• Media Sue Gov. Mike • 2008 Legislative Easley, Page 4 Preview, Page 5 Debbie Crane Speaks, Page 8 C A R O L I N A Smart Metering, Page 16

Statewide Edition A Monthly Journal of News, Analysis, and Opinion from May 2008 • Vol. 17, No. 5 the John Locke Foundation www.CarolinaJournal.com JOURNAL www.JohnLocke.org UNC Latino Program Pushes ‘New Immigration’ nity plan,” she said. “They are required Initiative makes no to come back and put into place a plan on how they can work with this new distinction between population. How can they keep them there as workers, and then as thriving legal, illegal immigration members of their community.” The Latino Initiative Program is By KAREN WELSH careful not to differentiate between legal Contributing Editor and illegal immigrants residing in North RALEIGH Carolina. Instead, the program’s admin- or 10 years, a behind-the-scenes istrators, who say they are “planning for program, the Latino Initiative at change,” cater to a movement deemed UNC, has taken hundreds of key as the New Immigration. Fleaders, business owners, and policy- “The center is part of the university makers from 38 counties in North Caro- system. We are educators, not lawyers lina on trips to Mexico in order to find or policymakers or law enforcement ways to incorporate “new immigrant” officials,” Edwards said. “We do not populations into the fabric of the state’s advocate a certain position or tell people communities. what they should think or how they The program received almost should feel about immigration. We $750,000 of $1.4 million, or 53 percent of Officials from Mecklenburg County regularly visit Mexico as part of the Latino Initiative’s provide information and experiences to “Study in Mexico” program. (UNCC photo) its budget, from state appropriations in help North Carolinians reach their own 2007 alone. Former Gov. Jim Hunt started Carolina. the Latino population, said Melissa conclusions and solutions about what the organization in 1998. Since then, it Once the key officials take the trips Edwards, the Latino Initiative Program needs to happen locally to strengthen has helped the 300,000 to 400,000 illegal to Mexico, they are expected to return manager. immigrants whom the Pew Hispanic to North Carolina and make changes in “When they come back they are re- Center estimates are living in North their policies and procedures to benefit quired to address and develop a commu- Continued as “UNC,” Page 2 Document Shows Watson Had Conflict Backing Parton Project By DON CARRINGTON Edenton, when participate. ness plan for the theater. According Executive Editor the Parton The- Roanoke Rapids borrowed $21.5 to e-mail messages obtained from the RALEIGH atre project was million to build the Randy Parton Northeast Commission, the document ormer state-funded economic proposed. Re- Theatre and turned the theater over to was completed April 15, 2005. CJ was developer Rick Watson was the cords show Wat- Parton to operate. His show debuted in unable to determine what organizations business manager for Randy son began work- July, but attendance was low. Unhappy or individuals received a copy of the FParton’s company at the same time ing with Parton with Parton’s management, the city document. he was recruiting Parton on behalf of in August 2004 severed all ties with Parton earlier this Under a section entitled “Expe- North Carolina, according to documents or before, in his year. Now, the city is struggling to find rienced Management,” the document obtained by Carolina Journal. capacity as an the right acts and management to make explained Watson’s role. “Rick Watson Watson was president and CEO economic de- Rick Watson enough revenue to repay the debt on the is a seasoned business owner and de- of the state-funded Northeast Commis- veloper. Watson has acknowledged 1,500-seat theater. sion, a regional economic development that he was responsible for the theater Parton’s company, Moonlight organization that has its headquarters in concept and for recruiting Parton to Bandit Productions, prepared a busi- Continued as “Document,” Page 3 To help stimulate the economy, it is 80more important to: The John Locke Foundation NONPROFIT ORG. Contents 200 W. Morgan St., #200 U.S. POSTAGE Raleigh, NC 27601 PAID RALEIGH, NC North Carolina 3-5, 8-10 PERMIT NO. 1766 Interview 7 Education 11 Higher Education 12 Cut taxes 73% Local Government 16 Increase state spending 14% Not sure 13% Books & the Arts 20 Opinion 24 Parting Shot 28 % RespondentsCivitas Institute in June Poll, Civitas April Institute 2008 Poll CAROLINA C a r o l i n a North Carolina JOURNAL Journal UNC Latino Program Pushes ‘New Immigration’ Richard Wagner Continued from Page 1 Editor their communities. That’s our sole mis- Don Carrington sion.” Executive Editor “A lot of times people haven’t had conversations with people who are David N. Bass, Mitch Kokai, actually living through this situation Michael Lowrey and what has become a reality in North Associate Editors Carolina,” she said. “We are really deal- ing with issues head-on.” Chad Adams, Roy Cordato, Ron Woodard, director of NC Lis- Paige Holland Hamp, David Hartgen, Sam A. Hieb, Lindalyn Kakadelis, ten, an advocacy group for immigration George Leef, Karen McMahan, reform, said although he favors sensible Karen Palasek, Susan Robinson, legal immigration into the United States, Marc Rotterman, Mike Rouse, any entity, including the Latino Initia- Jim Stegall, George Stephens, tive Program, that smoothes over the Jeff Taylor, Michael Walden, illegal-alien issue or helps the illegal Karen Welsh, Hal Young population is breaking the laws of the Contributing Editors United States. “Oftentimes that is the intent from Abby Alger, Brittany Bussian, the Left, is to make it look like there Katie Bethune, Clint Atkins, are no consequences. But it does affect A mariachi band entertains a group of Mecklenburg County officials who visited Mexico Josh Harper, Geoff Lawrence, our working poor,” he said. “They try in April 2007 as part of the “Study in Mexico” program. (UNCC photo) Kelsey Mitman, Kristina Mitten-Sanders, and bring emotion into it to dodge the but had the help of corporate allies who enforcement in these cities and counties Michael Moore consequences. The bottom line is people Editorial Interns have a vested interest in maintaining a to recognize the value of providing addi- are hurting in North Carolina because cheap labor force within the state. tional staff development to their staffs in of illegal immigration. It’s been bad “The taxpayers have been hit by acquiring a better understanding of the for taxpayers and low-skilled, poorly this invasion, but it has corporate spon- Hispanic population,” the mayor said. Published by educated workers.” soring,” he said. “It’s a real laundry list “As this particular population increases The John Locke Foundation Woodward said that the flood of who’s who.” in our communities, better understand- 200 W. Morgan St., # 200 of illegal aliens, mostly from Mexico, Woodard said he thinks that many ing will obviously improve how services Raleigh, N.C. 27601 has caused undue stress on legal N.C. of these same companies have provided are provided to our entire population, (919) 828-3876 • Fax: 821-5117 residents, and that if the Latino Initia- grants and other monies to help the keeping everyone safer.” www.JohnLocke.org tive Program wants to put a face on Latino Initiative Program send local Frank Sharry, executive director impoverished people the organization and state leaders into Mexico. “It’s no of the National Immigration Forum, Jon Ham doesn’t need to go across state lines, surprise that large corporations sup- praised the Latino Initiative Program Vice President & Publisher because there is plenty of poverty within port the program,” he said. “They have for its efforts in the 2007 UNC Center for the state that has a hidden agenda Understanding’s annual report: John Hood only been height- and incentive to “North Carolina has the chance to Chairman & President ened by the influx do this.” be about the only state in the country of undocumented Bruce Babcock, Herb Berkowitz “You can look at the Meanwhile, that deals with the very difficult and workers. Charlie Carter, James Culbertson Edwards said it’s controversial issues around immigra- Jim Fulghum, Chuck Fuller The situa- numbers and crunch a an “enlightened tion and illegal immigration in a way Bill Graham, Robert Luddy tion doesn’t sur- opportunity” for that’s productive, in a way that actually Assad Meymandi, Baker A. Mitchell Jr., p r i se Wi l l ia m lot of hard data about leaders to go and brings people together. Why? Because Carl Mumpower, J. Arthur Pope Gheen, president who’s coming from be thoughtful and enough people have been to Mexico; Tula Robbins, Thomas A. Roberg and spokesman think critically on enough people have been a part of the David Stover, Robert Stowe III of Americans For Mexico, but when you the issues of im- Latino Initiative.” Andy Wells Legal Immigration migration. “It’s a In the same report, Owen J. Furus- Board of Directors in Raleigh. He said go there and look in time to learn and eth, associate provost for Metropolitan the problem start- understand what Studies at UNC Charlotte, agreed: Carolina Journal is a monthly journal ed when Hunt was people’s eyes, the num- the migrant expe- “The human face on Latino immi- of news, analysis, and commentary on state governor. Hunt bers almost lose their rience is like on gration to North Carolina is now much and local government and public policy issues brokered trade both sides of the clearer and informs my thinking and in North Carolina. deals and trade significance. Once those border,” she said. actions,” he said. “You can look at the agreements with ©2007 by The John Locke Foundation “It’s a lot more numbers and crunch a lot of hard data Mexico during his Inc. All opinions expressed in bylined articles people-to-people rela- complex issue. about who’s coming from Mexico, but time in office. are those of the authors and do not necessarily tionships exist, it’s hard It’s not a black- when you go there and look in people’s reflect the views of the editors of CJ or the “With the and-white issue. eyes, the numbers almost lose their sig- staff and board of the John Locke Foundation. Latino Initiative not to be moved.” They are sharing nificance. Once those people-to-people Material published herein may be reprinted as Program you are a border with a relationships exist, it’s hard not to be long as appropriate credit is given. Submis- entering a territory Owen J. Furuseth thriving economy. moved.” of the Jim Hunt sions and letters are welcome and should be UNC Charlotte We’re the wealthi- The Latino Initiative Program has directed to the editor. sphere, of some est country in the been so successful that the Mexican business leaders world and that’s government honored Center for Interna- CJ readers wanting more information that have cut some the allure. They tional Understanding’s Executive Direc- between monthly issues can call 919-828-3876 deals,” Gheen said. “But we don’t know can earn more in one hour here as they tor Millie Ravenel for the organization’s and ask for Carolina Journal Weekly Re- what they are, what these arrangements do in one day back home.” accomplishments. port, delivered each weekend by e-mail, or visit are because they were deals done behind The program seems to be working. “In few words, the visionary and CarolinaJournal.com for news, links, and ex- closed doors, without direct account- According to a 2006 press release from tireless work conducted by Millie Rav- clusive content updated each weekday. Those ability to voters. Jim Hunt brokered Salisbury Mayor Susan Kluttz’s press enel has cleared the path for thousands interested in education, higher education, or these deals and was acting like a ruling local government should also ask to receive office, the trip achieved its objectives of Mexicans that have decided to under- aristocracy.” weekly e-letters covering these issues. and was a success. “I am impressed Gheen said Hunt did not act alone, with the insight of the leadership of law Continued as “UNC,” Page 3 CAROLINA May 2008 JOURNAL North Carolina  UNC Latino Program Pushes ‘New Immigration’ Approach

Continued from Page 2 There are others who feel the same way and are beginning to make a take here the adventure of a new life,” “I became a spokesman because a lot of people don’t concerted effort to stop providing a safe Consul Ortiz Rocha was reported as harbor for the influx of undocumented saying during a formal reception honor- want to talk about illegal immigration because they workers into their cities and state. ing Ravenel. “When our ancestors used • Beaufort County commissioners the phrase ‘Cualli Ohtli,’ they referred to don’t want to be called a racist. ...They say we are Stan Deatherage and Hood Richardson the good way, the honest way, the path insensitive if we don’t allow illegal immigration. That’s are working to make sure their county that has to be followed by the heart in is “not an attraction for illegal aliens” order to meet the individual and collec- not true.” by removing pre-recorded Spanish tive destiny.” language messages on the county phone Others see the Latino Initiative Ron Woodard systems, and proposing resolution to Program as the walk down a road to Director of NC Listen reequire that voter-registration forms ruin. The price tag for empathy toward be printed only in English. illegal aliens also has had a direct impact • U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., on legal immigrants. An editorial writ- father-in-law had his ID stolen so an scheduled to go out,” he said. “We as a is providing additional funds to aid law ten by columnist Michael Kraft on Feb. illegal immigrant could get cable in his people have become powerless over our enforcement agencies to “apprehend, 28 for the Charlotte Conservative News apartment. [The illegal alien] even got nation and we are in mortal danger.” identify and remove criminal illegal complained about Charlotte Police Chief the premium package with ‘expanded- Americans For Legal Immigration aliens.” Darrel Stephens, one of the participants language’ pack. PAC and NC Listen are two of many • Winston-Salem Mayor Allen in the Latino Initiative Program, for “So we have the address of the organizations that have arisen to stop Joines recently reworded the language not aiding citizens in the wake of the service which is the exact location of illegal aliens from coming into North in all city contracts so that all private overwhelming illegal-alien problem the identity thief and illegal immigrant Carolina. companies will understand they must burdening the area. criminal destroying the credit of a legal “I became a spokesman because uphold federal immigration laws and “We pay you to try to enforce all Hispanic immigrant. CMPD tells me a lot of people don’t want to talk about verify legal residential status for all laws, not to enforce ONLY laws that they really don’t send a car to the address illegal immigration because they don’t construction workers. reflect your minority personal views,” in situations like this and I should just use want to be called a racist,” Woodard • U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, D-N.C., Kraft wrote to Stephens. “You are wel- the police report to fix his credit. Another said. “The other side has learned they has introduced the Secure America come to give all illegal immigrants a hug, quitter, another paid law enforcement can revert to name calling and drum up Through Verification and Enforcement just do it after you drop them off at INS officer doing exactly what his boss does emotion to quiet their opposition. They Act of 2007 to bring on an additional like you are overpaid to do.” to enforce laws….nothing.” say we are insensitive if we don’t allow 8,000 Border Patrol agents. He said the Kraft wondered how Stephens Gheen warns of dire consequences illegal immigration. That’s not true. We legislation is intended to stop illegal would react if his car or identity was if liberal organizations, including the are for sensible legal immigration where immigration, which costs N.C. taxpay- stolen by illegal immigrants. “I bet the Latino Initiative Program, are allowed people can be assimilated without any ers more than a billion dollars a year ‘chief’ would find the energy to do his to continue on their course of action. undue stresses. Our policies have cred- for “incarceration, health care, and job then,” he said. “My legal Hispanic “The economic lights of this country are ibility and make sense.” education for illegal immigrants.” CJ Document Shows Watson Had Conflict Backing Parton Theatre

Continued from Page 1 include some historical numbers on cur- rent and past numbers of Mr. Parton’s veloper with extensive contacts across Dollywood operations,” he wrote. North Carolina and other states. Rick is Moore’s spokeswoman, Sara Business Manager for Moonlight Bandit Lang said last week that the LGC never Productions overseeing all business ac- received a copy of Parton’s business tivities for The Randy Parton Theater,” plan. Lang did not explain why the the document states. LGC approved the project without see- The document did not address ing the plan. Watson’s other role as a state-funded A copy of the plan also accom- economic developer. panied a $1 million grant application The commission terminated Wat- submitted to the N.C. Department of son’s employment in 2006. Parton and Commerce. The grant was for water and Watson said they ended their business sewer line improvements in and around relationship in 2007. the theater. Earlier this year Commerce Parton conducted a press confer- Assistant Secretary Kathy Neal said the ence Feb. 8 to explain his side of the document was a confidential “trade theater’s failure. Watson was on stage secret” that she could not release. with Parton and frequently took the Department of Commerce Secre- podium to answer questions. During Rick Watson acknowledges guests from the stage at the groundbreaking for the Randy Parton Theatre in Roanoke Rapids in November 2005. (CJ file photo) tary Jim Fain was a board member of the press conference and in a subsequent the Northeast Commission throughout interview with WRAL-TV, Watson de- member Thomas Betts resigned after a might have over his dismissal. the time that Watson was working on nied that he used his public office for news story indicated he used excessive The $21.5 million financing plan the Parton project. The governor, the private gain. pressure in seeking contributions from required the approval of the Local speaker of the House, and the state Roanoke Rapids fired Parton in Parton and others for Lt. Gov. Beverly Government Commission, chaired by Senate leadership appoint the other December after city officials said he Perdue’s campaign for governor, in Moore and staffed by employees from commission members. showed up intoxicated at a performance. exchange for road money he steered Moore’s office. Fain remains a member of the The city hired a new management com- toward the project. Perdue has criticized A letter dated April 22, 2005, commission, but he said that he does pany but terminated the contract after State Treasurer Richard Moore, also a from LGC Debt Management Director not attend the meetings and that he a few months. One city councilman has candidate for governor, for his role in Tim Romocki to Roanoke Rapids City should not even be on that particular resigned over issues associated with approving financing for the project. Manger Rick Benton made reference to commission. The commission receives the project. Last month the city agreed to pay the company’s business plan. “City and about $1.4 million in annual funding N.C. Board of Transportation Parton $750,000 to settle any claims he LGC need to receive copies which should through the Commerce Department. CJ May 2008 CAROLINA  North Carolina JOURNAL Media Sue Easley Over His Administration’s Handling of E-Mail

