient.” (“Mack the Nice,” Clara receives a toy nutcracker at a thrust upon him—a truly refreshing Aug. 2, 2007) That is one, well-informed Christmas party, who then comes depiction of manhood wholly lack- view of what unions do — they get in alive to defeat the evil Mouse King. ing from many of Hollywood’s other the way of business efficiency. Then Clara and the Nutcracker Prince recent offerings. Unions certainly have other effects travel to a land where snowflakes, “Nativity” is not a high-cost besides that, and economists have long flowers, and truffles greet them and blockbuster, but a film driven by the to summarize in a short space. Indeed, fairy queens dance in welcome. The wonder and beauty of the Christmas debated what they are and their signifi- several pages could be written on each ballet is an interpretation of E.T.A. story. It’s a story for any time of the cance. In 1984, two Harvard professors, of the chapters. Hoffman’s story The Nutcracker and the year—not just December—and is Richard Freeman and James Medoff, I have never been able to see Mouse King, written in 1816. Carolina definitely for the entire family. published a book, What Do Unions Do? how the nation could derive any net Ballet’s interpretation, imaginative — DAVID BASS The essence of the authors’ analysis is good from institutions that are as suf- sets, and whimsical characters make that unions have two main effects. One fused with coercion as are American “The Nutcracker” come alive. is their “monopoly face,” which is what labor unions, and although several The ticket prices, from $10 for • “Harry Potter & the Order of the most economists have traditionally of the papers attempt to cast them in UNC students at Memorial Hall to Phoenix” focused on. That is, unions attempt to a favorable light, on the whole What $100 for a Golden Circle evening per- Warner Bros. Home Video (Dec. 11) secure and exploit their positions as Do Unions Do? reinforces my negative formance at Progress Energy Center, Directed by David Yates monopoly sellers of labor, thereby driv- view. Owing to favorable legislation in range to fit every budget. Every seat ing up the cost of labor. Freeman and the 1930s, labor unions have unique, affords an excellent view in Memorial The movie version of Harry Medoff concluded, as have most other quasi-governmental powers not enjoyed Hall’s small venue. And even last-row Potter and the Order of the Phoenix con- economists, that the monopoly face of by any other private institution. It is an tickets in the larger Progress Energy denses J.K. Rowling’s longest title in unionization is negative, a drag on the unfortunate gap in the book that not one Center are well worth the price. the seven-book series into two hours nation’s output. of the writers devotes attention to the In past years, the Carolina Ballet and 18 minutes of action, romance, The authors also concluded, how- fact that labor unions are immeasurably has updated the sets, costumes, and and magic. And, surprisingly, it does ever, that unions have another face, what aided in their formation and longevity staging of the performance each time it well. they called the “response/voice” face. by laws that restrict the rights of both to keep the performance fresh for re- After returning for his fifth year This is the effect unions have on workers employers and workers who prefer not peat audiences. If you haven’t yet seen at Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and management through their efforts to deal with them. the Carolina Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” get and Wizardry, Harry Potter (Daniel at smoothing out workplace disputes Unions supposedly exist to as- your tickets now – it’s a must-see for Radcliffe) discovers that much of the and reducing labor turnover. Freeman sist workers in obtaining better pay the Christmas season. wizarding world, including the Min- and Medoff say the response/voice face and working conditions, but because — JENNA ASHLEY istry of Magic, is in denial about Lord was strongly positive for the economy, federal law impedes employer opposi- ROBINSON Voldemort’s (Ralph Fiennes) return. actually outweighing the negative im- tion to them (for example, by making it Harry and his friends create a secret pact of unions’ monopoly effects. What illegal to promise or give any benefit in student group to protect themselves Do Unions Do? went so far as to contend exchange for the defeat of a unionization • “The Nativity Story” when an authoritarian bureaucrat that the United States would benefit from drive) and makes it difficult for dissident New Line Home Video (Imelda Staunton) slowly seizes an increase in unionization. workers to avoid accepting and pay- Directed by Catherine Hardwicke power at Hogwart’s. The movie, and Naturally, those ideas were greeted ing for union services they don’t want, the book, is named for The Order of warmly in union and leftist circles. The union officials are placed in a powerful Despite recording less-than- the Phoenix, a group sworn to fight book was greatly discussed back in the position. expected earnings at the box office, the Dark Lord with the help of Harry’s mid-1980s and to this day remains one They have monopolies and, just “The Nativity Story” presents a heart- fugitive godfather, Sirius Black (Gary of the most frequently cited works in as public choice theory predicts, they warming telling of the humble events Oldman). labor law and economics. Recognizing exploit that status. Some of the benefits that led to the birth of the Christ child. There are necessarily some the continuing importance of What Do go to union members in compensation In a day when Christmas is often omissions in the movie; there’s no Unions Do?, in 2004-05 professor James above free market levels, but union bogged down by secularism and Quidditch, and several excellent T. Bennett of George Mason University officials themselves capture much of consumerism, the film brings view- scenes in the book are foregone to devoted six issues of the journal he the benefit. Unions are not voluntary ers back to the focus of the holiday advance the plot more quickly. But edits, the Journal of Labor Research, to a associations and use their considerable — a birth over two millennia ago that these omissions concentrate the story symposium on the book. clout in ways that push the country changed the world forever. to its essentials; and it is more power- The book under review is a com- toward central planning. How can that Amid the growing number of ful for what’s left out. pilation of the 20 papers that were be beneficial? Christian-themed films, including In fact, this is the best of the published. It is a hefty volume with One of the arguments advanced “The Passion of the Christ” in 2004 Harry Potter movies so far. For Potter widely differing points of view. Most by Freeman and Medoff is that union- and the first installment in “The fans and Muggles alike, this movie is of the writers are academics, but papers ization promotes efficiency because Chronicles of Narnia” series in 2005, a “must-see.” from a business manager and a union by giving workers “voice,” it reduces “Nativity” stands up admirably. — JENNA ASHLEY advocate are included. Appropriately, turnover. That contention comes in for While altering and adding some ROBINSON CJ Freeman is given the last word. The discussion is learned, civil, and difficult Continued as “Authors Attempt,” Page 23 CAROLINA November 2007 JOURNAL The Learning Curve 23 Authors Attempt to Demystify Function of Unions in U.S.