with criteria that are inconsistent with Carolina Journal, the Public Records Law for determining The suit also asked the court to whether a particular e-mail message is nine other media or is not ‘made or received in connection compel Easley to make avail- with the transaction of public business’ members join in suit able all requested public records or is ‘used to transact public business,’” the suit says. By MITCH KOKAI that have been withheld from the “They authorize individual e-mail Associate Editor users to delete or dispose of e-mail RALEIGH plaintiffs, and it asked the court messages that are made or received in arolina Journal and nine other to force Easley to foot the legal connection with the transaction of public North Carolina news organiza- business if they are of ‘short-term value’ tions filed a civil lawsuit against bill. or ‘when they no longer have refer- CGov. Mike Easley on April 14, claiming ence value to the sender or receiver of multiple and “systematic” violations of the message [emphasis in the original the N.C. Public Records Law. the state’s funding, delivery, and over- made to reporters last month. Easley said document]. Neither of these disposal The plaintiffs asked a judge to sight of mental health services. “In part he had received a handwritten note or criteria is authorized by the Public Re- “enter a judgment declaring that poli- this action arises out of the defendant’s message from former Health and Hu- cords Law.” cies and procedures promulgated and failure, refusal, or inability to provide ac- man Services Secretary Carmen Hooker The Cultural Resources guidelines implemented on behalf of the defendant cess to e-mail messages and other public Odom. The governor told reporters the are also inconsistent with court rulings [Easley] and the actions taken by him records that were known or believed to note addressed some of the issues of “holding that the law is to be interpreted as alleged … violate the Public Records be in the defendant’s custody,” according mental health oversight reporters had expansively and liberally in order to Law,” according to the complaint filed to the complaint. been pursuing. maximize public access to government in Wake County Superior Court. Failure to produce the records “was When reporters asked to see the records,” according to the suit. Joining CJ in the complaint were attributable in part to the systematic note, Easley is quoted as responding The fourth alleged violation asserts The News & Observer of Raleigh, The deletion, destruction, or concealment of that he “chunked” it. “The defendant that the governor and his cabinet agen- Charlotte Observer, The Fayetteville Ob- e-mail messages sent from or received personally destroyed the communica- cies do not have “adequate” electronic server, The Associated Press, and the by the Governor’s Office,” the lawsuit tion in violation of the Public Records data-processing systems for storage N.C. Press Association. Other plaintiffs alleges. Law,” according to the complaint. “On or retrieval of e-mail messages sent or were: Media General Operations, which That allegation stems from an the basis of public statements by the received in connection with transaction publishes 10 N.C. newspapers, includ- affidavit filed by Debbie Crane, who defendant, plaintiffs are further in- of public business. ing the Winston-Salem Journal; Freedom was fired March 4 as N.C. Department formed and believe that he very likely Article III, Section 4 of the state’s Communications and Freedom East- of Health and Human Services public has personally discarded or destroyed governing document provides that “The ern North Carolina Communications, affairs director. other public records in violation of the Governor shall take care that the laws which together publish seven N.C. “Based on Ms. Crane’s affidavit Public Records Law.” be faithfully executed.” Because of each newspapers; The Wilson Daily Times; and and other information the plaintiffs are The third alleged violation focuses of the violations, the suit contends “the Boney Publishers, which publishes The informed and believe that during the on an e-mail retention document from defendant has failed to carry out his du- Alamance News. defendant’s tenure as Governor, mem- the N.C. Department of Cultural Re- ties” set out in the Constitution. “Our position is that the policies of bers of his staff regularly discouraged the sources, which oversees public records “The plaintiffs are basically seek- the governor and of those who act at his persons responsible for communicating issues for executive branch agencies. ing two things: a declaration that the direction or under his authority violate with the Governor’s Office from sending Guidelines within the document “fail policies, procedures, and actions of the Public Records Law as it relates to e-mail messages to the office in order to comply with the Public Records Law the governor and those who act at his retention of documents — in this case, to avoid creating records that would in several respects,” according to the direction or under his authority vio- most frequently e-mail documents — but be subject to disclosure pursuant to the complaint. lated the Public Records Law and an other documents as well,” said Amanda Public Records Law, particularly if the “They provide State employees injunction to stop further violations,” Martin, one of the plaintiffs’ lawyers. subject matter of the communication was and officials who send and receive e-mail Martin said. CJ The suit contends Easley and his controversial,” according to the suit. staff violated the state’s Public Records “Members of the defendant’s staff Law by: mandating that certain e-mail also instructed cabinet agency employ- records be destroyed, destroying at least ees that if they did send e-mail messages one written document, devising e-mail to the Governor’s Office such messages retention policies that deviated from the were to be deleted from their computers’ law, and failing to provide for preserva- ‘Sent Mail’ boxes immediately after they tion of public records. were sent, and that they should then The plaintiffs asked for a court go to their files for ‘Trash’ or ‘Deleted order “permanently restraining and Messages’ and delete them again,” the enjoining” the governor and his staff complaint says. “A purpose of this from pursuing illegal policies. They also ‘double delete’ procedure was to remove requested that the court require compli- the messages from the employees’ per- headliner series ance with the Public Records Law and sonal computers so they would not be order the governor’s office “to take all recorded and archived by the nightly Fred barnes measures available to them to retrieve ‘back-up’ of their computer files.” any public records that they deleted, That e-mail deletion policy and Join Fred Barnes, Fox news politi- disposed of, lost, or failed to preserve in procedure was “intended to be compre- cal contriButor, co-host oF Fox’s violation of the Public Records Law.” hensive” and was implemented “will- “the Beltway Boys,” and editor oF The suit also asked the court to fully and for the purpose of evading weekly standard. compel Easley to make available all the Public Records Law and depriving requested public records that have the people of North Carolina of access been withheld from the plaintiffs, and to information and records in violation noon, thursday, May 22, 2008 of the Public Records Law,” according it asked the court to force Easley to foot holiday inn Brownstone, raleigh the legal bill. to the complaint. price: $25 The first alleged violation stemmed The second alleged public records from The N&O’s recent investigations of violation stems from a comment Easley (Phone 919-828-3876 for ticket information) CAROLINA May 2008 JOURNAL North Carolina  National Economy to Loom Large In 2008 Session By MITCH KOKAI I think you’ll see broad support for do- Associate Editor ing that.” RALEIGH Recent rain has lessened the se- awmakers will be watching na- verity of North Carolina’s drought, but tional economic news closely as lawmakers are likely to get proposals they return to work this month from Gov. Mike Easley to increase state Lon the state’s $20 billion budget. involvement in drought management. “I think the big issue will be the “We’ve been through a tough time, but economy,” Senate Majority Leader Tony if we use this as an incentive and a good Rand, D-Cumberland, said. “We’re ex- reason to really get serious about our tremely concerned about the national natural resources, we’ll be much better picture and what impact this will have off,” Rand said. on North Carolina. And so we’ll try to Berger disagreed. “I think we are get a pretty quick grip on that.” in large part missing the bigger picture North Carolina’s revenue forecast as far as the drought is concerned,” has been running slightly ahead of pro- he said. “I don’t think the answer to jections. The state collected about 1.25 ensuring an adequate and appropriate percent more money, or a total of $140 supply of water for our citizens is to million, than expected through Febru- impose additional regulation that gives ary. Budget analysts have warned that a government power over everybody’s an economic downturn could cause the life as to how many times you can flush surplus to disappear. The national and state economies are expected to dominate the 2008 North Carolina General a toilet, how many times you can turn “We still are facing some big risks Assembly session as lawmakers formulate a budget. (CJ file photo) a faucet on.” in [2007-2008],” economist Barry Board- “Where we are not doing anything said a “significant Lawmakers left man of the General Assembly’s Fiscal is on the supply itself,” Berger said. “We carryover” from Raleigh last year Research Division warned in a budget need to find ways to plan for our sup- last year and the “Who knows what it will without address- briefing earlier this year. “The headlines ply to be adequate, because even if we ing a proposed are clearly stating that the nation is fac- recent revenue be? I hope it will, in truth, effect conservation measures that save statewide bond ing an economic slowdown.” numbers could us 20 to 25 percent of the water we’re Slumping housing sales, the na- help the state avoid be the short session.” referendum for using today, if we grow our population tional subprime mortgage crunch, and m a j o r b u d g e t roads, schools, by 30 percent, we’ve still got a problem. “elevated” energy prices all could affect problems. “I don’t Sen. Tony Rand or other prior- So what we’ve got to do is we’ve got to North Carolina’s revenues, Boardman think [Democrats] Senate Majority Leader ity items. “We’ve look at the supply side of the equation. told lawmakers. Conservative budget would be willing talked about that, I don’t think the governor has even projections should help. “We had a mod- to engage in tax and we’ve looked touched on that.” est forecast going into the fiscal year,” increases or the at it, and we’ll look Education remains “our most he said. “We took a very, very cautious euphemism ‘revenue enhancements’ in at that and see, but I don’t know,” Rand important issue,” Rand said, and law- approach with the most volatile sources an election year, but they might,” said said. “Borrowing money right now is makers might make some efforts this of revenue.” Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger, kind of a suspect operation, and I’m not year to address recommendations from North Carolina is “far more fortu- R-Rockingham. “I would say that if sure we want to get into borrowing right the 21st Century Transportation study nate” than many other states, Rand said. the method that is selected to get more now with our economy like it is.” group. But property rights advocates “California’s budget deficit is greater money to projects is a tax increase as op- Problems with the state’s mental- have some work to do, if they hope to than North Carolina’s budget,” he said. posed to spending what we’ve got where health-care system are likely to draw get the Senate to endorse a House-ap- “We’re trying to be conservative, and it needs to be spent, I think you’re going lawmakers’ attention. It’s “probably a proved ballot measure targeting eminent we’re trying to make sure we get the to see some opposition to that.” pretty good guarantee” the Assembly domain abuse. most value for our money.” One potential casualty of a slow will take some action, Rand said. “We’ve “There have been no problems Rand’s Republican counterpart economy is a potential bond package. got to really get serious,” he said. “We in North Carolina that I’m aware of,” haven’t done well, and so we’ll have to Rand said. “We’re reluctant to change do something about that.” our constitution unless it’s a compelling Books authored By JLF staFFers Berger uses stronger criticism. “I reason. And there have been no cases think everybody pretty much agrees in North Carolina. We want to make Efficiency and Externalities that we have seen the state govern- sure that North Carolina’s people are ment — largely through administrative protected, but that we don’t just pass in an Open-Ended Universe incompetence — turn North Carolina some constitutional amendment simply from a state that did a pretty good job of because somebody proposed one.” taking care of mental health issues into Berger said he hopes colleagues a state that wastes hundreds of millions from both parties will reject efforts by the of dollars and really does not do a good state’s community colleges to permit en- job at all.” rollment of illegal immigrants. “There’s Despite his assessment of the prob- opposition to that from just about every lems, Berger said he gives “all the credit corner except the bureaucracy, it seems,” in the world” to Dempsey Benton, who he said. “But I’ve been around long By Roy Cordato has overseen the state’s mental health enough to know that the bureaucracy Vice President for Research programs as state Health and Human usually doesn’t do something unless John Locke Foundation Services secretary since September. somebody’s giving them the nod. We’ll “Cordato’s book is a solid Benton outlined in late March a series see, but that is certainly an issue that I performance, demonstrating of reform measures that could cost up think the people would want us to take impressive mastery of both to $70 million a year. care of.” the Austrian and neoclassical “I think there’s been a total absence The House and Senate will resume literature.” of a plan or a roadmap or some idea of work May 13. Legislators will aim to fin- what we could do to get this thing taken Israel Kirzner ish their work by July. “It will certainly care of and fixed,” Berger said. “I do be called the short session,” Rand said. Cato Journal think we’re getting closer to that point. “Who knows what it will be? I hope it www.mises.org And if, in fact, we do have something, will, in truth, be the short session.” CJ May 2008 CAROLINA  Washington JOURNAL

NC Delegation Watch Report challenges assertion

Lawmakers pursue less pork Engineering Talent Shortage: Real or Hype? North Carolina’s congressio- nal delegation kept a tighter rein By KAREN McMAHAN increase the cap,” according to Dr. Ron on pork barrel spending this year, Contributing Editor Hira in an article in HireStrategy on Jan. according to a recent report by the RALEIGH 12. Hira criticized Congress for allow- The government watchdog group Citi- or several years, researchers, ing loopholes that enable employers to zens Against Government Waste. employers, and educators have displace a qualified U.S. worker from his Federal Although national spend- promoted the notion of a growing or her job or U.S. worker who wants the ing on pork barrel projects, also Fshortage of engineering, science, and job in favor of an H-1B worker. File called earmarks, was up in 2008, technology talent in the United States. Recent research in the January 2008 North Carolina improved its record A Gartner report in December 2007 Journal of Engineering Education from over past years, ranking 39th with warned of a “massive and devastating the Pratt School of Engineering and the $216 million in wasteful spend- skills shortage” in the IT sector at a time Center on Globalization, Governance, ing attributed to N.C. lawmakers. when industry requires “hybrid profes- and Competitiveness at Duke University The data is part of CAGW’s sionals” who have a blend of technology challenges the statistical validity of data 2008 “Congressional Pig Book,” and multidisciplinary knowledge, di- widely used to support the notion of which catalogued 11,610 pork verse experience, and business insight. either a talent shortage or skill deficits. projects nationwide amounting The National Academy of Engi- to $17.2 billion during fiscal 2008. neering cited in its 2006 report, “Rising Duke study Among the N.C. delegation, Above the Gathering Storm,” that the Vivek Wadhwa, who led the Duke the CAGW report singled out United States is falling behind in the research team, is a fellow with the Labor Democratic U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler number of undergraduate engineers it and Worklife Program at Harvard Law and Republican U.S. Rep. Walter produces compared to China and India. School and an executive in residence at workforce with the skills they need to Jones for their earmark activity. The report said China produces 12 times the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke. compete in a global economy. Shuler was responsible for se- as many engineers annually as does the Wadhwa’s execu- While research validates a rapid ac- curing nearly $6 million in taxpayer United States. tive leadership in celeration in the number of engineering funds for Great Smokey National Executives of the software de- and technology graduates in China and Park, North Shore Road Settlement, some of the world’s “By every dimension velopment and India versus the United States, there are while Jones cornered a $147,000 ear- largest technology firms have been technology indus- big trade-offs in the quality and types of mark for completion of a museum [study participants] told actively lobbying try before mov- undergraduate and graduate engineers in Hatteras dedicated to the numer- Congress to in- ing into academia and their competitiveness in the global ous shipwrecks that have taken us that American engi- crease or eliminate provided a deeper economy among the three countries. place off the North Carolina coast. caps on H-1B visas neers are better.” understanding of The Duke researchers distin- Jones is among four N.C. mem- to bring in more market challenges guished between dynamic engineers, bers of Congress who say they have workers, primarily Vivek Wadhwa specific to engi- those capable of abstract thinking and sworn off earmarks for fiscal 2009, from China and Research team leader neering and tech- high-level problem solving, and transac- according to the Club for Growth. India, while uni- nology. tional engineers, those with solid techni- The others are Reps. Virginia Foxx, versities have been The debate cal training but who lack the experience R-5th; Patrick McHenry, R-10th; lobbying for funding so they can gradu- centers around statistics on undergradu- or expertise to apply this knowledge and Republican Sen. Richard Burr. ate more engineers. ate engineers in the United States, China, across domains and lead innovation. Nationally, some of the top PC World reported that Microsoft and India that have been recycled in “oinker” awards went to Rep. Chairman Bill Gates appeared before many articles and reports, Wadhwa Highly employable Mike Thompson, D-Calif., for a Congress on March 12, where he re- said. The figures from the Bureau of $211,509 earmark in olive fruit-fly Wadhwa cited a 2005 McKinsey peated his call to ease restrictions pre- Labor Statistics, National Academy of survey of human resources profession- research in Paris, France; Demo- venting immigrant workers from more Engineering, and U.S. Department of als from 83 countries operating globally cratic Montana Sens. Max Baucus easily becoming U.S. residents and to Education report that the United States who were asked, “Of 100 graduates with and Jon Tester for a $148,950 ear- eliminate caps on green-card employ- produced about 70,000 undergraduate the correct degree, how many could you mark for the Montana Sheep Insti- ment visas. engineers in 2004 compared to 600,000 employ if you had demand for all?”The tute; and Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va., Gates also asked for a permanent in China and 350,000 in India. respondents said that “80.7 percent of for a $98,000 earmark to develop tax credit for research and develop- a walking tour of Boydton, Va. U.S. engineers were employable, while ment and an increase in funding for A question of terms government research. Gates warned only 10 percent of Chinese engineers that without the policies, “the center of Interpreting the numbers is prob- and 25 percent of Indian engineers were McIntyre, Shuler awarded progress will shift to other nations that lematic given the wide variability in similarly employable.” are more committed to the pursuit of definitions of “engineer” and questions “By every dimension,” Wadhwa Two socially conservative technical excellence.” about the accuracy of sources of statistics said participants in his study “told us advocacy organizations have in the United States, China, and India. that American engineers are better. Computer science and IT degrees might They’re more productive, better educat- awarded their “True Blue” desig- Is it a myth? nation to eight members of North or might not be affiliated with engineer- ed, and have relevant skills.” Employers Carolina’s congressional delega- Growing evidence suggests, ing programs, and developing nations, said that the new jobs in engineering and tion, including two Democrats. however, that the engineering talent Wadhwa said, tend to “attach the term technology require master’s and doc- U.S. Reps. Mike McIntyre, shortage might be a myth perpetuated ‘engineering’ to many institutions and torate degrees, yet ironically, Wadhwa D-7th, and Heath Shuler, D-11th, to expand the supply of lower-cost programs that had science- and technol- found that 44 percent of respondents said earned a perfect 100 percent on a foreign engineers who can replace ogy-related but not necessarily pure they would hire a candidate without a voting scorecard put out by the ad- higher-cost American engineers and to engineering content.” bachelor’s degree in engineering. vocacy arms of the Family Research maintain high enrollment in engineer- In a speech to the City Club of Why then do 95 percent of em- Council and Focus on the Family. ing schools. Cleveland on Jan. 25, Wadhwa told at- ployers in Wadhwa’s study say they The groups evaluated law- So important are the H-1B and tendees that the “the Chinese numbers will continue to outsource and in- makers’ records on issues such as L-1 guest worker programs to the off- are pure propaganda and could not be crease the amount of research and protecting unborn human life and shore outsourcing industry that India’s justified” and that public education development they do overseas despite religious liberty. CJ commerce minister recently referred in India is “horrible.” But he said the quality and productivity differences? to the H-1B as the “outsourcing visa” private sector in India does a good job “The bottom line is because and “demanded that the United States training engineers and developing the it’s cheaper,” said Wadhwa. CJ CAROLINA May 2008 JOURNAL CJ Interview  Noonan: There’s Never Been an Election Cycle Quite Like This

By CJ STAFF with Reagan and remembers how things RALEIGH really worked, not just the nostalgia for eggy Noonan, columnist for The “I think the Republican that time, what should conservative Wall Street Journal and former Party is in some flux. It is leaders of today emulate? speechwriter for President Ronald PReagan, recently addressed a John Locke working out each day what Noonan: I don’t think conservative Foundation Headliner event in Raleigh. leaders today should try consciously to She also discussed the 2008 presidential it stands for and what it be- emulate Reagan. Reagan was not trying campaign with Mitch Kokai for Carolina lieves. It has broken up into consciously to emulate anybody. Jack Journal Radio. (Go to http://www. Kennedy was trying to be the best Jack carolinajournal.com/cjradio/ to find a various factions. The old Kennedy. FDR was trying to be FDR. Be station near you or to learn about the yourself. Did Reagan have particular weekly CJ Radio podcast.) coalition that held together qualities that we would desire in all of from the time of just be- our leaders? Of course he did. He had Kokai: You wrote recently that a great personal equanimity. He had 2008 has produced the “most exciting fore Reagan is gone. It has wisdom. He respected the views of the and confounding election cycle” in American people, which is something your lifetime. What did you mean by been sundered, I think, by important, something I think we haven’t that quote? the current administration. It seen in the past few years from the Bush White House. He had a deep respect for Noonan: It is true that nobody is going to have to re-collect the views of the American people, and he who covers politics or talks about knew how far he could push something politics, observes politics, or who has itself.” that he wanted but they did not. You experienced politics in the past 30 or 40 know, he knew where the boundaries years has seen an election cycle like this. Peggy Noonan were, where the barriers were. He knew Nothing that was supposed to happen The Wall Street Journal how to persuade. He knew how to bring is happening. On the Republican side, people along with him. But he didn’t the race was all over the place, and the put the “bully” in the bully pulpit. You guy who was ahead in the polls for an for the future of the Republican Party? ment is this year. Republicans, I think, know, he was not much of a bully. But entire year went nowhere. He didn’t are feeling a little discouraged, and they the biggest thing about him, of course, have a gaffe or a scandal. Rudy Giuliani Noonan: Well, all elections are have to get themselves together. The was that he had a very special kind of just sort of started to disappear. Nobody important. You know, I have friends who Democrats think, in an odd way, they political courage. And it was the politi- knows why. Nobody knows exactly. every four years say, “Peggy, you don’t already are together. I mean, Mrs. Clin- cal courage of one who swims against Everybody is saying, “Oh, he had the understand. This is the most important ton and Mr. Obama are fighting it out the tide. That’s an exhausting, daily, wrong strategy.” Well, maybe, but it was election of our lifetime.” Somehow, it’s toe-to-toe, but they don’t really disagree just so interesting to me and to others labor-filled thing. always the most important election of on much. They’re not a party looking for — his collapse, the rise of John McCain. our lifetimes. In America, the federal their meaning. They are sort of satisfied John McCain was over in the autumn; Kokai: 2006 was obviously a big he was the victor in the winter. government has a lot of power, so it mat- with whatever it is they are — left liberal, year for Democrats. Turnout numbers ters who runs the federal government, liberal-progressive, or whatever. The in this year’s primaries and caucuses On the Democratic side, it was so of course it’s important. Republicans are not so. suggest more voters are interested in supposed to be an easy glide for Mrs. the Democratic race than the Republi- Clinton to the nomination. It has turned Kokai: How about for the Demo- Kokai: Republicans would prob- can race. Do you think American voters out not to be an easy glide. She is in the crats? After the 2006 election, a lot of ably be more excited about this election are still as receptive as they have been fight of her life, which it appears at the people thought because Democrats if they had another Reagan, but is that in recent years to basic conservative moment she will lose. If that is not excit- had major gains in Congress the way possible? principles and ideas? ing enough for you, then you don’t really was paved for Hillary Clinton to win like politics. This is an exciting year. I the presidency. That storyline is not Noonan: I think the Reaganism Noonan: I don’t think the Ameri- don’t mean it’s the most satisfying. I necessarily playing out as planned. thing has gotten to the point of silliness. can people have heard basic conserva- mean it’s simply the most exciting. What is this election saying about the There is a point when nostalgia can be- tive principles and ideas in a while, on Democrats? come crippling, and I think some people the national level. Locally, they have Kokai: Let’s delve into both of in the Republican Party have reached that conversation. Locally, things are those races. First, the Republicans. Noonan: I think what this election that point, with the encouragement of bubbling. There are many young con- What do you think this campaign says is saying about the Democrats is that the mainstream media, which is always servative leaders coming up, and there’s about the current state of the Republican they are hungry. I think I am correctly interested, in its way, in discouraging much happening. But, look, sometimes Party? observing that there is a rising tide of Republicans. So mainstream media loves movements get tired or lose their way. something. I never know what to call to walk up to people and say, “I’m an Noonan: I think the Republican it — liberalism, left liberalism, progres- interviewer. Is John McCain Reagan? There were two generations of Party is in some flux. It is working out sivism. People are voting in Democratic Is Giuliani Reagan? Is your Uncle Moe conservative leaders who went to Wash- each day what it stands for and what it primaries. Obama has become a man Reagan?” Mr. Reagan has left us. It will ington, and some of them tried to do big believes. It has broken up into various with support that almost looks like the soon be — it will be this coming January, things, but many of them tried to simply factions. The old coalition that held size of a movement. There’s a lot hap- 20 years since he walked out of the White self-perpetuate, and they took on the together from the time of just before pening there. The Democrats came to House and circled it in a helicopter. ways of Washington. They became big Reagan is gone. It has been sundered, I play this year. They want to win this And he and Nancy looked at the White spenders, government control people, think, by the current administration. It presidency. House and then went over to the airport bullies, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. They is going to have to re-collect itself, and and took a plane back to California. Life have made the political philosophy that that is the sort of thing that takes time So there’s a lot of excitement on that moves on. Reagan was great. Greatness they sprang from appear to be somewhat and effort. It will sort of have to, the side. You can see it on TV, if you put on is something that bubbles up in America. discredited. Well, it’s a big and vibrant coalition, I think, have to reconstitute the news. The news wants, essentially, There will be other Reagans, only their thing. It can’t be discredited by them. itself with time. to put on the story that they think will names will not be Reagan; it’ll be Joe, They are mere punks. But it’s not looking grab you most easily with its drama and Bob, and Sally, and that’s fine. so good at the moment, you know, and Kokai: So what will this election its ability to interest you. They lead with you’ve got to be frank about that. Can mean for the future? Will it set a course the Democrats; that’s where the excite- Kokai: As a person who worked it come back? Of course it can. CJ May 2008 CAROLINA  NorthEducation Carolina JOURNAL Crane Tells Her Story to Open Government Coalition

Editor’s Note: In celebration of about what was a public record when it “Sunshine Week,” Debbie Crane, former came to computing. What about drafts? spokeswoman for the N.C. Department of Didn’t the public have a right to know if Health and Human Services, delivered the documents changed dramatically from following speech March 15 at a North Caro- draft one to draft two to the final draft lina Open Government Coalition luncheon to the end product? Certainly things at Elon University. Crane was fired by Gov. like grammatical changes weren’t all Mike Easley on March 4 because she released that important for the public record. public records to the media, in violation of a But, what about when the end result policy imposed by the governor. Crane gave bore little or no resemblance to the first Carolina Journal permission to publish the draft? Wasn’t it important to know who transcript of her speech: was making what amounted to policy change by editing? Jim devised a stan- have to say, three weeks ago I dard that I have stuck with to the present wouldn’t have imagined I would be — well I should say until March 4 — if here today. I figured I would be in the changes were purely style then you Imy office in Raleigh, doing the people’s could overwrite the document. But, if business. But, as I guess y’all have heard the edits resulted in a real substantive — my situation has changed. Let me change to the document, then each draft thank you personally for this opportu- should be preserved. nity to get out of my house. One of the As an aside on this point, I would things I loved about my job was daily urge you to make more public records contact with reporters, so I’m pleased requests around drafts. If you are doing to see so many of you here in the room. a story about a controversial new policy Today, I’m getting my reporter fix. — ask to see all the drafts that led to Also, I’ve got to admit it has been that policy. a little weird writing a speech for me. In my years in state government, I I’ve written lots of speeches over the rarely had anyone ask for those materi- past years, but I’ve not written a speech als, but they can be telling. Equally tell- for me to deliver since high school. I’ve ing, is if no drafts exist, especially with spent much of my time in government Debbie Crane, former spokeswoman for the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, was a controversial change in policy. putting stuff down on paper in someone fired by Gov. Mike Easley after she released public records to the media. But, back to the point of this speech. else’s voice. Writing this speech has been private. That’s why when I became a part of Public records are public records no mat- kind of liberating, because I know what In one of my earlier incarnations, government, I viewed my job as helping ter what their form. And, there need to I want to say and how I want to say it. I was a radio reporter in Columbus to illuminate what government does. be some substantive changes in policy I don’t have to keep saying to myself, County. The radio station I worked for Jim Shepherd used to say, “If govern- and law to ensure that the public is get- “Would Dr. Bruton say this?” ... “Would didn’t have the best of equipment. I used ment has done something good, then ting a full accounting from the people it Carmen say this?” … “Would Dempsey an old, balky recorder that dated from the people need to know about it ... and pays. One thing that I told reporters after say this?” This is me talking. the late ‘70s. It had to “warm up” before if government has done something bad, the governor sacked me, is that while I When I came to government almost it would record, so once you got it in then the people still need to know about served at the will of Mike Easley… the 19 years ago, I went to work for a lovely record mode … you would hit the pause it so they can demand that it be fixed.” citizens paid my salary. The taxpayers, man named Jim Shepherd. He was ev- button rather than turning it off if you In 1989, desktop computers were the people of this state, therefore have erything a reporter, or a citizen, would had to stop recording. If you turned it off, relatively new to government. Some the right to know what is going on in want in a public information officer. He then you had to go through the five min- public information officers were still government. That’s the whole point of believed that we were doing the public’s utes of warmup writing news re- public records laws and policies. And, business and the public, often working to get recording leases on typewrit- those laws and policies must keep up through a reporter, deserved every scrap again. At any rate, “[W]hen I became a part ers — a few icono- with the times. of paper ... every idea belonged to the I was covering a clasts still used old Here are some things that need to people. He was passionate about the town meeting in of government, I viewed Royal manuals. be addressed if the sun is indeed going subject. He gave me two pieces of advice Chadbourn, when Fax machines were to continue to shine on North Carolina the day I started work, which was, by the town board my job as helping to illu- still something rel- government: the way, July 3rd 1989 — the first was went into “execu- atively new. Most The first is actually a matter of deal- just about everything you produce in tive session.” I was minate what government of them still used ing with conventional paper records. government is public record, and the the only reporter at does.” that old, curly pa- There needs to be a consistent policy second was if Pat Stith comes calling, the meeting. When per. across state government on copying get scared, get very scared. The first was I left the room, I hit For the most charges. The policy must be based on great advice. The second was true in its the pause button part, public re- something real, not just an arbitrary fig- own way, but I have to tell you Pat is the on my recorder rather than unplugging it cords were all paper — filing cabinet ure. And, there needs to be a minimum person I would most like to be if I had from the wall and having to go through after filing cabinet of paper. There were threshold that allows the average person my career to do over. the whole warm-up cycle all over again problems even then with public records. to get some things for free. Right now, I had met Jim when I was a reporter, when the meeting reconvened in open I remember when DENR first got into if you go to DOT, Cultural Resources, coming to him for help in doing stories session. At any rate, after a 45-minute- recycling in a major way… someone had the governor’s office, DHHS, you’ll get about the environment. I thought that or-so executive session, the town council stored several cabinets worth of records different answers about how much per what he did sounded like the ideal job reconvened. To my surprise, my recorder in old copying paper boxes in a hallway page you will be charged … if you’ll get — helping reporters and the public get had been taken off pause. The first thing while they waited for a more permanent anything for free … and most agencies information. I had had my share of prob- on the tape … was something to the effect location. Some eager recycler “chunked can’t tell you how they arrived at the lems as a reporter with public records of “fixed her ... trying to record us” ... them,” as our governor would say. Jim cost for copying. I’m proud to say that and open meetings. and then I had a recording of the town and I spent three days going through DHHS actually charges less than most I knew firsthand as a reporter that council doing nothing that required it recycled paper to find those records. other agencies — three-and-a-half cents there were people like Jim in govern- to be in executive session. My first real But, we did find them. per page — and does include a minimum ment, who worked daily to keep things experience in how sunshine doesn’t Even in those days, with the advent threshold of up to $2 where copies are public. But, there were also people who always shine on government, but not of desktop computers as the backbone worked just as diligently to keep things by any means my last. of an office, we were having discussions Continued as “Crane,” on Page 9 CAROLINA May 2008 JOURNAL NorthEducation Carolina  Crane Tells Story of Her Firing By Gov. Mike Easley

Continued from Page 8 consequence to the lawbreaker. Anyone numbers. To make that database public filled quickly. using a personal e-mail account to do record, someone in my office had to go free. That’s because the controller’s office Holding those to account who public business should be required to through thousands of comment entries actually computed what copying paper break the state’s public record laws. report that use and to properly archive to remove the nonpublic information and copying machine maintenance cost Right now it is really difficult for a public business produced in that fashion. — slowing down the time it took to get and used that to determine a real cost. small newspaper or radio station — or, With the advent of personal digital as- the information to the requesting party. And, someone with sense realized that heaven forbid, the average citizen — to sistants like Blackberries, more and more That’s ridiculous. it actually costs an agency more than $2 have the ability to sue if a government business is being done electronically The same law required depart- to process a check for less than $2. That agency doesn’t provide public records. and on the fly. There needs to be a clear ments to have a database directory. means that the vast majority of public Even if the requester does bring a suit policy on maintaining backups of pda But, it didn’t make it clear who was to records requests, which usually amount and is successful, they can still be on messages. There isn’t one now. maintain the database directory. The di- to just a few pages of material, are actu- the hook for their own legal bills. There There are other changes that need rectory fell through the cracks at DHHS. ally provided free at DHHS. needs to be a bad actor’s clause that to be made in the area of electronic There should be no exceptions to I’m sure it did at other departments as guarantees a requester will recover legal records: how much it costs to make a copy of well. Someone needs to ensure that the costs when a government agency defies One of the things The News and a document, because a copy is a copy. database directory for each department public record law. Observer discovered during its mental Yet, at DHHS we have that problem. is updated on an annual basis and pub- Personnel information. Right now, health series is that DHHS was overwrit- Another part of the general statutes lished online so that anyone can request you can come to a state agency and ask ing fields in its databases, leaving an in- allows a health-care provider to charge and receive a database. for the public information on a state complete record of what had transpired. a patient or patient representative for Other public record changes that employee, which will include only the Let me explain. The database on compa- making copies of a health-care record. are necessary for open government: most recent personnel action in the nies that were being asked to pay back So, when The News and Observer came Forms should be designed so that starkest of terms like “fired” and the money to Medicaid on community ser- to one of the DHHS hospitals, asking nonpublic information can be quickly re- most recent salary information rather vices had a field for for copies of patient records, they were dacted from pub- than a complete salary history. That’s pay-back amount. going to be charged according to this lic information, not acceptable. It allows an agency to But, it didn’t have statute, which means that instead of and the people hide a whole lot of information that separate fields for “I do hope that there will paying three-and-a-half cents a page, filling out those the public has a right to know. Take negotiated pay- forms should be they were going to be charged up to this example: Say employee X, for some back amount. So, be changes in at least properly trained. 75 cents a page. We agreed to ignore reason, maybe not a good one, gets a the company could The N&O had to the law on that one, over our hospital’s the way e-mail is han- 15 percent raise on June 25, then gets a receive a letter say- wait for months vociferous objection. legislative cost-of-living raise on July 1. ing that they owed on institutional Secondly, there needs to be clear dled within state govern- The second that legislative cost-of-living Medicaid $50,000. patient death re- policy on e-mail as a public record. I raise goes into effect, there is no public Someone would ment, but we don’t need cords from DHHS, understand the governor has called for record of that employee getting the 15 type $50,000 into because they so a review of e-mail policy. I’ve probably to have something go percent raise just days before. Similarly, dealt with public records for as long the payback data- thoroughly com- base. But, then the mingled nonpub- if an employee is fired or promoted, as anyone that will be on that review wrong or accusations the public has a right to know for what panel, so here’s what I think needs to company would lic and public have an informal made in order for pub- information, re- reason. Not every fired employee gets be done: as much ink as I have. In fact, my case In [the March 14] N&O, Franklin hearing on the is- quiring someone is one of the few examples where the Freeman, who will lead this effort for sue with a DMA lic records laws to be to carefully read current administration hasn’t hidden the governor, said this about the pro- employee, who each page of in- changed to keep up with behind the guise of “that’s a personnel cess: “What is the appropriate balance might lower that formation and re- issue and we can’t talk about it.” between the public’s right to know and figure to $35,000. dact names and technology.” After my firing and the subsequent the practicality and cost of maintaining, So, the person other identifying gosh, the — I would assume — literally maintaining the information. The reporting on e-mails, I do hope that there tens of thousands of e-mails sent each database would N&O should have will be changes in at least the way e-mail day in state government.” just overwrite the $50,000 with $35,000. gotten these materials in a more timely is handled within state government, With few exceptions, most mate- And, that figure could be overwritten fashion. This could be accomplished by but we don’t need to have something rials are public record. So rather than again and again throughout the process, putting all identifying information at go wrong or accusations made in order debating who deletes what and when, leaving an incomplete flawed account- the top of a form, where it can easily be for public records laws to be changed public officials should be required to ing for the expenditure of public dollars. removed and ensuring that the person to keep up with technology. The laws maintain archives of their e-mails. Rather Instead, there should be clear fields that writing the narrative understands that should be reviewed every two years by than cluttering up the state server and show each stage of the process. the narrative must not include identifiers a panel of experts, including reporters, taking lots of time as Freeman suggests, The public records laws around like the person’s name. citizen advocates, technology gurus, these archives could be maintained on databases changed in the late 1990s, Consistency and timeliness of lawyers, and government folks who discs or pst files. Memory is cheap and and they were good changes, requir- response to public records requests. should recommend appropriate changes convenient these days. This wouldn’t ing government to absorb the cost of Each agency should have someone on in law and policy to ensure that it stays require a huge amount of effort in terms removing nonpublic information like whose desk the buck clearly stops when current. of either financial cost or administra- the names of Medicaid patients from it comes to public records. The name Finally, on a truly personal note, tive practicality. It is simply a matter public information like amounts spent and contact information for that person I’ve done a lot of thinking in the past of building it into the process of doing on services for individual patients. But should be clearly published. A request couple of weeks about what I could have daily business. many of the Medicaid databases, and shouldn’t be allowed to languish as it done differently. I loved my job, and I Public officials should understand I suspect this is true across DHHS and goes from desk to desk — looking for a miss it dearly. I really thought I did some that it isn’t a matter of what Internet pro- state government, really did not keep home. When a request is received, the good. I certainly regret losing the job, vider is being used to talk about public up with these changes. The Medicaid requester should receive an immediate but I don’t regret anything I did. When business. If it is public business, then fraud and abuse-tracking database, written response, either providing the I first came to state government, I lived it’s public record whether it is sent on for instance, included a “comment” information or explaining when the by the words of one of my favorite politi- a Gmail, Roadrunner, Hotmail, or state field. Because the person entering the requester will receive the information cians — Thomas Jefferson — who said e-mail account. Some officials believe material in the database didn’t under- and why it will take a given amount of in 1774, “The whole art of government that if they use a personal e-mail account, stand the law or deliberately chose to time to provide that information. Hav- consists in the art of being honest.” That’s then they aren’t creating public records. ignore the law, the comment section ing to explain, in print, why a response what we should all expect of govern- That’s clearly breaking public records often contained nonpublic information is going to take a while will ensure that ment — honesty. And, I can truly say to law, and it is happening now with little like patient names and Social Security requests that can be filled quickly are you — I was always honest. CJ May 2008 CAROLINA 10 NorthEducation Carolina JOURNAL JLF survey Some Residents Fear Negative Effects of Greenway Projects By CJ STAFF Negative reaction was especially RALEIGH strong among neighbors of the access eighbors of Raleigh’s Neuse path, Sanera said. “This should not River Greenway are much more surprise us, since the 25-yard-wide ac- likely than other greenway us- cess path offers the prospect of little to Ners to object to the greenway’s potential no vegetation to block greenway users’ costs in increased crime, decreased views of backyards and homes,” he said. privacy, and lower property values, “Neighbors of the access path would according to a recent John Locke Foun- face especially high costs.” dation survey. Of 33 written comments submit- A new JLF Regional Brief sum- ted along with the survey, five favored marizes the survey’s findings. “It’s not the greenway, seven were neutral, and surprising that many people who live 21 were negative. “Some respondents directly next to the Neuse River Green- raised serious safety concerns, while an- way do not see it as an asset,” said brief other key theme involved the invasion of co-author Dr. Michael Sanera, JLF Re- homeowner privacy,” Sanera said. “One search Director and Local Government Greenways, like this one in Durham, often run close to residents’ backyards, causing privacy comment indicated that the proposed Analyst. “The survey results confirm concerns and fears of lower property values, according to a JLF survey. (CJ photo) greenway had prompted one family to one of the central principles of econom- move out of the neighborhood.” ics: people take better care of their own neighbors who face greenway-related “Most respondents thought the A city owned-and–operated green- property than they do of property owned costs and the responses of greenway Neuse River Greenway would affect way forces homeowners who live next in common. A publicly owned greenway users who face few costs, Sanera said. them in negative ways,” Sanera said. to the greenway to pay higher costs in is more susceptible to litter, crime, and “Unfortunately, most surveys make no “While almost all of them believe their terms of lack of privacy and an increase such distinction,” he said. “These sur- neighborhoods are safe now, 61 percent degradation over time.” in crime, litter, and noise than they would veys do not tell us anything about the believed the neighborhoods would be Raleigh is building the greenway receive in benefits, Sanera said. costs and benefits associated with those ‘less safe’ after the greenway was com- along the bank of the Neuse River from “The survey results also imply that who live next to a greenway.” pleted. A plurality of 40 percent to 35 Falls Lake Dam to the Johnston County greenway users who would not live next line. The city owns the greenway, and That’s why Sanera and JLF research percent believed the greenway would to the greenway would receive more in city government manages it. “For a interns Justin Coates and Katie Bethune not be an asset to the community.” benefits than they would pay in costs,” greenway, the key questions are, ‘Who worked on the recent Neuse River Gre- Neighbors also had strong opin- he said. “Such results could not happen if benefits? Who pays?’” Sanera asked. enway Survey. It focused exclusively on ions about the greenway’s potential the greenway were to be constructed on “Economic theory argues that those who residents in the Bedford Falls and Falls impact on taxes, Sanera said. “A large private property. A private greenway op- live next to the greenway pay more in River Community neighborhoods who majority — 85 percent — would not costs — such as litter, crime, and a lack own property directly adjacent to the want to pay for the greenway project erator would have to pay property own- of privacy — than they gain in benefits. greenway or an associated access path. with an increase in property taxes,” he ers for their land, and to recover those On the other hand, greenway users who JLF mailed anonymous questionnaires said. “Only 8 percent of respondents costs the operator would need to charge do not live next to the greenway receive to 121 residents. supported that option. By a two-to-one those who use the greenway,” Sanera more benefits than costs.” Sixty-one residents returned com- margin — 46 percent to 23 percent — re- added. “A system based on property A useful greenway survey must plete surveys, yielding a response rate spondents thought the greenway would rights and the rule of law would produce distinguish between the responses of of 50 percent. decrease their property values.” a more equitable result.” CJ JLF Analyst: Major Error Calls Climate Change into Question