Continued from Page 22 insistence of Big placed with a “card government functions they might have Labor. One thing check” procedure performed better themselves. serious criticism in several of the papers, unions do very Unions have, for ex- in which union- Turning briefly to the other side however. While it is apparently true well is to use gov- ample, pushed hard for ization is decreed of the coin, Freeman and Medoff con- that unionized companies enjoy lower ernment to prevent once a majority of cluded that while unionization had some turnover, Kaufman observes that the competition. a “single-payer” national the workers sign negative impact on firm profitability, the optimal level of labor turnover is not That brings cards attesting to bite came mostly out of “excess” profits zero. If the presence of a union makes up another aspect health-care system. That their desire for rather than the returns needed to keep it harder for a firm to discipline or fire of the “voice” ar- union representa- firms in business. That is questionable, slackers, it might do far more harm than gument, namely reflects the socialistic tion. That’s a very but in any event, the effect of unioniza- good in this regard. When one reflects on that unions give mindset that predomi- unreliable proce- tion on profits tends to retard capital the extraordinary difficulty that big-city workers voice in dure fraught with investment. school districts have in terminating bad the political arena. nates among union of- opportunities for Professor Barry Hirsch finds that teachers, it’s easy to doubt Freeman’s Freeman and Me- misinformation on average, unionized companies are and Medoff’s rosy conclusion. doff saw that as an- ficials. and intimidation, 10 to 20 percent less profitable than Another argument for the benefit other benefit. Some but the point to are nonunion firms. Intelligent inves- of unions is that unionized workers of the authors note observe here is tors want to put their money where it are more satisfied and perform better that Big Labor hasn’t been nearly as suc- that it does nothing for workers who are will earn them the most and naturally than supposedly “voiceless” nonunion cessful as its political opponents want currently in unions. Their dues money avoid companies and industries where workers. Several of the authors take is- people to think it is. That’s correct, but funded a lavish lobbying campaign for unionization is apt to siphon away some sue with that notion. On the one hand, they miss the crucial point. What is heard a bill that wouldn’t benefit them. I wish unknown percentage of their return. If surveys of worker satisfaction do not in the political arena is the voice of labor that one of the essays had clearly come to private-sector unionism had not shrunk unambiguously show that unionized union officials. It is a mistake to assume grips with the fact that the objectives of from its mid-1950s high of 35 percent to workers are necessarily more satisfied; that what union officials want necessar- union bosses are often different from the less than 8 percent today, but instead had on the other, it is clear that companies ily coincides with what the rank-and-file objectives of the workers whose money increased (as union advocates want), the that adopt human resource policies workers want. Most of the legislation they spend. U.S. economy would now look like the designed to be responsive to employee favored by the union brass is either of While on the subject of the politi- fading nations of “old Europe,” repel- concerns can have satisfied and produc- no interest to, or in some cases clearly cal activities of unions, it’s important to ling both investment capital and creative tive workforces. harmful to, the average worker. mention that their decline in the private individuals. That is to say, union representation Unions have, for example, pushed sector probably has much to do with the Freeman and Medoff attempted is neither a necessary nor a sufficient con- hard for a “single-payer” national health- success they’ve had in getting Congress to provide a rationale for reviving the dition for contented workers. Moreover, care system. That reflects the socialistic to enact pro-labor legislation. Several declining union movement, but that there could be even more “voice” for mindset that predominates among union of the writers note that the demand for rationale wasn’t persuasive when it was nonunion workers if it weren’t for a pro- officials. If a “single-payer” system were union representation is decreased to the first put forth in 1984 and, as much of vision in the National Labor Relations ever to come to pass, the manifold inef- extent that workers think that workplace the argumentation in the current volume Act of 1935 prohibiting management ficiencies of such a scheme would be problems such as safety have been dealt shows, it is even less so today. from establishing or assisting any “labor detrimental to most of the workers they with by the government. The United States is overdue for organization.” This New Deal relic was claim to represent. Or consider the tem- Union leader Samuel Gompers a rethinking of its authoritarian labor designed to wipe out competition for porarily defeated Employee Free Choice said unions should not seek legislation relations law. When that time comes, worker loyalty in the form of company Act, a bill that would make it easier for that would undermine their strongest What Do Unions Do? (the new volume, unions, and it has been interpreted as unions to dragoon more workers into selling points, but his advice was for- not the old one) will have a role to outlawing company quality circles or their ranks by dropping the requirement gotten when, for example, the bill es- play in shaping the debate. CJ other means of fostering cooperation. of a secret ballot election before a union tablishing the Occupational Safety and A bill that passed Congress would can be certified by the National Labor Health Administration came along. So The Pope Center’s George Leef have amended that section of the law, Relations Board. another of the things unions do is to turn ([email protected]) is also book review but President Clinton vetoed it at the Secret ballot elections would be re- reflexively to politics, foisting off on the editor of The Freeman. Books authored By JLF staFFers Free Choice for Workers: Selling the Dream A History of the Right to Work Movement Why Advertising is Good Business