By CJ STAFF makes a mistake that large.” and local revenue by more than $184 mil- department from the report,” Cordato RALEIGH Accurate estimates are important lion, according to Beacon Hill Institute said. “Whitehead wrote on his Web site orth Carolina legislators should to North Carolina, since the policies researchers. that he’s ‘very skeptical’ any positive question any claims of eco- studied would lead to higher taxes and “When we’re talking about poten- benefits from climate change policies nomic benefits from proposed fees, new restrictions, and price increases tial harmful impacts of this magnitude, would cancel out the clear negative Nclimate change policies, now that the for consumers, Cordato said. “In fact, our North Carolina cannot afford to rely on impacts.” Appalachian State University Energy own analysis from trained economists faulty estimates of economic benefits,” North Carolina shouldn’t bet its Center has admitted inflating earlier at the Beacon Hill Institute at Boston’s Cordato said. “That’s especially true if economic future on dubious claims estimates by more than 900 percent, a Suffolk University shows that the poli- the proponents of climate change poli- from untrained nonexperts, Cordato policy analyst says. cies would hurt — not help — the North cies can’t distinguish between 32,000 jobs said. “The costs of making a mistake “Six months ago, the ASU Energy Carolina economy.” and 325,000 jobs or between a $2.2 billion would be too high,” he said. “Given Center trumpeted its claims that poli- The new ASU Energy Center report impact and a $20 billion impact.” the mistakes the ASU Energy Center cies to cut carbon dioxide emissions in emerged at the April 22 meeting of the The ASU Energy Center’s errors has already admitted, there’s no reason to believe these climate change policies North Carolina would add more than N.C. Legislative Commission on Global might be linked to the fact that its re- would create 32,000 jobs or 320 jobs or 325,000 jobs and $20 billion to the state’s Climate Change. At the same meeting, port did not rely on the expertise of the 32 jobs.” economy by 2020,” said Dr. Roy Cordato, a new analysis from trained Beacon university’s economics department, Cor- Legislators should also remember John Locke Foundation vice president Hill Institute economists warned that dato said. “The ASU Energy Center calls that North Carolina can take no step for research and resident scholar. “Now North Carolina would lose more than its report an ‘economic impact analysis,’ that would have any significant impact the same ASU team has snuck out a 33,000 jobs and face a $4.5 billion hit but economists had nothing to do with on the climate, Cordato said. “None of new report that drops that estimate to to its Gross State Product by 2011, if it,” he said. “A student in a public ad- the policies under consideration would 32,000 jobs and $2.2 billion in gross state lawmakers adopt just a fraction of the ministration master’s degree program do anything to reduce global warm- product.” policies under consideration now to and a colleague with an engineering de- ing,” he said. “Plus trained economists “That’s not just a rounding er- address climate change. gree assembled both the wildly inflated see far more costs than benefits. They ror,” Cordato said. “That’s a major The policies studied also would numbers in the original report and the see large-scale job losses and a major mistake that should call into question cost the state more than $502 million revisions released last week.” hit to the Gross State Product. North the researchers’ competence. No seri- in investment, lower real disposable “ASU economics professor John Carolina policymakers should listen ous scholar would put out research that income by $2.2 billion, and reduce state Whitehead has distanced himself and his to their warnings.” CJ CAROLINA May 2008 JOURNAL Education 11 Luddy Proposes School Commentary Options for Wake County Winning the Math Game hen it comes to teaching — more depth, less material. By DAVID N. BASS tary schools in Wake County are $161.33 math, American public In addition to revamping con- Associate Editor per square foot, a rate higher than the schools have implement- tent, teachers and leaders should RALEIGH average cost of elementary schools in Wed a botched formula. So says the expect more effort from students. s the private sector the solution for comparable districts around the coun- newly released, much-anticipated That means, the math panel said, Wake County’s debacle over public try, according to a report published in report from the National Math- counteracting public “resigna- school reassignment? One Wake April 2007. ematics Advisory Panel. Citing tion” that’s “rooted in the idea that ICounty businessman thinks so, and he’s “It lacks economic calculations,” a “broken” system of American success in mathematics is largely getting help from community leaders Luddy said of spending on public mathematics instruc- a matter of inherent and local elected officials to create an schools. “If there is no economic calcula- tion, the panel is urging talent, not effort.” The affordable private school alternative for tion, there is no control of cost.” “substantial and sustained truth is the spoils go families disillusioned with the govern- Construction costs for a Thales changes” to math educa- to those who work the ment system. Academy in Apex are expected to be tion in this country. hardest, as many of our Although Wake County is one $3.2 million for a two-story school, with Our failure to teach international competi- of the fastest growing regions in the only the first floor built out. The school math well is cause for se- tors already know. nation, private school enrollment has will be situated on a three-acre parcel rious concern. Technology Working harder remained stag- of land donated has reshaped the world of also means curbing an nant over the last by the private firm commerce, ushering in an unproductive reliance three years. About Apex First De- era of globalization and on calculators in the 14,000 students at- “The long-term goal is velopment. When unprecedented competi- elementary grades. In tended Wake pri- fully completed, tion for jobs. According to Kristen North Carolina, el- vate schools dur- to build 25 to 50 private the school will be columnist Thomas Fried- Blair ementary students use ing the 2006-2007 K-8 and hold 432 man’s 2005 bestseller, The calculators on about term, compared to schools as models of students. World is Flat, the “global two-thirds of end-of- 134,000 students what education could be Expenses are competitive playing field” has been grade math tests, beginning in third enrolled in public kept at a minimum, leveled. In a digitized, flatter world, grade. This practice might inflate schools this year. on a larger scale.” thanks to efficient math is more important than ever, test scores, but it undoubtedly con- Not every construction and writes Friedman: “More and more tributes to a deficit in mental math family can afford Bob Luddy operating meth- of what we design, what we write, skills. Weaning young students off tuition payments, Wake County businessman ods, according to what we buy, what we sell, and calculators will involve more prac- and those that can Kent Misegades, a what we invent is built on a foun- tice and memorization. But kids’ face fierce competi- businessman and dation of math.” mastery of math facts will pay divi- tion because of a backlog of applicants chairman of the board of trustees for Clearly, the stakes for Ameri- dends later. Just ask math teachers. vying for openings at many area private the Apex Thales Academy. Eliminating can K-12 education could not In fact, the math panel did, com- schools. extras such as cafeterias, large athletic be higher. But if test scores are a missioning a national survey of Bob Luddy, a business owner who fields, buses, and large parking lots help harbinger of what’s to come, we are public school Algebra I teachers. launched the award-winning charter to keep costs down, he said. in for a rough economic ride ahead. Not surprisingly, teachers wanted school Franklin Academy in 1998, wants Another factor that distinguishes The most recent Program for Inter- students who were more fluent in to change that. His goal is to create an Thales Academy from traditional public national Student Assessment math math basics and less dependent on affordable, efficient free-market option schools is the teaching approach. Most exam ranked U.S. 15-year-olds 24th calculators. that offers families a way out. students at the north Raleigh school among 30 industrialized nations. Teacher expertise with math “The long-term goal is to build 25 perform at least one full grade above In North Carolina, widespread content is also central to turn- to 50 private schools as models of what their counterparts in the public system, math competencies elude us: Only ing student performance around. education could be on a larger scale,” according to Suzanne Lambert, head- 41 percent of fourth- graders and Unfortunately, our nation’s schools Luddy said. “You can have one good mistress of the school. 34 percent of eighth-graders were are generally more concerned with private school, and everybody says, ‘So Effective discipline policies, pa- proficient in math on the 2007 Na- promoting a social agenda than what?’ But if we had a larger number, rental involvement, and smaller class tional Assessment of Educational they are with math instruction. Ac- then we could say this is a model that size make a difference. “It gives us the Progress. cording to a study of 71 top edu- works in many communities.” opportunity to make sure we’re meeting What’s the reason for sagging cation schools by Jay Greene and The Thales Academy in north Ra- the needs of each individual student,” test scores and a broken system of Catherine Shock, published in City leigh is based on the model Luddy hopes she said. math education? We’re not teach- Journal’s Winter 2008 issue, “the av- will catch on across the county. New For teaching, Thales Academy uses ing the basics. We’re also, to put it erage ed school … offers 82 percent schools are to open in Apex and Wake Direct Instruction, a method that relies starkly, a little bit lazy. To top it off, more courses featuring social goals Forest this summer. With annual tuition on a structured learning environment our math teachers often attend edu- than featuring math.” costs of $5,000 and scholarships available and scripted lesson plans. This allows cation schools where critical math That’s a mistake. Our schools for needy families, supporters envision teachers to better evaluate whether stu- content is drowned out in a sea of aren’t social experiments, they’re the academies becoming a viable option dents are mastering the material and to socially conscious course offerings. laboratories of learning. Education for all Wake County parents. accelerate or decelerate the process de- Why concentrate on basics? schools ought to train teachers with The concept is gaining support pending on their needs, Lambert said. According to the math panel, that in mind. K-12 students need from elected officials, such as Apex “The Direct Instruction method American math curriculum in the rigorous mathematics content that’s Mayor Keith Weatherly, who said the is extremely effective,” said J. J. McNa- early grades is broad and shal- grounded in the basics, linked with town is cooperating as much as possible mara, a resident of north Raleigh and low and fails to inculcate founda- high expectations for effort. Be- to ensure that a Thales Academy will parent of a second-grader at Thales tional math concepts. Elementary cause even on a level playing field, open there in September. Academy. “Our child is way ahead of textbooks as long as 700 pages hard work and know-how still win “Demand for private and charter where she would have been had she bombard kids with superfluous the game. CJ school options is through the roof,” been elsewhere.” information. Instead, in the years Weatherly said. “The demand much McNamara is one of many parents before algebra, we should focus on exceeds the supply. This certainly pleased with the Thales model. He “streamlining” curriculum, said Kristin Blair is a North Carolina is a much-needed product in Wake and his wife came to Thales Academy panel Chairman Dr. Larry Faulkner Education Alliance Fellow. County.” because of uncertain reassignment Total construction costs for elemen- schedules in public schools. CJ May 2008 CAROLINA 12 Higher Education JOURNAL

On Campus Students responding favorably

• To many students, Earth Great Books Curriculum Making a Comeback? Day, on April 22, meant dire warn- ings about global warming, fairs By JANE S. SHAW of beginning the course with a clas- Great Books (to use the term made Contributing Editor sic, however, they asked the students famous by scholars Robert Hutchins that promote recycling (whether RALEIGH to write informal essays on how they and Mortimer Adler) are not just old necessary or not), and “sustainabil- n academia today, Shakespeare has define happiness, after reading a short works. There is the possibility of new ity” events of one kind and another. given way to feminist theory, while modern essay on the topic. Class discus- classics, too. One presentation focused Not to the Pope Center or the Col- Plato has been reduced to a para- sion introduced the issues that would on the “graphic novel” — what we lege Republicans at UNC-Chapel Iphrase, and the Aeneid to a footnote. dominate the course — “happiness, joy, used to call comics. “Fun Home” is a Hill, however. They fostered some But a few scholars and teachers still love free will, evil, and suffering,” as Marzec drawing-based autobiographical book healthy skepticism about the usual Great Books. summarized them. by Alison Bechdel. Its drawings vary claims by sponsoring a screening of About 300 of the enthusiasts gath- The class, said Marzec, became from the spare simplicity of traditional Martin Durkin’s documentary “The ered at the annual a “phenomenal success.” Complaints comics to the more subtle style of etch- Great Global Warming Swindle.” meeting of the As- dried up. The students read as much as ings, and the content is a story about This British documentary reveals sociation for Core or more than previously, but it was no suicide and its impact that also reveals that some prominent scientists Texts and Courses longer too much or too hard. Their dis- the author’s intense personal involve- don’t think that we’re headed for in April in Plym- cussions related one work to another. The ment with literature. a climate Armageddon. The argu- outh, Mass. They most popular book was the relatively Of course, studying core texts, a ments it contains are an important talked about such obscure Consolation of Philosophy by Bo- label presumably chosen to avoid the part of the debate on the causes of classics as Hom- ethius. “I was on the wheel of fortune “dead white male” stigma attached climate change. er’s Iliad, Plato’s in my own life until we read Boethius to Great Books, does not necessarily Symposium, and and Chaucer,” wrote one student in an mean honoring the Western origins of • Such skepticism was in Plato Boethius’ Conso- evaluation. individualism, limited government, and the minority at UNC-Chapel Hill’s lation of Philosophy — and how to teach In other words, this redesigned freedom of conscience. In academia weeklong celebration of Earth them to today’s students. course, relying on complete works, not today, some faculty members want to Day, which included “Our Van- They ranged from graduate stu- snippets, and organized around a theme undermine the heritage of the West, via ishing Night,” a warning about dents and young assistant professors to that connects with the interests of today’s Marx and Rousseau, rather than confirm light pollution at the Morehead experts such as keynote speaker Theo- teen-agers, became a hit. it, via Adam Smith and David Hume. Planetarium; “The 11th Hour,” a dore de Bary, the Columbia University Other speakers at the ACTC meet- A session at the conference on feature-length documentary about guru of Eastern classics who is approach- ing had uplifting stories, too. A professor “Peering through a Veil to See Women” the global environment narrated by ing age 90. They represented community from Norfolk State, a historically black had papers that seemed to undermine actor Leonardo DiCaprio; and an colleges, honors colleges, residential college in Virginia, said that Francis the value of core texts. One compared environmental social justice panel communities, core curriculum programs Bacon’s “four idols” helped her students Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park to the Mar- sponsored by the Student Environ- (especially at Catholic colleges), and think about the idols misdirecting their quis de Sade’s Philosophy of the Boudoir. mental Affairs Committee. even master’s programs. lives. An honors program at Kentucky Austen was deemed to be more “revo- • The week of April 14-18 By teaching the works of “dead State, another historically black school, lutionary.” Another was a relentless was “Conservative Week on the white males,” the faculty members not only teaches liberal arts through attack on John Milton for disparaging Brickyard” at N.C. State. Each are resisting the trends engulfing the Great Books but teaches mathematics female-ness in Samson Agonistes. humanities today — even though they and science using Euclid’s Elements and But the people at this conference, day, NCSU College Republicans incorporate modern works and non- Newton’s Principia. by and large, love classics and want focused on one fundamental con- Western classics as well as the more Villanova’s honors program uses their students to be in touch with them. servative idea while registering traditional core texts. popular evening lecturers to inspire Their experiences offer hope for those students, staff, and faculty to vote. What keeps them at the task is not students to discuss the texts outside the who are trying to involve disengaged On April 14, the group explained just their love of literature but evidence classroom as well as within it. And at students. CJ to passers-by that “Government is that these books can grab the attention of several schools, faculty members are in not the solution to our problems, today’s students — those earbud-wear- the process of starting or rejuvenating Jane S. Shaw is president of the John W. Government is the problem!” Other ing, intellectually indifferent teen-agers a Great Books program. Pope Center for Higher Education Policy. topics included the American fam- who are often academically unprepared ily, national defense, taxes, and the for college. The following example from economy. the meeting illustrates how. • Duke professor and Lib- Marcia Smith Marzec, an English ertarian Party gubernatorial can- professor at the University of St. Francis, didate Mike Munger spoke at a Catholic school in Joliet, Illinois, dis- UNC-Chapel Hill about ballot ac- cussed changes in the “core curriculum” cess in North Carolina on April 21. course that she and her colleagues teach North Carolina’s ballot access laws to sophomores. Initially, this class introduced are among the most severe in the “classic Western thought” through a country, he said, and explained the series of excerpts from an anthology. importance of ballot access to rep- Three weeks on Greek culture, for ex- resentation. “Well, you can’t be the ample, included selections from Homer, governor without getting elected, Aeschylus, Herodotus, and at least four now can you? And you can’t get others. elected without being on the bal- But students hated the course. lot,” he said. UNC-CH Students for Evaluations were “abysmal,” said Mar- Ron Paul sponsored the event. CJ zec; the class was “boring,” “confusing,” “disconnected,” and “too hard.” So they redesigned it. They Compiled by Jenna Ashley stopped reading excerpts and chose 10 Robinson, campus outreach coor- complete texts, ranging in time from the dinator for the John W. Pope Cen- Sumerian Myth of Gilgamesh to Chaucer’s ter for Higher Education Policy. Troilus and Criseyde. They organized the works around the theme of the “good life.” Instead CAROLINA May 2008 JOURNAL Higher Education 13 UNCW’s Adams an Enthusiastic Commentary Defender of Free-Speech Rights Engaging the Disengaged Student