By John Hood President of the John Locke Foundation By George C. Leef Vice President for Research at the John William Pope Center for Higher “[Selling the Dream] provides a Education Policy fascinating look into the world of advertising and beyond ... “He writes like a buccaneer... Highly recommended.” recording episodes of bravery, Choice treachery, commitment and April 2006 vacillation.” Robert Huberty www.praeger.com (Call Jameson Books, 1-800-426-1357, to order) Capital Research Center November 2007 CAROLINA 24 Opinion JOURNAL

Commentary Climate Change’s Gaping Holes

orth Carolina’s Climate Strategies fails to do one of the most Action Plan Advisory basic calculations included in any Group is going through the responsible cost-benefit study: It Nmotions to address global warm- does not quantify both benefits and ing, but identical processes in other costs in dollar terms so that they states prove that the effort has been can be compared,” Beacon Hill re- a sham and a waste of time. ported. “CCS asks us to believe that CAPAG is guided by a Har- there really is a free lunch in their risburg, Pa.-based consultancy recommendations, and that imple- called the Center for menting their policies Climate Strategies. CCS would actually not have collects funding from any net cost, despite the several wealthy leftist fact that private, self- foundations that expect interested individuals their money to produce are not grasping these policies that will increase opportunities on their energy costs and dimin- own.” ish individual property One way Beacon Editorial rights through “smart Hill illustrates CCS’s growth” initiatives. Paul ludicrous methodology Among CCS’s back- Chesser is in its estimation of Most Water Policies All Wet ers are the Rockefeller job creation. The group Brothers Fund and the Z. considers jobs a benefit awns are brown, cars are un- abolished its own system of discounts for Smith Reynolds Foundation, who rather than what they really are: a washed, and the prospect is small heavier water users only in October. have given tens of thousands of dol- cost (someone has to pay the labor- that the extreme drought that most When the rains don’t come, the lars to influence how states address ers, right?). Yet even if jobs were a Lof North Carolina finds itself under will weaknesses of the system become appar- global warming. North Carolina benefit, CCS inconsistently calcu- end before the spring. Water conserva- ent. While each water system’s policies pays less than one-fourth of what it lates which economic activities do tion is very much the watchword of the are different, Raleigh Mayor Charles costs for CCS to direct the CAPAG or do not produce them. For ex- moment. Meeker nicely summarized the general process, because the special eco-in- ample, when CCS evaluates a policy Unfortunately, water policy in aim of most system’s water conservation terests foot the bill. Think there’s a option to “reduce need for electric North Carolina is pretty much all wet, policies: “What I would like to avoid is fixed outcome? generation facilities,” it does not with local governments pursuing a people losing their jobs.” The game is controlled from account for the certain diminish- hodge-podge of typically not particu- And exactly that view is the prob- beginning to end. CCS lobbies state ment in employment that would be larly well-thought-out strategies. lem. A water conservation plan that executive branches and their envi- associated with such a move. And let’s be clear: It’s not just about aims to prevent job losses is also a water ronmental bureaucracies to start a “Presumably this would cost how much rain has — or hasn’t — fallen conservation policy that by definition this year. The issue extends well beyond can’t look to industrial or business users climate-change policy development, jobs, yet CCS does not acknowledge the current drought. as a place to meaningfully reduce short- with the creation of a “stakeholder” this or attempt to weigh it against Water plays an important role term water consumption. That includes (really, political appointees and spe- jobs created in clean energy,” Bea- for local governments in both their industries that use a lot of water. cial interests) panel to rubberstamp con Hill wrote. economic development and budgeting It’s also sends mixed signals, inher- CCS’s priorities. CCS stacks almost all its faux strategies. The ability to support growth ently undermining the goal of limiting From there CCS is in com- “analysis” in favor of jobs gains and — more businesses and people coming water consumption. One the one hand, mand: from running meetings to minimal costs, in order to move its to an area — is entirely dependant upon the government is communicating that writing the minutes and all reports agenda forward. CCS is able to do the ability to supply the necessary water. water is scarce and certain common uses and presentations; from present- so quickly and quietly, avoiding Where there is no water available, or the like watering lawns and washing cars are ing all options for greenhouse gas media attention, until higher energy water and sewer system is inadequate restricted or banned. At the same time, reduction to setting all voting proce- taxes and property rights infringe- to serve additional customers, there can car dealerships can still wash cars. dures for the commission. ments suddenly