By AMANDA ELISE ANDERSON ollege professors yearn for some facts and “meaning,” perhaps and JESSICA KEARNS academically interested stu- taken from Cliff Notes. But religious Contributing Editors dents — eager young minds students (attending a school that RALEIGH Cthat want to grasp new ideas and embraces their religion) might actu- he Constitution does not give soak up information. But not many ally be open to exploring how this you a right to feel comfortable; it students are like that. Most come to play addresses the administration doesn’t give you a right to have college to get a degree, and have a of justice. They might even have Tyour inner child soothed at all times,” good time while they do so. contemplated issues of justice and UNCW professor and free-speech activ- Tim Clydesdale, a sociologist retribution on their own. ist Mike Adams told UNC-CH students at the College of New Jersey and Antireligious teen-agers in April. author of The First Year might also be open to Speaking at the university April Out (University of Chi- such a discussion. By 10, Adams told conservatives to stop cago Press, 2007), sug- challenging the Judeo- whining about the vast presence of lib- gests that the problem Christian underpinnings eral ideologies on campus. Instead, he lies not with the kids but of American culture, said, they should facilitate debate that Dr. Mike S. Adams, UNC-Wilmington crimi- with the expectations for they are already “en- nal justice professor. presents both sides of an issue. About them. gaged.” As Clydesdale 100 people attended the event, which schools, women comprise more than He’s not saying says, “Strong views on was sponsored by the John W. Pope 50 percent of the student population. that education should religion, be they positive Center for Higher Education Policy and Portraying a majority group as victims be “dumbed down.” It’s or negative, appear to be the College Republicans at UNC-Chapel seems senseless, he said. His book Femi- already dumbed down. Jane connected with greater Hill, Duke, and N.C. State. nists Say the Darndest Things (Penguin He is talking about cre- Shaw openness to intellec- tual or creative engage- Adams’ humor and energy evoked Group, 2007) echoes this notion and cites ating new expectations. ment.” laughter and applause throughout the other contradictory statements made by “These new expec- But most students don’t have speech. Forgoing feminists. tations should not begin with what such strong views. In essence, the use of a podi- Adams in- educators want students to learn, Clydesdale found that students cludes abortion but rather should begin with help- um, Adams paced in their freshman year have “nar- as another issue in ing students identify their interests. . back and forth “The First Amendment rowed perspectives.” They are in a which university . . “ he writes. across the stage us- self-protective mode and “educa- ing gestures to help of the U.S. Constitution administrators The backdrop for Clydesdale’s recommendation is a research tors waste their breath if they at- re-enact his per- guarantees that you will fail to adequately tempt to challenge these [narrowed sonal experiences. represent both project exploring teen-age culture. He spent a year getting to know 21 perspectives] during their first year Adams spoke on be offended with regular- viewpoints. For out.” the importance of example, he said, students at a large high school in a lower-middle-class suburb in New What can faculty do? They free speech, the ity.” a Northern Ken- should help students become more harsh realities of tucky University Jersey. He learned that most col- lege-bound teen-agers, and about aware of their own interests. Once feminism, and the Dr. Mike S. Adams professor vandal- they do so, students can begin to three-fourths of high school gradu- damaging impact UNC-Wilmington ized a pro-life ex- apply these interests to academic ates who go to college, are not of gun control hibit with the help goals such as improving their “cog- ready to do much thinking the first laws. of her students. nitive and communicative skills,” year out of high school. Adams criticized the contradic- Only after news coverage exposed her relating their interests to “existing As freshmen, most “are con- tions engendered by “hostile environ- role was she fired. Adams also wonders bodies of knowledge,” and apply- sumed with managing their daily ment speech codes.” He cited an extreme why women’s centers list only Planned ing what they learn in “practical life and, in particular, with navigat- instance of a woman who falsely accused Parenthood as a viable support option and creative ways.” ing relationships and managing three men of rape and went unpunished for pregnant students. In his own teaching, he gratifications,” Clydesdale says. — yet Adams himself was accused Adams, a former atheist who con- stopped beginning the introductory They put their minds in of violating the speech code for jok- verted to Christianity, spent a substantial sociology course with “macrohis- a “lockbox,” he says. That isn’t ingly using Napoleon Dynamite’s catch amount of time discussing his frustration torical theories of social order.” He all they lock up. They also keep phrase “gosh, idiots.” In Adams’ mind, with “unbelievable hostility towards now starts with “sociological stud- “religious, political, civic, socioeco- this inconsistent policy undermines the Christianity” on college campuses. He ies of interpersonal relationships” nomic, ethnic, and gender identities constitutional right to free speech that shared an example of a UNC-Wilming- instead. in a lockbox, too.” should be protected everywhere, includ- ton biology professor who, after failing More broadly, he wants edu- Clydesdale draws an intrigu- ing on college campuses. to receive a pay raise, said, “I am just as cators to “focus on what knowledge ing connection between students’ “The First Amendment of the stupid as those Christians who think Je- our graduates retain and what skills ability to become engaged students U.S. Constitution guarantees that you sus is still coming back after 2,000 years.” they actually use, and work back- and their religious interests. The will be offended with regularity,” said Adams said he thinks that religion is ward to develop a student-centered majority of students he interviewed Adams when referring to a “vibrator overly politicized on college campuses curriculum that imparts knowledge were “semi-religious.” At college, and that only anti-theist viewpoints are worth retaining and skills worth museum” displayed on a college campus they put their faith on hold, just as presented. developing.” to promote Sexual Awareness Week. The they do their intellectual side. exhibit, designed to outline the historical Adams said he thinks upholding These recommendations are In contrast, Clydesdale finds both lofty and sketchy. But Clydes- evolution of sex toys, prompted Adams the Second Amendment is just as vital that seriously religious students feel dale’s message is that most fresh- to write an article explaining the of- to America as the First Amendment. He freer to “reflect on their own lives men are not ready to plunge into in- fensive nature of the event. Although questioned the constitutionality and ef- and on their wider environment” tellectual endeavors. We might not he never said that the event should not fectiveness of gun-free zones on college than do most freshmen. like it, but the process of education have been allowed, he was sued for campuses, given the recent increase in To illustrate (this example starts with recognizing reality. CJ creating a “hostile sexual environment” school shootings. He argued that crimi- is not Clydesdale’s): For most nals might be less likely to target univer- by the mother of a student involved in teen-agers, Aeschylus’s play The Jane S. Shaw is president of the the campus’s feminist group. sities if students were allowed to carry Eumenides would be an assignment John W. Pope Center for Higher Educa- Adams argued that the prolifera- guns and pointed out that homicide about which they would memorize tion Policy. tion of women’s centers on college cam- rates drop in areas that allow concealed- puses is unnecessary because, in most weapon permits. CJ May 2008 CAROLINA 14 Higher Education JOURNAL

Bats in the Belltower Report: Community Colleges’ Armed, Responsible Students Transition Programs Lacking

n April 16, in an op-ed officials to reform the criminal jus- By JANE S. SHAW U.S. history, Western Civilization, and carried in The News & Ob- tice system, and everyone would Contributing Editor World history. server of Raleigh and The work together to produce laws that RALEIGH Jonathan Ocko, head of the history OCharlotte Observer, the president of would make it harder for people chieving the much-vaunted department at N.C. State, emphasized Duke University and the chan- who shouldn’t have guns — crimi- “seamless” transition between that the report is “anecdotal” rather than cellor of UNC-CH wrote about nals, presumably — to get them. North Carolina’s community definitive. It reflects efforts by history the need for action against gun In short, they see only gov- Acolleges and its universities might re- faculty, and not all faculty members violence. ernment responses to the prob- quire more than superficial fixes. That agreed that a report was needed, to ex- President Richard H. Brod- lem. While they acknowledge the is the impression given by a report plore how to “work with the community head and Chancellor Second Amendment, prepared last year for the N.C. State colleges to help the students have a more James Moeser built they fail to grasp its University history department. immediately successful transition.” their argument upon full importance; i.e., its The reason behind the report was Tests were among the objects of the recent murders of contribution to poten- the fact that some students who had criticism. They appear to be “more Abhijit Mahato, a Duke tial solutions. It might transferred from N.C. community col- closely related to a college-prep level graduate student, and be an old chestnut that leges were “having trouble adjusting course in high school than to a test in a Eve Carson, the student when guns are out- to the work load expected of them,” history course at a four-year institution,” body president of the lawed, only the outlaws the report says. Several N.C. State Uni- Hawkins wrote. “They feature matching, University of North will have guns, but versity history de- true/false, mul- Carolina at Chapel Hill, its wisdom cannot be partment faculty tiple choice, short in light of the massacre Jon denied by decrying it as members asked answer, and one- Sanders “The majority of their at Virginia Tech in April either old or trite. The graduate student page essays.” 2007 and the killing of essence is that when, Leslie Hawkins to classes were lecture A n o t h e r five people in February as is usually the case, a research the issue. problem, accord- at Northern Illinois University. criminal with a gun faces a law- She conducted stu- courses with little or no ing to Hawkins, “[W]e have learned to regard abiding citizen, the presence of a dent interviews, was the “nature gun violence … as a life-and-death gun in the hands of the would-be c o m m u n i c a t e d required reading.” of students often issue that directly affects universi- victim, or passers by, is a signifi- with community found in commu- ties across North Carolina,” they cant equalizer. It very well might college faculty by Leslie Hawkins nity college class- wrote. “We must act to prevent turn the tide. e-mail, and col- N.C. State grad student es.” One student such tragedies from recurring.” Such is the thinking that lected academic told her that the And there is the rub. What animates a national student group materials used at the community col- “lack of dedication” among students actions can be taken? that formed after the Virginia Tech leges such as syllabi and exams. in her classes reduced her own motiva- Brodhead and Moeser begin massacre, Students for Concealed Hawkins’ findings are stark. Most tion. by promoting the work by mem- Carry on Campus, whose media transfer students she interviewed had Out of 390 history majors at the bers of their faculties, who they liaison, Jason Blatt, is a medical “discovered that they were not aca- time Hawkins began her report, 37 had say “would welcome opportuni- student at UNC-CH. The group demically prepared for the amount of transferred some history credits from a ties to apply their expertise more recently conducted a silent pro- reading or writing expected by NCSU,” N.C. community college to N.C. State. actively on behalf of the people test nationwide in which students she wrote. Those students were the focus of the of North Carolina.” They move to wore empty gun holsters to class “The majority of their classes were report. The largest number of students their first suggestion: reforming in support of concealed-carry laws. “deep systemic problems in our The answer to the obvi- lecture courses with little or no required (14) came from Wake Technical; the criminal justice system,” whose de- ous concern can be found on the reading,” Hawkins said. “Some of the other community colleges represented ficiencies were tragically revealed group’s Web site’s frequently classes the students took did not require were Wilson, Technical, Nash, David- through the murders of Mahato asked questions page (concealed- a paper at all.” When essays were as- son, James Sprunt, Tri-County, Gaston, and Carson. Brodhead and Moeser campus.org): signed, they were usually no longer than Beaufort, Forsyth Technical, Alamance, urge “immediate action from state After [11 schools] allowing three to five pages. Guilford, Coastal Carolina, Wayne, Cape and local officials” to equip law concealed carry on campus for a The history majors had “limited, Fear, Wilkes, and Surry. enforcement agencies and courts combined total of more than sixty if any contact with primary documents After e-mailing all 37 students, with technology to share informa- semesters, none of [them] have seen before arriving at NCSU.” Primary docu- Hawkins ultimately met with six. She tion about criminals. a single resulting incident of gun ments are original historical documents also wrote to community college faculty They turn their attention to violence, a single gun accident, or rather than commentaries. Hawkins and obtained class materials from history “keeping guns out of the hands a single gun theft. Likewise, none noted that history classes in community courses at five schools. of people who shouldn’t have of the forty “right-to-carry” states colleges should use primary documents; Although the students she inter- them,” and stressing that they are have seen an increased rate of gun even some high schools do, she noted. viewed laid most of the blame at the not advocating the elimination of violence since legalizing concealed Steven Hill, head of the humani- feet of the two-year colleges, they also Second Amendment rights. While carry. … Numerous studies [have ties department at Wake Tech, said in expressed a need for more helpful advis- highlighting their recent efforts found] that concealed handgun an interview that his history staff was ing at N.C. State. to improve emergency response, license holders are five times less somewhat “taken aback” by the paper. In March, a meeting was held communication, and threat iden- likely than non-license holders to be At least some teachers are emphasizing between history and community col- tification, they say that “there is arrested for violent crimes. primary sources, he said. Even in the lege faculty to further cooperation and only so much we can accomplish A “reasoned and dispas- required textbooks, primary sources are facilitate students’ transition. N. C. while guns remain so easily acces- sionate” approach to the issue of highlighted, he said. State might make some changes, but sible.” gun violence would certainly not Hill said that the N. C. State faculty the deeper question is whether North They conclude with a call neglect the case for concealed-car- should realize that the courses are survey Carolina’s community colleges are to “embrace common-sense laws ry. CJ courses, that these students have not holding expectations too low to enable about guns” and have “a reasoned declared a major, and that some students their students to transfer to a four-year and dispassionate conversation at that early stage simply aren’t ready flagship university. CJ about gun violence.” In their Jon Sanders is a policy analyst to write long research papers. He also vision, university faculty would and research editor of the John Locke pointed out that Wake Tech has a writing work together with state and local Foundation. center to help students with grammar and the mechanics of writing papers. Jane S. Shaw is president of the John W. Wake Tech offers two semesters each of Pope Center for Higher Education Policy. CAROLINA May 2008 JOURNAL Higher Education 15 Opinion UNC Jumps into Another Summer-Reading Controversy By JAY SCHALIN What Yoshino negative impact this wounds and grievances. It is certain to Contributing Editor is proposing are two would have on the cause conflicts and rip us apart further. RALEIGH major changes to the conduct of business With the diminished ability to restrain ometimes an idea comes along that theory and practice and governmental anti-mainstream activity, there will be is bad, really bad. It’s bad enough of discrimination affairs. even more aggressive behavior pushing to rip apart the ties that unite a law. The first is to Y o s h i n o ’ s the envelope of the monoculture past its Snation. The conclusion of the book Cover- extend protection second legal rec- limits, until there is nothing binding us ing, by Yale Law School professor and from discrimination ommendation is to together. Our ordinary affairs, such as gay activist Kenji Yoshino, qualifies. The on account of an switch the burden of deciding where to build a new school polarizing potential of his proposal was individual’s char- proof of discrimina- or how to sell more cornflakes, will so glaring that the author was compelled acteristics that are tion from the indi- likely become enmeshed in a debilitat- to acknowledge that it might cause a considered immutable, such as his or vidual to the institution. He proposes a ing tangle of group politics, extraneous modern-day “Tower of Babel.” her race, gender, religion, and sexual “new paradigm” of universal rights: a emotions, and affected personalities. Despite the dangers present in preference, to include characteristics of right to appearance, a right to language, Such adherence to admittedly Yoshino’s polemic and the juvenile ratio- chosen behavior. To cite one of Yoshino’s a right to expressing ethnic identity, unworkable propositions is hardly the nale it is based upon (or perhaps because examples, not only should businesses and so on. Instead of the current sys- stuff of clear-eyed legal reasoning; rather, of them), UNC-Chapel Hill is promoting and government agencies tem, where an individual it resembles the emotional product of who claims to have suffered the book to all incoming freshmen as this be subject to anti-dis- spoiled children and irrational zealots. discrimination must sue the year’s choice for the Carolina Summer crimination laws in the Yoshino is sounding the grand battle allegedly discriminating en- Reading Program. hiring of homosexuals, cry of immaturity, equating a childish terprise, Yoshino argues that It is not the first time the program but he wants overtly “you’re not the boss of me” crusade the enterprise should have to has made an awful choice. The year homosexual behavior, against practical conformity with a fight prove that the behavior of the for real freedom. after the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, 2001, such as exaggerated ef- individual is injurious to the the school selected Approaching the feminacy by gay men, And that might be the appeal to enterprise’s conduct of busi- many of the entering freshmen who Qur’an: The Early Revelations. The book to be protected on the ness before infringing on appeared to critics to whitewash Islam’s job as well. Today, their will read the book at UNC’s urging. It that individual’s “rights.” is unlikely that most of these 18-year- violent image by eliminating many of behavior would not be Adopting Yoshino’s olds will be able to discern how illogical the aggressive suras (chapters) used by protected, since they can paradigm could have fear- and potentially damaging Yoshino’s radical Muslims to justify holy war and readily choose to behave ful implications for Amer- argument is. the religion’s crueler aspects. less feminine without con- ica’s future existence. As The people in charge of the reading Yoshino defines “covering” as: “to tradicting the immutable we have shed more of the program might fall back on the common tone down a disfavored identity to fit fact that they are gay. common culture that existed defense of bad choices, suggesting that into the mainstream.” He suggests that Yoshino wants all in past generations for multicultural- “Covering” was meant to be the start- the pressure felt by people to conform, such “authentic” behavior to receive ism, the workplace has remained one ing point for a discussion of important whether imposed on them by others legal protection, even “flaunting,” which of our few unifying institutions, for it is issues. After all, the book will be dis- or arising from their own psyches, is a is behavior that aggressively expresses there that we must get along and work cussed in seminars at the start of the fall form of discrimination as oppressive as one’s adherence to a group other than for common goals. By conforming at semester. If so, wouldn’t it be better to real bigotry such as the refusal to hire the majority. And an individual’s “au- work, we accentuate characteristics and have a discussion about good ideas that somebody because of his or her race thenticity” is to be self-defined. If an in- behavior we share in common to focus have stood the test of time, rather than or gender. Yoshino concludes that this dividual thinks that part of his authentic on the task at hand. about terrible, trendy ones? CJ need to “cover” one’s “authentic self” behavior is to express contempt for what Yoshino, however, wants us to is psychologically damaging, and it can he perceives to be historical wrongs per- accentuate our differences. This is folly Jay Schalin is a senior writer for the and should be ended with sweeping formed against his self-selected group, — to emphasize differences is to drive John W. Pope Center for Higher Education legal reforms. he can do so. It is not hard to imagine the a wedge between people and stoke old Policy.

Teacher Education Fails the Test at UNC Schools

as reported in University of North Carolina Education Schools: Helping or Hindering Potential Teachers? George K. Cunningham To receive your free copy, call 919.532.3600 or email [email protected]

Visit the Pope Center online at popecenter.org for additional reports and studies May 2008 CAROLINA 16 Local Government JOURNAL Town and County Smart Metering: Conservation or Intrusion? By KAREN McMAHAN home energy behaviors. People’s en- Water Programme, Australia’s largest Wilmington tax increase Contributing Editor vironmental actions, Shipworth con- scientific research organization and a Wilmington taxpayers can RALEIGH cluded, are influenced by more than their proponent of global warming initia- expect a substantial property tax ower utility bills, improved attitudes, noting that “government poli- tives. In the interview, an official said increase this year. City officials customer service, greater energy cies and regulations support or hinder one option to increase water efficiency project that the city’s property tax efficiency, less dependence on different kinds of actions.” Shipworth is to install smart meters in households rate will rise by at least 13 percent, Lfossil fuels, preventing or forestalling cited a number of studies, one from the to record the time and cost of showers. from 30 cents per $100 of valuation global warming, and the need for fewer United States, reporting that people The utility companies could introduce to at least 34 cents per $100 of valu- power plants are but a few of the benefits will shift their consumption to off-peak premiums for peak-time water usage ation. New Hanover County also promised by smart metering technol- periods when incentives are provided and a discount for off-peak usage to is likely to raise property taxes, the ogy, also known as advanced metering and they feel obligated to do so. change consumer habits. Wilmington Star-News reports. infrastructure. Shipworth suggested that consum- Such solutions might be coming “We don’t have a fat and But critics warn that smart grid er attitudes can be changed through suc- to North Carolina. Gov. Mike Easley happy budget right now,” said technology provides utility companies cessful media campaigns that “repeat- recently joked about being able to take Councilwoman Laura Padgett. with the opportunity for unprecedented edly expose a shower in Half of the projected increase real-time command and control over the public to under 30 sec- is necessary to overcome an error customers’ energy consumption and, the message” onds, and Ra- New Hanover County officials as a result, their lifestyles. and combine leigh Mayor made during last year’s property “regulation, C h a r l e s revaluation. What is advanced metering? information, Meeker has The county included prop- education, suggested erty owned by nonprofit organiza- The most advanced systems en- and persua- that Raleigh tions in its projections of the city able two-way communication between sion.” Ship- c i t i z e n s and county’s tax bases. Nonprofits the utility company and homes or worth said might get don’t pay property taxes, and the businesses and vice versa by means that “effec- by on 25 gal- city’s property tax collections of radio frequency and sophisticated tive persua- lons of water came in $3 million lower than computer networks. The systems en- sive appeals per day. In projected. able utility companies to collect, read, should not a December Most of the rest of the tax and transmit data remotely to and from only activate 2007 press increase will go to higher city smart devices. attitudes but also argue that these atti- release, Easley calls for “conservation- employee salaries. Wilmington According to Metering.com, a Web tudes call for environmentally respon- based water billing,” meaning a 50 recently completed its first survey site for utility and customer manage- sible behaviors.” percent surcharge. of public employee compensation ment professionals, metering systems In 2007, California proposed leg- Mike Hughes, a spokesman for in nearly a decade. allow utility companies to perform islation to grant utility companies the Progress Energy Carolinas, said the real-time leak detection, monitor usage, authority to control “unitary heating and company is evaluating the application Horse farm doesn’t sell detect tampering, eliminate the need for air conditioning systems in new build- of smart devices through a pilot program meter readers, and provide remote con- ings,” including new homes, by means of in North Carolina homes. Smart technol- Attempts to sell a horse farm nects/disconnects. Such measures boost installing “programmable, communicat- ogy could enable them, for example, that Currituck County had bought revenue and lower costs, industry execu- ing thermostats (PCTs).” The proposed to “turn off air conditioners for brief from a private owner in 2006 have tives and environmental groups say. standards say such measures would be periods on the hottest days to lower the failed, after no one submitted By installing special controllers taken only in the case of an emergency. energy load and these measures and the minimum bid sought by the that remotely shut on and off heat Media reports show some Californians others could delay the building of new county. The future of the property pumps, water heaters, appliances, and worry whether the definition of an emer- energy plants,” Hughes said. is unclear, the Daily Advance of lights, utility companies can ease peak Elizabeth City reports. gency might change over time, making demand and prevent blackouts or Currituck County originally temporary restrictions permanent and Extolling the virtues brownouts. bought the property for $3.8 mil- voluntary ones mandatory. In-home display devices allow Manufacturers and distributors of lion from Bob DeGabrielles. The A USA Today article in January customers to monitor their utility usage this new technology are extolling the price was based upon an appraisal reported that the new federal energy bill in real time and control their usage from virtues of time-of-use and premium done by Asset Appraisal Services, President Bush recently signed outlaws anywhere by means of the Internet. A billing to their utility companies, a move which had been hired by DeGa- the use of incandescent light bulbs in volunteer in a pilot implementation of that critics say could help utilities offset brielles. The county, however, the next four to 12 years. A spokes- Business assessed the property as worth this technology was featured in person from the American Council for any expected loss in revenue caused by less than half that amount for Week on Jan. 11. The volunteer said the an Energy Efficient Economy said the lower energy usage. property tax purposes. The idea technology allowed him and his wife to change will “save consumers $40 billion Various surcharges might also re- was to use the 100-acre property as “reduce their energy use when prices in energy and other costs from 2012 to duce the cost savings to residential and an equestrian facility. DeGabrielles went up.” For example, “if they went to 2030, avoid construction of 14 coal-fired commercial customers. In July 2007, the subsequently gave $600,000 back dry clothes, the dryer occasionally sug- power plants, and cut global-warming Kentucky Public Service Commission to the county as a gift. gested they wait until prices declined.” emissions by at least 51 million tons approved a pilot program to provide Purchase of the farm be- The volunteer and his wife said this expe- of carbon annually,” but no empirical time-based rates. To defray some of the came an issue in the 2006 county rience so enlightened them that, after the evidence was provided to support the equipment cost, Kentucky PG&E will commission election. Democrats pilot program concluded, they decided assertions. use an existing surcharge to recover who opposed the deal captured to switch to an old-fashioned clothesline program costs on top of an additional a majority of the five-member to help save on energy costs. Hidden costs $5 monthly customer charge to program board. The commission decided Leading the research, develop- participants. not to turn the property into an ment, and implementation of smart tech- At a time when North Carolinians Similarly, a Congressional Re- equestrian facility but rather to try nologies and the push for environmental are grappling with water restrictions, search Service report in December to sell it for $3.8 million. public policies have been Australia, infrastructure needs, and other problems 2007 cited requests from the Southern Some commissioners want the United Kingdom, China, and some brought on by increased growth, smart California Edison Company, the TXU to continue operating the horse Middle Eastern countries. technology might appear to provide Electric Delivery Company, and other farm as an equestrian facility. In a study prepared for the Aus- the solution. public utility companies to recover the Others have suggested a land tralian Greenhouse Office in April 2000, An ABC affiliate in Australia re- operation, maintenance, and capital swap with private developers Michelle Shipworth examined the link cently interviewed the director of the expenditures costs associated with de- for parkland. CJ between consumers’ attitudes about Commonwealth Scientific and Indus- home energy use and their reported trial Research Organisation’s Urban Continued as “Smart,” Page 17 CAROLINA May 2008 JOURNAL Local Government 17

Smart Metering Leads to Fears Commentary Of Encroachment on Privacy Government Not the Solution

Continued from Page 16 to a customer because “water is needed imply put, socialism is bad. tives. They seek instead to support to sustain life.” ploying smart grid technology. In each It relies on a belief in the millions in more capital spending “Utilities have a legal and moral instance, the public utility commission collective and abandons on schools that routinely fail 30 responsibility to provide electricity granted the requests. The report says Sindividual rights. “Progressives” percent of our children. 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” the federal government “will establish have become the modern social- On the local tax issue, do we Hughes said. Utility companies have a program to reimburse 20 percent of ists. Mainly because they don’t really think we’re undertaxed? to weigh the consequences of shutting the qualifying Smart Grid investments.” like labels, they have to change That seems like an overly simplis- off certain appliances or reducing the That means taxpayer dollars. theirs from time to time. They tic question, but often we always utility load to a customer who is on a Other costs arise from the creation were socialists, then they were seek new tax initiatives such as medical monitoring system or is using of new government positions and com- new liberals and now land transfer taxes, assistive devices. missions to examine and address envi- they’re progressives. business privilege Smart meter pilot programs are ronmental issues. Raleigh created an When that moniker taxes, or local-option under way in North Carolina. Hughes environmental advisory board in June is fully understood, sales taxes because said that Progress Energy Carolinas is “in 2006 whose seven members will serve they’ll take on a new counties need the the midst of a pilot two-year terms. one. But why should money. They don’t. program in 400 In a press release this matter? All taxes are income homes that will on the city’s Web I think to under- taxes. Without in- last for one year so site, the board is “Utilities have a legal stand it more fully is come, you can’t pay they can evaluate to advise the City really to ask you, the any taxes. The new the broader ap- Council, among and moral responsibility reader, simple ques- spending is usually plication of these other things, on tions. They involve touted as being for to provide electricity 24 smart devices.” the “desirability freedom and demand the benefit of chil- As reported in The of abiding with the hours a day, seven days a perspective linking dren. But a budget is Charlotte Observer provisions of the policy to freedom. As a large and cumber- on Jan. 16, Duke Kyoto protocols a week.” we address problems in our local some document with hundreds of Energy is also pi- to reduce emission communities, we should think expenditures. Instead of trimming loting a similar of greenhouse gas- Mike Hughes about those problems in terms nonessential government expenses program. ses.” Progress Energy Carolinas of solutions and whether those or being more responsible, it’s far “North Caro- In January solutions promote or detract from easier simply to tell the public that lina will be the sev- 2008, the Raleigh individual freedoms. We should new money is needed for schools. enth largest state City Council also proposed creating understand that the loss of such Saying “no” won’t make anyone in the next two decades,” Hughes said, a full-time environmental programs freedoms takes us further away popular when it comes to nonprof- “and we must come up with a balanced manager position at an annual salary from creative solutions. its, nongovernmental or non-nec- plan to provide the state’s energy needs.” of $46,500. The first question is whether essary expenditures, but it’s the Despite the energy efficiency of new you think most new ideas come right thing to do unless you’re a homes, Hughes said that “homes today from government or the free socialist. Unintended consequences use 50 percent more energy because of market? Think about that for a Does your community Employing these advanced tech- lifestyles and larger homes, as compared moment. Almost every new idea honestly debate the difficult issue nologies may also have unintended to the 1970s.” Progress Energy is using and advance in science was due to before it? In most cases, it doesn’t. consequences, as consumers are begin- alternative and renewable sources of en- the free market, not government. What makes democracy truly great ning to learn. Compact fluorescent bulbs ergy in conjunction with fossil fuels, but We live longer, healthier, and more is disagreement. When your city or (CFLs) are said to be safer than incandes- there are “pros and cons to every form productive lives because we have county or economic development cent bulbs, last longer, save more than of electric generation” and the company freedom. New business ideas ema- group gets along well, that’s not a $30 in electricity costs over their lifetime, has to “pursue them aggressively and nate from capitalism. We have cars productive sign of progress, but a and prevent greenhouse-gas emissions, responsibly. There is no one solution,” that get 60 mpg, medicines that reason to be concerned. It leads to according to the EPA. Hughes said. treat almost every major illness, “group think,” which leads to fail- Not only are few lamps and light wireless phones, interactive video ure in a competitive world. Debate fixtures designed for these CFLs, an ad- Emotional vs. rational games, and almost any choice is healthy and necessary. It’s what ditional cost for consumers, but, more of fruit at a local grocery store made our country the greatest on Hughes said discussions on energy important, CFLs pose environmental because the free market creates the planet. and health hazards. Each CFL contains management “tend to be emotional or provides it. New technologies Governments don’t solve 5 milligrams of mercury, a highly toxic instead of rational and intellectual, and emerge daily that might lead to problems. If they did, we’d have heavy metal that the EPA warns can there’s a lack of long-term planning. cures for cancer and diabetes. This educated kids, no crime, fantastic cause brain damage and learning dis- Interest groups are always going to isn’t due to abundances of govern- roads, world peace, and the utopia abilities. promote their views.” mental policies but creativity and that socialists dream of. The truth The Energy Star Web site, a U.S. When asked whether Progress investment in spite of them. is that we are all seeking to have EPA and U.S. Department of Energy Energy has any discussions or lobbying At the local level, communi- the best just society we can have program, lists the steps for safe han- efforts under way to advance a legisla- ties face difficult choices daily, but considering the flaws endemic dling and disposal of a broken CFL. tive solution, Hughes said he knows of rarely do they seek to understand to mankind. Such thinking stems Consumers have to ventilate the room no program or mandate to force citizens the problem they attempt to solve. from the power of individuals, not for 15 minutes and be careful not to use a to use smart grid technology. Several questions in this area are the collective “unity” that seems to vacuum cleaner or broom to clean up the Ed Buchan, a water conservation worthy of consideration. Would be creeping into 30-second atten- fragments because cleanup spreads the specialist with the City of Raleigh Public kids be better off with choices tion spans. CJ mercury. Special disposal instructions Utilities Department, said the depart- in public education? The simple are recommended for broken or used ment is installing smart meters, but answer is “yes,” overwhelmingly Chad Adams is vice president CFLs to prevent mercury contamination they only enable remote meter reading. so. Choice in education means for development for the John Locke in the solid waste system. He said he knows of no current plan or more opportunity for success. Yet Foundation, director of the Center for Local Innovation, and former vice The Metering.com Web site also discussion among city leaders to use school boards never pass resolu- tions in support of charter schools, chairman of the Lee County Board of urges caution in applying smart grid advanced metering infrastructure that school vouchers, or other alterna- Commissioners. technologies, warning utilities of the could remotely shut off or restrict wa- danger of completely shutting off water ter flow to homes or businesses. CJ May 2008 CAROLINA 18 Local Government JOURNAL

Local Innovation Bulletin Board From Cherokee to Currituck For Americans, Cars Equal Freedom Charlotte to License Landlords? By MICHAEL LOWREY “I think a sales tax hurts dispropor- ith world crude-oil prices FBI spokesman John Miller said. Associate Editor tionately middle-class and low-income soaring above $100 per In Minneapolis, investigators CHARLOTTE people,” Luebke said to The News & Ob- barrel and cost at the gas encounter reluctant witnesses in 30 harlotte-Mecklenburg police are server of Raleigh. Hall said he thinks the Wpump approaching $4 per gallon, percent of murder investigations proposing a new approach to county has other, more pressing needs. all the ingredients would seem to and more than 50 percent of other fighting crime in rental proper- Durham city and county officials hope to be in place for dramatic changes in violent crime inquiries, Police Chief Cties: licensing landlords. The proposal make the tax subject to a referendum. our daily commuting patterns, with Tim Dolan said. has yet to get to Charlotte City Council, Among the other options local millions of Americans shifting from In Washington, incidents of and new regulations, if any, are not ex- officials had explored to get around the private cars to public transit. witness intimidation were up 45 per- pected to be adopted before the summer, legislators’ opposition was asking for an That’s the way markets are cent last year, said Cynthia Wright, The Charlotte Observer reports. “expensive” prepared food tax, an ad- supposed to work: Higher prices en- chief of the local U.S. attorney’s Vic- U n d e r ditional 3 per- courage consumers to seek less-costly tim-Witness Assistance Unit. the proposal, cent levy that alternatives, says John Semmens, a In Boston, witnesses’ fear of the details of would apply research fellow at the Independent In- retaliation was directly related to which are still only to restau- stitute, in the Dallas Morning News. low murder clearance rates, which being worked rant meals over Inflation-adjusted gasoline stood near 38 percent in 2006, Police out, landlords $50. Officials, prices more than doubled during Commissioner Ed Davis said. To would have to however, don’t the 1995-2005 period. In theory, an bolster cooperation, the department register with k n o w h o w increase of this magnitude should installed an anonymous text-messag- the Charlotte- much money have driven many Americans to ing system last year. It strips off the Mecklenburg it would bring alternate modes of transportation. identity of the senders, who provide Police Department. The police could in, although it was thought to be less Instead, auto travel increased by 23 initial leads in building criminal get in touch with landlords and request than what a 1 percent tax on all restau- percent, twice as fast as the 11 percent cases. changes at rental units that have exces- rant meals would generate. Restaurant population growth. As for the notion sive crime rates. Landlords who don’t owners, who object to any additional that rising fuel costs would inspire A push for private water comply could be fined or have their tax, argued that the proposal was built people to use public transportation, licenses revoked. upon a false presumption, that only the the data do not support this theory, It is no accident that water Research by the police department rich eat at high-end restaurants. either. While gasoline prices were supplies, which are dominated by shows that crime is four times more doubling, public transportation rid- government control, are dwindling likely in rental property than in owner- ership increased by only 7 percent. because of a severe lack of investment occupied single-family homes. The Marvin annexation dispute Why are Americans continuing and deteriorating infrastructure, says crime rate was actually higher in rental to forgo public transportation? There G. Tracy Mehan, an adjunct professor single-family homes than in apartment The Union County town of Marvin are several reasons, Semmens says. at George Mason University School complexes. recently faced an unusual controversy: Americans like the freedom to of Law. The proposal is based upon land- Residents of Providence Glen subcom- come and go as they please, on their The Environmental Protection lord licensing ordinances in Houston munity were upset that the municipality own schedules. Americans also value Agency estimated an investment and Minneapolis. The detail of the turned them down for annexation, de- their time. Public transportation is “gap” over 20 years of more than regulations vary. In Houston landlord spite having houses selling for $300,000 slow compared with auto travel. $220 billion for capital needs alone, licensing applies only to the owners to $400,000 in the neighborhood. The The typical trip takes twice as long assuming rates remained steady. A of apartment complexes, while Min- town did eventually reconsider and as driving a car. study by the General Accountability neapolis requires that landlords leasing relented, The Charlotte Observer writes. Many Americans, even those Office indicates that 29 percent of out single-family homes also must be Marvin is an upscale bedroom with limited budgets, are making water and 41 percent of wastewater licensed. community not far from Charlotte. The a conscious choice: They’re willing systems were not generating enough Landlords oppose the proposal, average home value is just over a half- to pay extra for the convenience revenue from user rates and other arguing that it’s the responsibility of million dollars. Its median household and time savings associated with local revenue sources to cover their police to arrest lawbreakers. income of $97,497 was the fifth highest autos because they can cut back full cost of service. “Where are the ordinances that in the state in the 2000 census. elsewhere. About one-third of water and say parents have to control their kids?” In February, Marvin considered wastewater utilities deferred main- asked Allon Thompson, president of the annexing two neighborhoods, Wed- More murders unsolved tenance because of insufficient fund- Charlotte Landlord Association. dington Chase and Providence Glen. ing, had 20 percent or more of their The village council voted to annex Wed- Witnesses to murders and other pipelines nearing the end of their dington Chase, where houses typically violent crimes refuse to cooperate in useful life, and lacked the basic plan Durham prepared food tax? sell for $600,000 to $700,000, but not law enforcement investigations with for managing their capital assets. Providence Glen. such regularity that their silence Consumers should raise the Durham officials, looking for a The minutes of the meeting include is driving down the rate of solved state cap on private activity bonds way to fund tourism-related economic one councilman disparaging the lower- murders throughout the country, to encourage more public-private development projects such as a proposed class residents Providence Glen. USA Today reports. Even as violent partnerships in the water sector, Me- Minor League Baseball museum, are “If we bring in $400,000 homes, it crime plunged to historic lows during han said. This would be a small blow asking for legislative approval for an will bring down property values ... You the past decade, authorities say, the on behalf of making more private additional 1 percent levy on restaurant are introducing a different element.” murder clearance rate also dropped equity available for drinking water meals subject to a local referendum. The remark infuriated Providence — from a high of 69 percent in 1998 and wastewater needs. The General Assembly typically Glen homeowners, who want to be to 60 percent in 2006, the last full year Mehan estimated that remov- grants such taxing authority only if a taken into Marvin in part because they measured by the FBI. A case is cleared ing regulatory barriers to public- county’s entire delegation supports don’t want to be annexed by Waxhaw. when there is an arrest, the suspect is private partnerships would produce the tax. In Durham’s case, at least two Tax rates are higher in Waxhaw than in charged and the case is referred for an additional $1 billion to $2 billion members of its delegation, Rep. Paul Marvin. prosecution. in water infrastructure investment Luebke and Rep. Larry Hall, both Demo- “It is sad when government rep- Criminals have successfully annually at first, potentially increas- crats, have expressed concerns about a resentatives are allowed to cherry pick “marketed a climate of fear” in some ing to $5 billion to $6 billion as the prepared-food tax. who’s worthy to be in and who’s worthy places to silence potential witnesses, industry matures. CJ Luebke is against a general pre- to be out,” said Lisa Tolido. Her husband pared-food tax for the county, which he Erik is vice president of Providence Glen finds regressive. homeowner’s association. CJ CAROLINA May 2008 JOURNAL Local Government 19 Charlotte’s Sports Millions Not Producing Hoped-For Returns