appear, to the be no growth. And that’s been the case That every water system has dif- CCS likes to give the impres- shock of citizens and consumers. recently, even aside from the drought, ferent restrictions doesn’t help matters sion that all of CAPAG’s decisions What will these recommenda- in a number of places, including Wilm- either. What’s more, most systems are objective because, hey, they tions do to North Carolina’s econo- ington and Union County. aren’t using a powerful tool to promote invite everybody to the table. But my? How much more will low-in- It’s also why the proposed interba- conservation: the market. Specifically, the result is that groupthink rules, come families have to pay on their sin transfer of water from the Catawba prices. Nothing communicates more while CCS and CAPAG ignore power bills? And how, even if the River to serve the fast-growing cities effectively that something is scarce than serious analysis of the effect on whole world adopted CCS’s policies of Concord and Kannapolis has struck a higher price. Higher prices encourage temperature or on North Carolina’s — would temperatures be lowered such a nerve. people and businesses to prioritize uses, economy. (or raised?) because of them? Then there’s the financial side of and, yes, reduce consumption. Here the Think I’m exaggerating? The CCS can’t tell you. N.C. citi- the equation. Many localities are count- Orange Water and Sewer Authority has John Locke Foundation recently zens, unless they get answers soon, ing upon revenues from their water and the right idea, by doubling the price of asked the Beacon Hill Institute, won’t find out it’s costing them sewer systems to help balance their water under stricter Stage Two water a nationally respected think tank enormously until after it’s too late budgets. From that comes a desire by restrictions. run by the economics department to reverse course. CJ many localities to sell as much water North Carolina’s population of Suffolk University in Massa- as possible, and use water as a job-cre- is projected to increase from 9 mil- chusetts, to evaluate the findings ation tool. lion to 12.3 million by 2030. Those that CCS always produces for their Paul Chesser is an associate An August survey by The Charlotte extra people plus the necessarily as- state-clients. Their verdict wasn’t editor for the John Locke Foundation. Observer showed that nearly a third of sociated added jobs will place further pretty. Contact him at pchesser@carolinajour- water systems in the Charlotte region demands on water supplies. To meet “The Center for Climate nal.com. offered bulk discounts for big users of those needs, a lot smarter water poli- water. Further north, Winston-Salem cies are necessary. CJ CAROLINA November 2007 JOURNAL Opinion 25 Stephens’ Ruling Correct Commentary Death penalty opponents want to circumvent legal process Hey, Kids, Let’s Put On a Show!

oes the future of capital punish- threaten disciplinary action against the he state’s Division of Air as a whole met the Kyoto emission ment in North Carolina hinge on doctors in question, both because state Quality has just made a big target, it would also have no dis- a semantic distinction? Judging law supercedes the ruling of a licensing show of releasing a plan for cernible effect on the global climate. Dby recent events, you might think so. But board and because the matter was not Thow North Carolina can combat Finally, even if one could the issue is actually far more substantive, within the proper jurisdiction of the global warming. Rather than dis- imagine that every party to the both in legal and moral terms. board in the first place. cuss in detail the 56 recommenda- Kyoto Protocols were to meet Since last year, there has been Two words from Stephens’ deci- tions, some of which would impose their original emissions-reduction a moratorium on executions. The sion have stoked controversy: “medi- substantial cost on consumers and targets, advocates admit that the moratorium wasn’t the result of death- cal event.” The judge ruled that while taxpayers, here’s a time- resulting effect on the penalty foes prevailing in the court of doctors present at executions could well saving summary courtesy global climate by the end representative government — the Gen- be expected to perform “medical tasks” of your friendly neigh- of the century would be eral Assembly has for years declined to such as alleviating “unnecessary and ex- borhood snide-r-man: so small as to be barely approve a moratorium bill. And North cessive pain” and “pronouncing death,” They want to put on detectable by current Carolina’s moratorium wasn’t the result the execution of the criminal itself was a show. measurement technolo- of death-penalty foes prevailing in the not a “medical event.” Thus when the I used to argue that gies. court of law. board ruled that a doctor cannot ethically climate-change alarmism It’s all pain, no gain. Instead, North Carolina’s death- take a life, and thus can’t comply with the was a religion. It’s cer- If the debate on cli- penalty moratorium was the de facto re- law’s requirement than a physician be tainly not science. It’s not mate change were about sult of intervention by an unelected body, present, it was in error, Stephens wrote. subject to normal rules making sound public the N.C. Medical Board, that derives State law does not require, nor does cur- of evidence and respect- policy, North Carolina its authority to regulate the practice of rent practice involve, a doctor executing ful debate. To most of its regulators and activists medicine from the state. While state law a criminal. That act is performed by adherents, the notion that wouldn’t be bothering to requires that a doctor be present at each law-enforcement personnel. humanity is endanger- release the new recom- lethal injection, the board announced Death-penalty foes have excoriat- ing the survival of the mendations. They’d be that it would consider any such doctor ed, and sometimes ridiculed, Stephens’ planet by burning fossil fuels isn’t laughed out of the state capital to be in violation of medical ethics and decision. They have been banking on a just a hypothesis to be tested or a (which, given the extent of frivol- subject to discipline. flimsy technicality to achieve a policy risk to be assessed. It must be true. ity there, would be saying a lot). The state sued. Last month, it result they could not achieve through The stakes have to be earth-shatter- But the climate-change debate isn’t won in trial court. Wake Superior Court proper democratic and legal channels. ing, or in this case earth-melting. about analyzing costs and benefits. Donald Stephens ruled that the Medi- Judge Stephens called them on it. They’re Otherwise, policymakers and the It’s about putting on a show to cal Board did not have the authority to angry, but they’re wrong. CJ general public will never be willing make people feel guilty. to embrace the massive changes in I have a counterproposal. lifestyle that environmental activ- Instead of enacting any of the ists have been pining for since the senseless rules, taxes, and spend- Capitalism’s Obit Premature 1960s. ing programs contemplated by the But as the debate has devel- Division of Air Quality, let’s create Productivity and profit are what spur economic progress oped, I find that my choice of anal- a new program called the North ogy isn’t a precise fit. Even the most Carolina Environmental Arts Coun- henever you hear someone education, housing, and retirement). passionate alarmists have come to cil. Give it several million dollars to complain that “we” don’t Productivity gains do, indeed, some- realize that regulations with a real spend. Allow community theaters “make” anything anymore, times lead to manufacturers reducing prospect of significantly altering the across North Carolina to apply for Wfree feel to guffaw. Both in North their payrolls, but basic economics tells future climate would be so draco- grants to produce climate-change Carolina and the nation as a whole, us that the money saved will create job nian that no elected government morality plays in partnership with manufacturing continues to be a strong, opportunities elsewhere. To worry that on the planet would be willing to environmental groups. The more productive component of a growing companies will start manufacturing adopt them. If the movement were excessive the dramatic license the economy. We continue to produce all more product than a newly unemployed truly religious in nature, such prac- better – Indian spirit guides, self- sorts of goods for sale — including, it proletariat can buy is to jump in a time tical impediments wouldn’t matter. flagellation with a cat-of-nine-tails, seems, high-grade economic malarkey. machine and regress to the late 19th cen- But they do. sackcloth, burlap bags, the works. Many people believe that manufac- tury, when Luddites, Marxists, Progres- That’s why I’m shifting the Finally, make it a condition turing is shrinking because employment sives, and other misguided souls warned analogy somewhat. Climate-change for renewing a driver’s license in some manufacturing sectors is shrink- of capitalism’s impending implosion. alarmism isn’t religion. It’s commu- that every North Carolinian see ing. That’s a telling misuse of the data. Yes, former manufacturing work- nity theater. at least one morality-play perfor- Businesses do not exist to create jobs. ers often find themselves looking for Consider the proposed North mance. For each person who runs They exist to create goods and services new employment in the service sector. Carolina policies. Set aside for a away screaming at intermission, to sell to consumers, generating a return But we are not simply talking fast food moment the entire debate about the we’ll have one fewer driver on our on investment. Purchasing resources and retail. The service sector includes a extent, causes, and effects of global congested highways and one more warming. Believe it or not, you potential transit customer. Envi- and labor is a means to the end. Just as variety of high-skill, increasingly well- don’t have to have a strong view ronmentalists will gain a massive you don’t evaluate the success or fail- compensated positions in fields such as about these issues one way or the audience to which they can express ure of a basketball team on the basis of health care, personal services, and the other to see the state Division of Air their outrage. Theater folks will get the size of the payroll, but on wins and financial sector. Quality’s plan as the plot synopsis a chance to pitch their upcoming losses, it is similarly foolish to evaluate Many of these jobs do not require of a cheesy morality play. productions of “Camelot” and “The the manufacturing sector on the basis a four-year degree, contrary to popular Its advocates admit that Mousetrap.” And taxpayers will of employment. myth (perpetuated, it may shock you if North Carolina adopts all the lose only a fraction of the incomes When manufacturers learn to make to learn, by the institutions who market proposed recommendations, there they would have lost to wrong- more product per dollar invested or hour four-year degrees). will be no discernible effect on the headed environmental legislation. spent, the resulting productivity gain is Economically speaking at least, global climate. Furthermore, be- Everybody wins. CJ good news. It is inevitably associated we’re not going to hell in a hand-bas- cause the North Carolina proposals with some combination of lower prices ket. Indeed, consumers have more real are based on the original Kyoto Pro- for consumers, higher compensation for income with which to fill their shopping tocols target from the early 1990s, Hood is president of the John workers, and better returns for investors baskets when manufacturers learn to it’s important to understand that its Locke Foundation and publisher of (who aren’t just coupon-clipping fat cats make more with less. That’s the way advocates admit if the United States CarolinaJournal.com. but include average families saving for real economic progress occurs. CJ November 2007 CAROLINA 26 Opinion JOURNAL