By MICHAEL LOWREY Undeterred by losing the Hornets, average of just under 14,500 per game Associate Editor Charlotte quickly entered into a deal this season, drawing nearly 10,000 fans CHARLOTTE with the NBA to land a new expansion a game fewer than during the Hornets’ n the last six years, Charlotte and franchise that would be called the Bob- heyday. other nearby local governments cats. At the center of the deal was the Two and a half years after opening, have invested hundreds of millions city building a $265 million arena. the new facility is still called Bobcats Iof dollars in sports and recreation-based While building the arena did not Arena. The Bobcats have been unable to economic development projects. Far per se involve property tax money, the sell the naming rights to the building, from being a slam-dunk, the projects city committed all of its motel-hotel tax depriving the team of several million have badly underperformed versus receipts, which by law must be used for dollars a year in revenue. expectations. tourism related purposes, to the pay for Not helping matters is the team’s Rafters at the U.S. National Whitewater Center (Whitewater Center photo) The most notable of the projects is the building. on-court performance. Despite playing Bobcat Arena, a city-financed building As a result, all subsequent tour- in a weak conference in which several existing public mountain-bike trails in for the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats. The ism-based economic development teams with losing records will make the its range of attractions. series of events lead- projects must NBA playoffs, the Bobcats were never in The center’s outdoor adventure ing to the construc- be funded serious playoff contention all season. center opened over budget, and late in tion of the arena through ad- The Bobcats’ current situation August 2006, with the retail store and dates back many ditional taxes comes as sports franchises have had dif- restaurant opening three months later. years. of some sort. ficulties in other medium-sized markets. Access to the facility continues to be over C h a r l o t t e ’ s So when the The National Hockey League’s Nash- side streets because the center’s main first NBA team was city landed ville Predators renegotiated its lease access road has not been completed. the Hornets, an ex- the rights to agreement with the city of last year. The center was unable to make pansion franchise h o u s e t h e quarterly interest payments due on July that entered the N A S C A R Whitewater wipeout 31, 2007, Oct. 31, 2007, and Jan. 31, 2008. league in 1988 in the Hall of Fame, It has also informed lenders that it was then-state-of-the-art it had to raise In 2003, Jeff Wise, a Charlotte-area unlikely to be able to make scheduled Charlotte Coliseum. its hotel room businessman and whitewater rafting principle payments during its current fis- The team proved a success out of the tax to pay for its share of construction enthusiast, proposed the creation of an cal year. Most local officials now expect box, selling out all but eight games its costs. To pay for a bundle of arts infra- artificial rafting complex on the Catawba that they will have to pay out the entire first season and all games for the eight structure projects, the car rental tax in River on the border between Mecklen- $12 million committed to the center. seasons thereafter. Eventually, the luster Mecklenburg County was increased. burg and Gaston counties. The city has also approved two wore off, in part fueled by animos- The Bobcats are privately owned The business case for a whitewa- other sports-based projects. It’s pledged ity surrounding owner George Shinn’s and don’t release financial results, but ter center could not, however, be made millions of dollars toward the NAS- desire for a new city-financed arena it has been clear since early in their without public involvement. In order CAR Hall of Fame. And the city and having more luxury seating. Hornets’ existence that they have badly under- for the nonprofit that would operate Mecklenburg County also just agreed attendance sagged badly and the team performed compared to their original the center to get the $38 million in to a complicated land-swap agree- threatened to move elsewhere. projections. financing needed to build the facility, ment that frees land for a minor-league Charlotte City Council eventually The Bobcats figured the new build- six local governments — Mecklenburg baseball stadium in Uptown Charlotte. did agree to a new arena for the Hornets, ing, with fewer seats but many closer and Gaston counties, and the cities The class AAA Charlotte Knights subject to referendum. Despite being to the action, could justify a steep price of Charlotte, Gastonia, Belmont, and hope to move into the facility in 2009 packaged with a number of other more- increase. The team overestimated de- Mount Holly — agreed to provide up from their current home just across popular arts projects, voters rejected the mand for tickets and was forced to lower to $12 million over five years to cover the state line in Fort Mill, S.C. The proposed arena for the Hornets by a 57 ticket prices its second and third year operating losses. transaction is subject to the team be- percent to 43 percent ratio in the June in the new building. Despite the lower In addition, the center was built ing able to arrange financing to build 2001 vote. The Hornets moved after the ticket prices, the team ranks only 23rd in upon Mecklenburg County parkland a 10,000-seat stadium on the land, 2001-2002 season to New Orleans. the 30-team league in attendance at an under a 40-year lease and includes pre- which it will lease for $1. CJ Help us keep our presses rolling Since 1991, Carolina Journal has provided thousands of readers each month with in-depth reporting, Publishing a newspaper is an expensive informed analysis, and incisive commentary about the most pressing state and local issues in North proposition. Just ask the many daily news- Carolina. Now Carolina Journal has taken its trademark blend of news, analysis, and commentary to papers that are having trouble making ends the airwaves with Carolina Journal Radio. A weekly, one-hour newsmagazine, Carolina Journal Radio meet these days. 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: It takes a large team of editors, reporters, photographers and copy editors to bring you the aggressive investigative reporting you Albemarle/Concord WSPC AM 1010 Saturdays 11:00 AM Asheville WWNC AM 570 Sundays 7:00 PM have become accustomed to seeing in Burlington WBAG AM 1150 Saturdays 9:00 AM Carolina Journal each month. Putting their Chapel Hill WCHL AM 1360 Sundays 6:00 PM work on newsprint and then delivering it to Elizabeth City WGAI AM 560 Saturdays 6:00 AM more than 100,000 readers each month Fayetteville WFNC AM 640 Saturdays 1:00 PM puts a sizeable dent in the John Locke Gastonia/Charlotte WZRH AM 960 Saturdays 2:00 PM Foundation’s budget. Goldsboro WGBR AM 1150 Saturdays 6:00 PM Greenville/Washington WDLX AM 930 Saturdays 10:00 AM Hendersonville WHKP AM 1450 Sundays 6:00 PM That’s why we’re asking you to help defray Jacksonville WJNC AM 1240 Sundays 7:00 PM those costs with a donation. Just send a Newport/New Bern WTKF FM 107.3 Sundays 7:00 PM check to: Carolina Journal Fund, John Locke Salisbury WSTP AM 1490 Saturdays 11:00 AM Foundation, 200 W. Morgan St., Suite 200, Siler City WNCA AM 1570 Sundays 6:00 AM Southern Pines WEEB AM 990 Wednesdays 8:00 AM Raleigh, NC 27601. Whiteville WTXY AM 1540 Tuesdays 10:00 AM Wilmington WAAV AM 980 Saturdays 1:00 PM We thank you for your support. Winston-Salem/Triad WSJS AM 600 Saturdays 12:00 PM For more information, visit www.CarolinaJournal.com/CJRadio John Locke Foundation | 200 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27601 | 919-828-3876 May 2008 CAROLINA 20 The Learning Curve JOURNAL

From the Liberty Library Book review

• The Western press is full of Boys Adrift Serves as Warning for Parents of Boys stories on China’s arrival as a super- power, some even warning that the • Leonard Sax: Boys Adrift: The Five ble during the last half-century. In days future might belong to her. But as Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of of yore, young men had to make their Guy Sorman reveals in Empire of Lies: Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving way in the world or face tangible conse- The Truth About China in the Twenty- Young Men; Basic Books; 2007; 267 pp; quences. Today, parents and girlfriends First Century, China’s success is, at $25 hardcover are more willing to bail out unmotivated least in part, a mirage. men. Young women might complain Sorman explains that 200 By DAVID N. BASS about their bum boyfriends, but they million of China’s citizens, those Associate Editor continue to date and sometimes cohabit fortunate enough to be working in RALEIGH with them, funding or at least tolerating an expanding global market, enjoy a hat’s the deal with young men their irresponsibility. middle-class standard of living. But these days? Lazy and unmo- That’s had an impact on the new the remaining one billion are among tivated, they seem content to generation of young men, according the most exploited people in the Wcamp on the couch, play a video game, to Sax. In the past, men were driven to world. In truth, China’s economic and let others foot the bill. Rather than succeed because they knew a woman “miracle” is rotting from within. graduate from college, enter a trade, or preferred a financially stable husband Visit www.encounterbookcom to strike out on their own, male youths who could support a wife and kids. A learn more. increasingly remain at home into their man’s role was clearly understood as 20s and 30s under the financial protec- that of breadwinner. Now, with a greater tion of their parents. percentage of women working outside • A nation divided in wartime It’s a cultural phenomenon that the home and even out-earning their invites its own defeat. Yet that is Leonard Sax, physician and research husbands, a man’s place in the family psychologist, examines in Boys Adrift: economy is dubious. precisely how America is facing the The Five Factors Driving the Growing This reality of role reversal has global war on terror, and the conse- Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Under- created confusion, while high rates of quences could be disastrous. So say achieving Young Men. unwed births and fatherless households David Horowitz and Ben Johnson in “Trying to teach 5-year- We all know young men who reject haven’t helped the equation. Increas- Party of Defeat: How Democrats and slothfulness and work hard to make their old boys to learn to read ingly, no male role model is around to Radicals Undermined America’s War way in the world, but the overall statisti- answer that fundamental question all on Terror Before and After 9-11. cal trend is troubling. In 1949, 70 percent and write may be just as boys face: What does it mean to be a In this straightforward assess- of undergraduate students at American inappropriate as it would man? ment, the authors show how the universities were male, compared with Sax gives a pretty good answer to American left is waging a ferocious 42 percent in 2006. Today, one-third of be to try to teach 3-year- that question: Manhood is about using political war against its own govern- young men between the ages of 22 and your strength in the service of others. ment that has left our country more 34 still live at home with their parents. old girls to read and That ethic has “animated Western his- divided than at any time since the The average teen-age boy devotes more tory for the past two millennia,” he Civil War. than 13 hours a week to video games, write. Timing is every- says. It’s embodied in the words of Jesus Examining the anti-war argu- while an increasing number of grown, thing, in education as in Christ: “Greater love hath no man than ments of leaders like Al Gore and able-bodied men are jobless and have this, that a man lay down his life for his Nancy Pelosi, Party of Defeat reveals no plans to find work. many other fields.” friends.” (John 15:13, KJV). the left’s fundamental misunder- Boys Adrift names five factors The trouble is, fewer men are standing of the nature of our enemy contributing to this cultural trend: Leonard Sax around to teach or model that kind of and the war itself. Learn more at modern teaching methods, overuse Physician and Psychologist behavior, a fact that isn’t surprising. www.spencepublishing.com. of medications to treat ADHD, endo- Author of It’s the logical outworking of a society crine disruptors, video games, and the Boys Adrift that tolerates deadbeat dads, subsi- devaluation of masculinity in society. dizes single mothers, and downplays • For the first time, a sit- Attributing male laziness to a handful the importance of traditional marriage ting judge blows the whistle on of causes might seem simplistic, but Sax and family. America’s out-of-control courts. gives convincing arguments to bolster the challenges of real life. The result is Sax presents solutions in the final Missouri Circuit Judge Robert his reasoning. apathy toward the real world. chapter of the book, including tips for Dierker has enjoyed a distinguished On education, for example, Sax No wonder fewer kids play outside getting teens off the video games and legal career, but now that career argues that contemporary teaching — better avenues exist in the virtual ensuring they’re around positive male might be on the line. In The Tyr- methods harm boys by ignoring the real world. The trend becomes more trouble- role models, but parents will find the anny of Tolerance, Dierker breaks learning differences between genders. some when grown men would rather live recommendations challenging in a the code of silence that has long “Trying to teach 5-year-old boys vicariously through a game than get an society that bombards young people kept judges from speaking out to learn to read and write may be just education, job, wife, and kids. An even with conflicting ideas of what it means to present a withering account of as inappropriate as it would be to try to worse truth is that parents, wives, and to be a man. how radical liberals run roughshod teach 3-year-old girls to read and write,” girlfriends sometimes serve as catalysts From the media to the public school over the Constitution, waging war Sax says. “Timing is everything, in edu- for such behavior. classroom, nearly every corner of Ameri- on the laws of nature, the laws cation as in many other fields.” That brings out another of Sax’s can culture promulgates a destructive of reason, and the law of God. Sax also discusses how medicating points: a greater percentage of young view of masculinity. Overcoming that Citing not only Judge Dierker’s hyperactive boys can lead to conse- men are remaining at home with no plans is no easy chore. quences later in life, and how harmful That’s one of the weaknesses of own experience but dozens of other to graduate from college or get a stable elements in meat and plastic can have the book. Parents, especially with older court cases, this insider’s account ex- job. If they do leave home, they leech off similarly negative effects on boys’ de- boys or teens, may find Sax’s advice hard plains what’s at stake in the battle for the income of their wives or girlfriends. velopment. to follow since behavior patterns are the courts: the Constitution, the suc- Sax points to research showing that an One of the more interesting chap- already engrained. That doesn’t mean cess of the war on terror, the freedom increasing number of able-bodied men ters deals with the video game craze are not looking for work. They’re not change is impossible, but it’s unargu- to worship God, the ability to keep among today’s youth — and even among unemployed and actively searching ably more difficult.Boys Adrift is a better our families safe, the institution of the not so youthful. Sax writes that such — they’re unemployed and content to warning for new parents or those with marriage, and much more. Available electronic entertainment venues create stay that way. very young children. In the end, the at www.randomhouse.com. CJ a false digital world that, for boys and Sax suggests a variety of reasons book is a good diagnosis of the problem young men, can serve as a substitute for for this. One is America’s cultural crum- and a clarion call for change. CJ CAROLINA May 2008 JOURNAL The Learning Curve 21 Debunking the Cliché of N.C. Desertions During the Civil War

hen the historical narrative considered a Southern rebellion. Tar generals criticized what was con- and being AWOL. The latter does not is cliché, it is time to re-ex- Heel leaders considered Lincoln’s call sidered a high desertion rate among indicate a lack of will to fight. Many amine the past. as unconstitutional. Gov. John Ellis North Carolinians. One critic was soldiers left for a while yet returned to WI have always heard and read replied, “You can get no troops from Robert E. Lee: “The desertion of North fight. that Unionism abounded in North North Carolina!” On May 20, 1861, the Carolinians,” he wrote, “. . . has When soldiers were AWOL, Carolina and that Tar Heels deserted 86th anniversary of the Mecklenburg grown to be a very serious matter.” the dates reveal that the absences at a higher rate than did their compa- Declaration of Independence, seces- Scholars have believed that 428 offi- were highest among those companies triots from other sion convention delegates voted to cers and 23,964 enlisted men deserted. whose home counties were under or states. Union- join the Confederacy. Historian Richard Reid, how- threatened by Union occupation or ism existed, Western North Carolina, in ever, finds a much lower number (see where civil control had collapsed. In most notably, in particular, has been considered to be a Richard Reid, “A Test Case of the his 1866 memoirs, Gen. Jubal Early the mountains bastion of Unionism. Terrell T. Green ‘Crying Evil’: Desertion among North sympathized with such men: “Some and in several in Mountain Myth: Unionism in North Carolina Troops during the Civil War,” palliation was to be found for the con- Piedmont coun- Carolina (2006) refutes that. North Carolina Historical Review (July duct of many of those who did desert, ties. Tar Heels After learning that no historian 1981). Surveying 2,732 officers, Reid in the fact that they did so to go to the did leave their had counted the number of Confed- finds that only 42, or 1.5 percent, de- aid of their families, who they knew posts. erate and Union soldiers from west- serted, and of them, six returned and were suffering for the necessaries of Dr. Troy But the Kickler ern North Carolina, Green chose to 14 left after December 1864. Out of life.” extent of each undertake the tedious task. During 4,395 enlisted soldiers (randomly se- For decades the prevailing ques- phenomenon his five-year research, he counted lected — every seventh soldier on the tion has been “Why did the Confed- has been exaggerated. Recently, I 27,282 Confederate soldiers — more roster), Reid found that the number of eracy lose?” The better question is started questioning the prevalence than a third of the mountain popula- deserters has been overestimated: 10.9 “Why did the Confederacy last for so of Unionism in Civil War-era North tion — and 1,836 Union soldiers. In percent for artillerymen, 11.8 percent long?” Ask that question and histori- Carolina and the desertion rate among Henderson County alone, more men, for cavalrymen, and 12.3 percent for cal facts are seen in a different way Tar Heel troops. 273, died fighting for the Confederacy infantrymen. One-fifth of the deser- and new information is uncovered. In late 1860 and early 1861, than the number, 130, who joined the tions occurred from January to March Don’t let history become cliché. CJ North Carolinians were divided over Union ranks. 1865. Reid estimated the number of the practicality and necessity of seces- Overall, North Carolina provid- total deserters to be about 100 officers sion, and most wanted to stay in the ed more troops for the Confederacy and 14,000 soldiers. Many of them Union. North Carolina seceded, only than any other state. returned to action. Troy Kickler is director of the North after President Abe Lincoln called for Soldiers and the public lose the When studying the desertion Carolina History Project (www.northcaro- troops April 15, 1861, to crush what he will to fight, however. Editors and rate, one must differentiate deserting linahistory.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
,"
Ê*1  Ê*" 9 #REATINGYOUROWNPERSONALiÞÊ
VVœÕ˜ÌAT WWW*OHN,OCKEORGISAGREATSTARTINGPLACEFORTRACKING THECRITICALPUBLICPOLICYISSUESFACING.ORTH#AROLINA

The Meck Deck is the JLF’s blog in Charlotte. Jeff Taylor blogs on this site and has made it a must-read for anyone interested in issues in the Queen City: http://charlotte.johnlocke.org/blog/ %ACHDAY YOURiÞÊ
VVœÕ˜ÌSEARCHESACOMPREHENSIVE DATABASEOF*,&REPORTS BRIElNGPAPERS NEWSARTICLES PRESSRELEASES ANDEVENTSNOTICESTODISPLAYTIMELY INFORMATIONABOUTTHEISSUESOFYOURCHOICE)TSAN

Squall Lines is the JLF’s blog in Wilmington. A group of JLF staffers and coastal friends keep folks on EXCELLENTTOOLFORTHOSEDRAFTINGLEGISLATION RESEARCHING the coast updated on issues facing that region of the state: http://wilmington.johnlocke.org/blog/ POLICYISSUES PREPARINGNEWSSTORIES PLANNINGPOLITICAL ORLOBBYINGCAMPAIGNS ORSEEKINGINFORMATIONWITH WHICHTOBEANINFORMED VOTERANDCITIZEN

Piedmont Publius is the JLF’s blog in the Triad. Greensboro blogger and writer Sam A. Hieb mans the controls to keeps citizens updated on issues in the Triad: http://triad.johnlocke.org/blog/ 6ISITWWW*OHN,OCKEORG ANDCREATEYOURPERSONALIZED iÞÊ
VVœÕ˜ÌTODAY

The Wild West is the JLF’s blog in Western North Carolina. Asheville’s Leslee Kulba blogs in this site, designed to keep track of issues in the mountains of N.C.: http://western.johnlocke.org/blog/

The John Locke Foundation, 200 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27601 | 919-828-3876 May 2008 CAROLINA 22 The Learning Curve JOURNAL

Short Takes on Culture Book review Nature Documentary Delivers Authors Skewer Politicians’ ‘Bull’