Editorial Briefs

Lose the insurance mandates The main barrier to health insurance for people in the United States is that it is unafford- able. The affordability issue can be tracked to benefits required of all state-regulated health insurance policies, says Philip J. McGinnis, who has lobbied for small-business health plans. Small-business plans would essentially exempt business owners with limited numbers of employees from state regulation of mandated benefits — similar to self-insured policies offered to major employers such as DuPont, Chrysler, and General Motors, under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. According to the National Center for Policy Analysis, there were only seven state-mandated benefits in 1965, while today there are nearly 1,000. While many mandates cover basic provid- ers and services, others require coverage for such nonmedical expenses as hairpieces, treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, and pastoral and mar- riage counseling. Overall, 12 of the most common mandates can increase the cost of insurance by as much as 30 percent. The Center predicted about 10 years ago that the real threat behind Congress’ newfound interest in mandating health insurance benefits is What is a Recession, and Are We in One? incremental rather than immediate. One or two federal mandates might not increase the cost of he dreaded “r” word — “recession” to econo- realize this, the price falls, wealth evaporates, and health insurance significantly, but, as in the states, mists — is being uttered more frequently the declines can push the overall economy into a once the door is open, every special interest will today in the media. Some think we’re already downturn. The excesses developed in the technol- hurry through to besiege the legislature. As a re- Tin a recession, some think we’re about to go into ogy sector in the late 1990s led to the recession of sult, health insurance will cost more, employers a recession, while others think a recession is still the early 2000s. and individuals will cancel more policies, and unlikely. For the average non-economist, this is all Now back to today. Numerous economists Congress will face a growing uninsured “crisis” a bit confusing and concerning. While most people have upped their odds of a recession happening — a crisis largely of its own making. might not know what the technical definition of a because they see not one, but both, of the recession- recession is, they do know one thing: It’s probably causing factors present. Oil prices have risen to an not good. all-time high of near $80 a barrel. And Recessions are not new; they are the apparent past excesses developed An inconvenient fact about wood part of the on-going business cycle. in one market, residential housing, are Despite the anti-forestry scare tactics of Business cycles are the irregular ups and having adverse effects through lower celebrity movies, trees are the most powerful downs in the economy that have been house prices (in some markets), more with us as long as we have had the tools foreclosures, cutbacks in the construction concentrators of carbon on Earth, Dr. Patrick to measure commercial activity. There are industry, tighter credit standards, and an Moore, cofounder of Greenpeace and chairman two main parts to each business cycle. uncertain stock market. and chief scientist of Greenspirit Strategies Ltd., Expansions occur when economic activ- So certainly a reader of the eco- says in the Vancouver Sun. ity, particularly the production of goods nomic tea leaves could come to the con- Rather than cutting fewer trees and using and services, is increasing. Recessions Michael clusion that a recession is here, or near. less wood, environmentalists ought to promote occur when the production of goods and Walden The timing would also be right. It’s been the growth of more trees and the use of more services is decreasing. Expansions are almost six years since the end of the last wood. Although old trees contain huge amounts steps forward in the economy, while recessions are recession, and this is longer than the average post- of carbon, their rate of sequestration has slowed steps backward. World War II expansion. to a near halt. A young tree, although it contains We’ve had 10 combinations of expansions and But there’s another possibility. This is that the little fixed carbon, pulls carbon dioxide from the recessions since World War II, and fortunately the economy avoids a recession but slips into a period atmosphere at a much faster rate. “steps forward” during expansions have greatly of slow growth, of less than 1 percent, during the When a tree rots or burns, the carbon exceeded the “steps backward” of recessions. One of upcoming months. Then, when much of the housing contained in the wood is released back to the the great achievements of the past 20 years has been market excesses have been eliminated and we’ve atmosphere. Since combustion releases carbon, that expansions have become longer and recessions adapted to today’s oil prices, more normal growth, 3 active forest management, such as removing dead have gotten milder. percent to 4 percent annually returns. trees and clearing debris from the forest floor, Why do recessions occur? That’s one of This less-drastic scenario is actually the one will be imperative in reducing the number and the biggest questions of all time in the econom- favored by the majority of economists. But here’s a intensity of fires. ics profession. Economists agree there are at least sobering fact about economic forecasts: They’re very Environmentalists should promote greater two factors that can ignite a recession. One is a difficult to make because the most recent aggregate use of wood, not less. Using wood sends a signal large increase in the price of some key input in the business statistics are usually several months old. to the marketplace to grow more trees and to economy. Oil would be the best example, and big Thus, projections for future months have to largely produce more wood, Moore said. That means jumps in oil prices certainly contributed to several be made in the dark about current conditions. This using less concrete, steel, and plastic — heavy recessions, particularly those in the 1970s. casts a shadow over any fearless forecast! CJ carbon emitters through their production. Trees A second, more subtle, way that recessions can are the only abundant, biodegradable, and renew- begin is as a reaction to some excess built up in the able global resource. CJ economy. The excess manifests itself as a significant Michael L. Walden is a William Neal Reynolds dis- price increase in some market. Ultimately, the price tinguished professor at North Carolina State University increase can’t be sustained, and when investors and an adjunct scholar of the John Locke Foundation. CAROLINA November 2007 JOURNAL Opinion 27 Road-Funding Bill Needed More Legislative Discussion

orth Carolina has the sec- session. Yet, with virtually no one no- fort to centralize state government, tion costs. ond-largest state-maintained ticing, the responsibility for building assumed control of the roads and Is the state merely shifting its highway system in the nation. roads in North Carolina shifted from has held control of construction and responsibility to the counties? When NTo maintain the system, user-related the state to the counties. maintenance for all these years with the state agreed to take back the coun- funds such as North Carolina’s Department of funding still coming from gasoline ties’ share of the Medicaid burden motor fuel taxes Transportation has a long history of and use taxes. this year, it enacted a swap whereby and state motor problems, from bid-rigging scandals If the money currently going the counties wouldn’t have to pay for vehicle license and to flawed paving of a long stretch of to the DOT was re-directed to the Medicaid but they also would have registration fees Interstate 40 that required repaving counties to build and maintain roads, to relinquish one-half cent in sales tax are used to pay within two years, from delays over we might see a better system. But back to the state. There was no effort for roads. But all I-485 around Charlotte to refusal to what will most likely happen is that to make Medicaid more cost-effective that might change release a $3.5 million report commis- DOT will continue to receive just as and efficient, just a shift in who pays soon. sioned to study department ineffi- much state funding and yet still be for it. If the counties want more mon- ey for school construction, or now, for The Gen- ciencies and waste, and of course, the riddled with inefficiencies and waste- roads, the state authorized them to eral Assembly $277,000 ferry that was never used. ful spending, while counties will raise Becki raise taxes, either with additional sales approved a Gray In short, DOT has a long record of taxes for additional revenue to take tax or a land transfer tax. significant new producing controversies and little in care of transportation needs that DOT The decision to allow counties law in the final hours of the 2007 ses- the way of maintaining and building will not and has not addressed. Where to pay for roads is worthy of public sion (Session Law 2007-428; Senate roads. Unmet transportation needs are will the counties get the money to discussion and legislative debate with Bill 1513), which allows counties to expected to cost $65 billion over the build roads? a full disclosure of where the revenue pay for public streets, highways, and next 20 years. Counties get their revenue from will come from. Full discussion of bridges. The bill will significantly Beginning in 1908, with the a portion of sales tax, various fees, and what role the counties are going to change the way transportation needs invention of the automobile, wealthier primarily from property taxes. Dur- play in transportation should come are met and paid for in our state. It urban counties built roads by as- ing debate surrounding the local tax after a full discussion of how to most gives counties eminent-domain pow- sessing a county road tax. In 1915, referendum held Nov. 6 in 27 counties, effectively address the transportation ers and allows them to use their rev- the State Highway Commission was claims were made that the counties needs facing our state, including how enue for construction, reconstruction, established, and in 1921 the state as- do not have revenue to meet their to clean up DOT. Simply pushing the improvement, and maintenance of sumed fiscal responsibility for roads current needs. If they assume part of responsibility to the counties and ex- roads in the state highway system. But by issuing bonds to be paid from a the responsibility for roads, they will pecting taxpayers to pick up the tab is just like during the Jim Black era, the new gasoline tax. Soon after, North claim that they must raise taxes to pay not the prudent path to good roads in bill passed into law with little debate Carolina became known as the Good for roads. Unless the tax structure is North Carolina. CJ and little oversight. The final version Roads State. In 1931, following the revamped, the burden will fall primar- of a complicated bill was presented to Depression, local governments faced ily on property owners, the same folks Becki Gray is director of the State the Assembly in the final hours of the bankruptcy. The Assembly, in an ef- who are paying for school construc- Policy Resource Center. The Summer of Love: Did the ’60s Change the World?

n case you missed it, this is the “turn on, tune in, and drop out. encouraged to “tell it like it is.” And and political correctness. We have 40th anniversary of the Summer of An estimated 100,000 young lest we forget, “never trust anyone made progress in race relations, but Love, the counter culture’s coming people heeded McKenzie’s and over 30.” Peace symbols were the we are still failing the inner city. Iof age. Leary’s calls and headed to the “new bumper sticker of the day. As former Speaker of the U.S. The History Channel, MTV, garden of Eden,” San Francisco. The true believers on the left, House Newt Gingrich often points classic rock stations, NPR, Rolling Fueled by the hallucinogen LSD, many of whom today hold tenured out, the Detroit Public School Sys- Stone magazine and many of the elite methamphetamine, and other mind- professorships on college campuses, tem graduates only 22 percent of its news media outlets altering drugs, the disenchanted of credit the heady times of the ‘60s for entering freshmen on time and fails to have waxed poetic the Baby Boom generation set up producing the mainstreaming of the serve 78 percent of the young people about the good old shop in Haight-Ashbury and set out gay rights movement, environmental- of the city. days of the 1960s. to change consciousness and estab- ism, and the women rights movement. Black males in Detroit in their Revisionism lishment guidelines on sex, drugs, But it was also a time — as 20s who have dropped out of school abounds from the religion, and race relations. David Horowitz and Peter Collier, have a 60 percent chance of going to left, when they One need only dig up an old coauthors of Destructive Generation jail and 73 percent chance of being take a narcissistic, high school or college yearbook from — Second Thoughts about The Sixties, unemployed. How tragic. nostalgic look at that era to see the peripheral impact correctly point out that “when the Meanwhile, the social experi- the Haight-Ash- Marc the “hippy culture” had on the youth ‘System,’ that collection of values that ment of “free love” has been a disas- bury District of of that time, their clothes, and the provided guidelines for societies as Rotterman ter, creating a culture where out- San Francisco and length of a young man’s hair. well as individuals was assaulted and of-wedlock births are at an all time the consequences of the culture of But more important, the ‘60s mauled.” high. The specter of the experience in sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll. One could generation of the progressive left saw The year 1967 also marked the Vietnam still haunts our foreign policy argue that we still live with these con- themselves as pioneers charting a beginning of rage in America. An- and the scourge of drugs continues to sequences today. course for a new world. tiwar protests swept across college ruin lives. The clarion call to kids from Many of the radical left’s so- campuses that summer and deadly across the country was a song written called leaders complained that the and destructive race riots broke out in Did the Summer of Love and by musician Scott McKenzie in 1967. World War II generation had made a Detroit and Newark, N.J. the phenomenon of the ‘60s revolu- One of the verses went, “If you’re go- mess of things, particularly when the It became common in some tion change the world? Yes, without ing to San Francisco…be sure to wear Vietnam War went sour. They wanted circles to believe that America was question, but on the whole, not for the some flowers in your hair...For those the United States out of Vietnam. presumed guilty and untrustworthy. better. CJ who come to San Francisco…summer- Sloganeering became the mantra. Does that sound familiar? time will be a love-in there.” It was a time for “flower power” and Contamination of the ‘60s is still LSD guru-drug pusher Timothy to “give peace a chance.” Things were with us. Today we are still a nation Marc Rotterman is a senior fellow of Leary called on the nation’s youth to “very heavy man,” and everyone was of special interests — splinter groups the John Locke Foundation. November 2007 C a r o l i n a 28 Parting Shot Journal Easley Creates ‘Excellence in Perpetuity’ Program (a CJ parody)

By JOHN RADFORD helicopter. Contributing Editor “The signs imply the community RALEIGH was excellent for a few years and then ov. Mike Easley says he will all of the sudden fell into some kind of revive the Governor’s Com- bad state. This has been bugging me for munity of Excellence program years,” Easley said. “It’s got to be bad Gstarted by Gov. Jim Hunt in 1982, but for their self-esteem.” in a manner that won’t require annual So, instead of all the bureaucratic community inspections. red tape required during Hunt’s tenure, The key to the new program — Easley and his budget advisor, Dan dubbed EIP, or Excellence in Perpetuity Gerlach, came up with an easy — and — is a seven-letter package of stick-on inexpensive — way for a city to self- letters that the Governor’s Office will certify. send to each Community of Excellence The city council merely needs to whose signs have been stalled out since send the governor a letter proclaiming the state quit renewing the honor. that its community will be excellent in have a team of dedicated community of Excellence. A successful pilot project was perpetuity. recently completed in the coastal com- volunteers, a scrapbook with interesting However, the program lapsed into After receiving the letter the munity of Beaufort (see accompanying historical information, plus a slide show dormancy after Hunt left office in 1985. governor’s office will then send the photo), and Easley said his office is ready showcasing beautiful homes and well- Republican Gov. Jim Martin, Hunt’s suc- community a packet of stick-on letters to take the program statewide. kept business establishments. cessor, ignored the feel-good program that spell “FOREVER.” City officials are The Department of Commerce Cities were told that the competi- during his eight years in office, and when then free to apply the letters. managed Hunt’s original 1982 program, tion for an award was tough. “In real- Hunt returned as governor for another “We thought this was very sensible which was limited to any city with a ity, every city that applied received the eight years in 1993 he did the same. and cost–effective approach to continu- population of less than 15,000. award. It was a political ploy by Hunt,” a The result was hundreds of North ing this most important program,” said To qualify, a community had to fill former economic developer who served Carolina communities with some pretty Gerlach. “This way the governor can out a lengthy application and demon- as a member of an inspection team told beat-up looking signs saying they were continue honoring Communities of strate each year to a team of Commerce Carolina Journal. last named Communities of Excellence Excellence without actually having to inspectors that it was ready for new When a community won an more than 20 years ago. do anything.” industry. award, the Department of Transporta- When Easley became governor in City officials seeking the “Excel- Each city had to show it had tion erected signs on all major highways 2001 he saw many of these forlorn signs lence in Perpetuity” designation may available industrial sites with adequate at the city limits showing the years that on his many trips to the coast, at least contact Gerlach at (919) 733-4240 for water and sewer capacity. Each had to the city was honored as a Community the ones in which he did not travel by further information. CJ E.A. MORRIS FELLOWSHIP FOR EMERGING LEADERS

The E.A. Morris Fellowship is seeking principled, energetic applicants for the 2008 Fellowship class.

Applications available online or at the John Locke Foundation. Application deadline is November 15, 2007

www.EAMorrisFellows.org [email protected]

200 W. Morgan St., Ste 200 Raleigh, NC 27601 1-866-553-4636