• “Planet Earth” to an Ashram in India to study the • Thomas Cathcart & Daniel Klein: Aristotle and an Aardvark Go To Washing- BBC Warner art of devotion and prayer. For four ton: Understanding Political Doublespeak Narrated by David Attenborough months, she embarks on a spiritual Through Philosophy and Jokes; Abrams journey with the teachings of a Image; 191 pp; $18.95 hen you hear that a nature native guru and the help of a man documentary cost $25 mil- named Richard from Texas. During By MELISSA D. MITCHELL lion to produce, you might the last four months of her journey, Contributing Editor Wwonder where the money went. Not Elizabeth travels to the Indonesian RALEIGH so with this BBC series — every dollar Island of Bali, where she practices re you weary of the presidential is on the screen. In fact, this is the most the balance of pleasure and devo- political season, or does the en- visually stunning account of life on tion and unexpectedly meets her tire process fascinate you? Either our little blue orb ever produced. match. Away, Aristotle and an Aardvark Go To Conceived with HDTV in mind, Perhaps my love of foreign Washington: Understanding Doublespeak the resulting four-disc Blue-ray pre- travel, authentic foods, and the Through Philosophy and Jokes is a book sentation (HD DVD is also available) belief that spirituality is a lifelong that might appeal to you. is jaw-dropping, especially the slow journey makes me biased when I Dedicated to the memory of Will motion and superwide-angle shots of recommend this book. However, Rogers, who said, “ There’s no trick to animals in motion. the sincere honesty of Elizabeth’s being a humorist when you have the Equally vital is the terse but feelings and experiences abroad is whole government working for you,” gentle narration supplied by natural- an intensely touching memoir of authors Thomas Cathcart and Daniel ist David Attenborough. He comes self-discovery not worth missing. Klein use the serious and difficult subject across as informative, but not preachy — JANA DUNKLEY of Greek philosophy, slapstick jokes, counted 72,383 political whoppers with- — always a risk in these sorts of and political cartoons to analyze what in the last 10 years, the majority of the things. politicos and others who are involved whoppers cited are by President Bush, Earth’s various habitats are • “Expelled: No Intelligence Al- in the process are saying. members of the Bush administration, presented in unique and memorable lowed” Cathcart and Klein have been conservative leaders, and conservative ways. For example, the 50-minute Premise Media Corporation friends since their days as philosophy pundits. Certainly, the authors have episode on the grasslands manages Produced by Nathan Frankowski majors at Harvard, but they took differ- cited some liberals and Democrats, but not to be just another look at the ent career paths. Cathcart worked with it is difficult to believe that conserva- African savana. Attenborough starts With the surplus of liberal street gangs in Chicago and dropped tives and Republicans have uttered the us off with the importance of grass documentaries out there, it’s nice in and out of various divinity schools, majority of the 72,000-plus whoppers. — the little, miraculous life-giving to see one from the other side of the while Klein wrote jokes for comedians There is a thread of political correctness plant itself — and works all the way philosophical divide. “Expelled: No and designed stunts for “Candid Cam- throughout the book as evidenced by the up to the top of the food chain. Intelligence Allowed” is a fascinating era.” Finally, they joined forces to write swipe the authors take at Thomas Jeffer- Here is where parents have journey into the world of academia, books based on the “Philogag School of son, asking how the wealthy, probably a tough call. The conflict between science, and history. Starring actor Philosophy,” which maintains that all happy, TJ could understand the “pursuit predators like lions and fearsome and conservative activist Ben Stein philosophical concepts worth knowing of happiness.” Also, calling him a slave prey like elephants is not Disney-fied. of game-show fame, the film also has are actually pretty funny. owner, adulterer, and referring to him as a “Foundling Father.” The series might not be rated, but it its share of humor. Rather than chapters, the book is divided into six parts, each having But what does the book offer to is likely too intense in spots for pre- The documentary is more a unique main and subtitles that capture those who are weary of the political schoolers. Everyone else, however, defense of academic freedom than the authors’ sense of humor. For exam- process or who love the political process? will be greatly entertained. an in-depth discussion of Intelligent ple, part one is “The Tricky Talk Strategy: What about the conservative? Although — JEFF TAYLOR Design Theory, which posits that Misleading with Double Talk.” They there appears to be a left-leaning bias, all certain life forms are better explained then add humorous section titles such as of the aforementioned individuals will as the result of an intelligent cause “Artful Equivocation,” which is not pre- love being able to sit back and identify • Eat, Pray, Love rather than random chance. That cisely lying, but equivocating. They cite the types of doublespeak the authors By Elizabeth Gilbert hasn’t stopped neo-Darwinists from former President Bill Clinton as a master identify. For the weary, they will be able Viking, 2006 flaming anyone associated with the of equivocation (“It depends on what the to say that is the tricky double talk that production. Coincidentally, the irate meaning of the word ‘is’ is.”) And there I hate, or that politico or pundit just Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, response to the film tends to prove is my favorite in this section, “Weasel said absolutely nothing. For those who Love is the self-proclaimed story Stein’s main point — the academic Words,” named after the animal known are fascinated by the process, they will of an unconventional woman who establishment is bent on hate bombing for its ability to suck the contents out of love identifying the authors’ concepts. develops an early midlife crisis. any scientist who concludes there is an egg without breaking the shell. The They will sit back and enjoy every At the age of 31, Elizabeth real- a first cause for life on Earth. authors point out that both Republicans weasel word and equivocation from izes she has what every American The question of how something and Democrats love weaseling, using their favorite candidate or pundit, while woman should want — a husband, came from nothing is Stein’s most terms such as “electronic intercepts” for disparaging those they dislike, and enjoy a successful writing career, and frequent inquiry throughout the wiretapping, “opportunity scholarships identifying the doublespeak type listed suburb house. But she simply finds documentary, with lackluster answers “for vouchers, and “freedom judges” in the book. that these things do not make her from atheists like Richard Dawkins rather than judicial activists. The conservative will point out happy. and Michael Ruse. Sorry, but the Throughout the book the authors what a liberal just said was doublespeak. After a messy divorce, a dev- theory that aliens seeded life on Earth, throw in Latin terms. The logical flim- The author’s jokes and political cartoons astating depression, and another or life simply self-created on the backs flam described by Aristotle as “with will delight all readers and will provide failed relationship, Elizabeth packs of crystals, takes far more faith than this, therefore because of this,” is given the weary with an added dose of humor. her bags and begins a yearlong concluding we are the product of a as Cum Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc, simply, be- The book is a quick and easy read, even journey around the world. First higher power. cause Latin sounds better than Greek or with all of the philosophical Greek logic. However, there is a word of warning she travels to Italy for four months See the documentary if you English. Just when the reader is bogged concerning the book. Unfortunately, where she practices the art of value academic freedom and the right down in the Latin language and Greek logic, the authors add a joke or political the authors sometimes use the term pleasure by eating authentic Italian to ask questions, especially questions cartoon to lighten the moment, illustrate “bulls_ _ _” instead of “doublespeak,” pasta and learning the beautiful that challenge the norm. the point, or show the absurdity of what and a few of the jokes are a little off- Italian language. Next she travels — DAVID BASS CJ was said. color, but they are not in the realm of Although the writers say they the dirty joke. CJ CAROLINA May 2008 JOURNAL The Learning Curve 23 ‘Leatherheads’ Offers Nostalgic Glimpse of Sports Past

• “Leatherheads” it — although smart Prohibi- up riding off into the sunset together. Casey Silver Productions; 2008; starring the Charlotte Re- tion-style ward- Another screwball comedy tribute in- George Clooney, Rene Zellweger, John gional Film Com- robes only weeks volves a chase where Dodge and Lexie Krasinski, and Stephen Root; directed mission and the after toiling in the don police uniforms to outwit a group by George Clooney Triad Regional mines, fields, and of Keystone cops, also though the gag’s Film Commission factories. punch line falls a bit flat. By SAM A. HIEB were noted. But soon Things get even more complicated Contributing Editor Based on there’s trouble, when Lexie exposes the real story behind GREENSBORO a screenplay by and it’s wear- Bullet’s heroism just as he jumps from remember the fanfare when George Rick Reilly and ing a red dress. the Bulldogs to Chicago’s pro team. But Clooney was in the Triad last year Duncan Brantley S p o r t s w r i t e r C.C. pays Lexie’s source to denounce filming his movie “Leatherheads.” that made the Lexie Littleton the story, prompting Dodge to vindi- II’m not a big Clooney fan, considering rounds in Hol- (Rene Zellweger) cate her before the climactic game on a his liberal politics. I’m no prude, but I lywood for years, is digging into rain-soaked field, which serves as the found his dig at lobbyist Jack Abramoff “Leatherheads” Bullet’s status as perfect stage for one final trick play at the 2006 Golden Globe awards (“Who is part screwball a Great War hero before Dodge calls it a career. would name a kid ‘Jack’ with ‘off’ at the comedy and part for single-hand- Part of the fun for Triad residents end? No wonder the guy’s screwed up) history lesson on edly capturing a watching “Leatherheads” is trying to distasteful and inappropriate. Clooney’s the early days whole platoon of pick out local landmarks. War Memorial constant mugging and sarcastic jokes of professional “Jerrys.” In order Stadium served as the façade for “Chi- during interviews also indicate an exag- football. The film to get to the bot- cago Field” (in a shot that lasted about 10 gerated sense of self-importance. opens with a con- tom of the story, seconds), while game scenes were shot But when I learned Clooney and trast of the pro she has to get inside Charlotte’s American Legion Me- his crew were at nearby War Memorial game with the col- closer to Bullet, so morial Stadium. Other identifiable land- Stadium in Greensboro for a shoot, cu- lege game, circa she (believability marks include Winston-Salem’s City riosity got the best of me, so I drove to 1925. Stadiums are packed to watch a be damned) establishes herself as the Hall and Millennium Center (Clooney see what a location set was like. It was college star named Carter “The Bullet” Bulldogs’ beat writer next to good old is clearly riding his vintage motorcycle blocked off, but I was able to stand across Rutherford (John Krasinski) make long Suds (Stephen Root), who pounds out on the streets of Winston-Salem in one the street and watch cast, crew, and ex- touchdown runs, while the pros, con- cheerleading stories fueled by his ever- scene), Statesville’s Vance Hotel and the tras mill about, giving me an idea of the stantly short on cash and equipment, present flask of “laughing juice.” N.C. Transportation Museum’s classic painstaking process involved in setting block and tackle in pastures with cud- Dodge hears Lexie telling her train depot. up a shot. Finally, I caught a glimpse of chewing cows as spectators. editor that Bullet will eventually “cook “Leatherheads” is lighthearted Clooney, looking very Cary-Grant-like Eventually the money runs out his own goose” and senses something fare, definitely not heavy or depressing. in a 1920s-style dark suit. for the handful of professional teams is up, forcing him to keep a close eye Clooney spares us much of the mugging Clooney has established himself as scattered throughout the Midwest, on Lexie, not a bad job considering the in his other comedy roles, yet his sin- a serious actor and director, and I respect including the Duluth Bulldogs, whose fact that he likes what he sees inside the cere comedic effort doesn’t inspire that him for traveling to North Carolina to star player is a grizzled veteran named red dress. He ends up sharing a rail car many belly laughs. The football scenes make “Leatherheads” in an effort to Dodge Connelly (Clooney). After fall- berth with Lexie, a scene that (as many weren’t particularly action-packed or hold down expenses and run a tight ing on hard times, Dodge gets wind other reviewers have picked up on) is bone-jarring for a time when rules were shooting schedule. Economic incentives of the crowds Bullet is packing in and reminiscent of the Clark Gable — Clau- practically nonexistent. offered up by both North Carolina and persuades his old business associate C.C. dette Colbert classic “It Happened One Nostalgia is the film’s greatest South Carolina didn’t hurt, either. Much Frazier (Jonathan Pryce) to guarantee Night.” Clooney and Zellweger engage asset, transporting viewers back to a was made in the media about the fact Bullet $5,000 per game to play for the in much snappy, sexually tense, though different time when professional teams that North Carolina was not thanked in Bulldogs. The plan works, and soon the clean, dialogue throughout the movie. traveled by train, the football was the size the film’s closing credits — the state’s Bulldogs are packing stadiums. The rest Despite their initial dislike for each other, of a watermelon, and the players wore, film incentives law doesn’t require of the team shares the wealth, sporting you just have the feeling they’ll end well, leather on their heads. CJ

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 May 2008 CAROLINA 24 Opinion JOURNAL

Commentary The Remarkable Potato

ome readers may have diets thus reducing mortality rates skipped the story about the caused by malnutrition. As well International Year of the Po- as improving food security, such Stato published in the March 1 issue action will inevitably improve the of The Economist, seeing it as fodder health of target populations, espe- for a good chuckle, but not a food cially women and children.” with worldwide impact, like corn When it comes to economic has today. development and opportunity, I was engrossed in every potatoes are hard to beat. They’re word. When I was a kid, almost relatively easy and fast to produce every day, my family — typically 90 to 120 ate potatoes smothered days. Historically, the in homemade gravy. ease of production has They were filling and given farmers the abil- easy to fix. And they ity to pursue additional were cheap, key to my work and raise their working-class family’s standard of living. The budget. We ate so many Economist reports that that we bought in bulk. citizens of England Editorial I was a teen-ager before were able in the 19th I realized not every fam- Donna century both to pro- ily had a 50-pound bag Martinez duce potato crops and Easley Thwarts Public Access of spuds in the garage. to work in factories, I’ll forever associ- helping propel that e’ve heard a lot this primary messages were to be deleted from their ate potatoes with childhood, but it country’s industrial revolution. season from politicians who computers’ ‘Sent Mail’ boxes immedi- was The Economist that taught this The United Nations believes want to serve the people. ately after they were sent, and that they free-marketer to appreciate their the potato can also aid this centu- WGive them your vote, they say, and should then go to their files for ‘Trash’ worldwide economic importance. ry’s impoverished farmers. Reports they’ll help you. They’re looking out for or ‘Deleted Messages’ and delete them Turns out the staple that played a the IYP Web site: “In sub-Saharan your interests. A vote for them gives a again,” according to the lawsuit. vital role in Africa and voice to the people. Why was this procedure neces- my family’s many parts of What would you say if you cast sary? diet and eco- Asia, farms are a vote for one of those politicians, then The governor’s press office wanted nomic security Because they’re packed still shrink- watched as he took “systematic” steps to ensure no pesky public record could has a history with nutrients, it’s pos- ing and may to block you from learning what he’s crop up on computers of state workers of providing continue to doing for you? doing the people’s business. stability and sible to subsist entirely do so for the That’s the situation all North Caro- Perhaps the governor could blame opportunity to on potatoes. My mom next several linians face today. Gov. Mike Easley and these mistakes on underlings. He could millions. generations. his staff have gone out of their way to say, “I wanted to share these public re- So critical jokes that she knows this As farm size block public access to records of state cords. My staff made mistakes.” is the world’s firsthand. shrinks, many government business. That’s fair enough, but it wouldn’t fourth-largest farm families Access to public records is more explain an alleged public records viola- food crop that, are switch- than just a key element of good, open tion involving the governor’s own ac- in 2005, the ing from government. State law mandates access. tion. United Nations passed a declara- grains and legumes to root and Legislators who approved the N.C. Easley admitted to reporters this tion “affirming the need to focus tuber crops to meet subsistence Public Records Act knew that citizens year that he had “chunked” a letter world attention on the role that the and income goals.” The site adds: outside government need to see how from former N.C. Health and Human potato can play in providing food “IYP can focus global attention on security and eradicating poverty the need to alleviate poverty by state government works. Services Secretary Carmen Hooker in support of achievement of the increasing incomes and linking Voters need the means to analyze Odom. This was no party invitation or internationally agreed develop- farmers to markets.” the way government does business. personal note. Easley contends the letter ment goals, including the Millen- Today, more than 100 coun- Taxpayers need more than just campaign included Hooker Odom’s endorsement nium Development Goals.” The tries capitalize on the potato’s speeches and press releases. of Easley’s statements about state mental International Year of the Potato is nutritional, economic, and produc- E-mail messages to and from the health reform efforts. the result. tion attributes. China is the No. people who write government press Because Hooker Odom wrote Because they’re packed with 1 producer, with 72 million tons releases offer valuable insight about the about public business, the lawsuit nutrients, it’s possible to subsist in 2007, followed by the Russian way government responds to controver- contends the letter was a public record. entirely on potatoes. My mom jokes Federation, India, and Ukraine. The sies. Easley’s staff doesn’t agree. “Mem- “On the basis of public statements by that she knows this firsthand. So United States, producing nearly 18 bers of his staff regularly discouraged the the defendant, plaintiffs are further in- did millions of Irish in the mid- million tons, took fifth place, . persons responsible for communicating formed and believe that he very likely 1800s. The History Place Web site In North Carolina, potatoes with the Governor’s Office from sending has personally discarded or destroyed notes that an acre’s harvest in Ire- are grown in the coastal plain, and e-mail messages to the office in order other public records in violation of the land could feed a large family for a this month Elizabeth City will host to avoid creating records that would Public Records Law.” year. When the crop began to fail in the North Carolina Potato Festival. be subject to disclosure pursuant to the The governor has responded to 1845, catastrophe ensued. A million The May 17 event includes a po- Public Records Law, particularly if the criticism of his e-mail policies by doing or more died from starvation and tato-peeling contest, the Little Miss subject matter of the communication what most politicians do when faced disease over several years. Tater Tot contest, and an intriguing was controversial,” according to a civil with a problem they can’t avoid: He set Today, the potato is vital to anything-but-fries cook-off. lawsuit filed in April against Easley. up a committee. the developing world. The IYP Web Too bad my mom isn’t here to Public records violations didn’t Such committees rarely produce site assesses its impact on global compete. CJ end there. “Members of the defendant’s much change in state government food security and health this way: staff also instructed cabinet agency operations. Perhaps a judge consider- “Nutrient-rich potato (and sweet Donna Martinez is an associate employees that if they did send e-mail ing the recent lawsuit will serve as the potato) can contribute to improved editor of Carolina Journal. messages to the Governor’s Office such true voice of the people. CJ CAROLINA May 2008 JOURNAL Opinion 25 Liberals and Tax Referenda Commentary Will tax-fairness advocates work against coming local tax hikes? Be Wary of Health-Care Myths

hose who profess to care about cians who say they are for the little guy ’m warning you right off the the real incomes of medical provid- fairness in taxation should take until a decision must be made, at which bat: the following is a trick ers — the average French physician note of the leadership shown by point they side with the rich and power- question. earns the equivalent of $55,000 a Ttwo liberal Democrats who represent ful who like to entertain themselves at I If I gave you a list of 12 major year, for example, compared to Durham in the North Carolina House: someone else’s expense. industrialized countries and asked $146,000 for the average U.S. gener- Larry Hall and Paul Luebke. Many self-described liberals and you where the highest share of al practitioner and $271,000 for the Local officials in Durham, one of progressives talk a great game about how medical bills was paid directly by average U.S. specialist. If the goal is North Carolina’s most heavily taxed North Carolina’s tax code is regressive patients rather than by third parties, to slash doctors’ incomes, at least be communities already, have long sought and backward. But when it comes down would you say the United honest about it. the authority to impose a new 1 percent to particular proposals to raise regressive States? Or at least put the To start with, it’s prepared-foods tax to fund tourism- taxes to fund new government spending, U.S. in the top tier? important to shed any related construction projects such as a they grow noticeably silent or even en- Most people who preconceived notions new museum and civic-center improve- dorse the taxes, anyway. Such behavior is consider themselves about the American ments. Hall and Luebke are against the commonplace in the General Assembly, well-informed about health-care system as a idea on the grounds of fairness and where members proclaim their support health policy would pick free market and Euro- sound budgeting. for tax fairness one minute and then the America as a system with pean or Japanese health Bouquets for Reps. Hall and Lu- next minute vote for tax hikes on ciga- relatively high out-of- care as a government mo- ebke. And brickbats for Durham County rettes, alcohol, retail sales, hotel rooms, pocket spending. And nopoly. The story is far Commissioner Becky Heron, who car rentals, telephone service, and other they’d be wrong. Accord- more complicated — and whined that “we’ve got to find some goods and services. ing to a 2007 study by the interesting — than that. big bucks somewhere if we’re going to These are all regressive levies, to Organization for Eco- Obviously, given that do what we’d like to do” and sniffed varying degrees, defined the way liber- nomic Cooperation and the U.S. does not have that “we’re either going to be a viable als usually define regressive: that the tax Development (OECD), the government-run health community or we’re going to be a little takes a smaller income share from the U.S. ranks 9th out of 12 industrial insurance for the able-bodied, non- country hick town.” wealthy than it does from middle- or countries in the share of total health poor adult population, the share Given that one of the projects the lower-income taxpayers. spending financed out of pocket, of health care spending that flows tax would fund is a Minor League Base- The next round of local tax refer- at about 13 percent. That’s slightly through government in the U.S. is ball “fan experience” museum, Heron’s enda in May mostly involve sales-tax lower than in Canada, a dreamland lower than in Britain, which has a choice of terms qualifies as an unforced hikes. Advocates of tax fairness and for many government-monopoly system verging on true socialized error. More importantly, it illustrates a reform should be against all of those. advocates, where patients directly medicine. But the U.S. proportion common theme in the rhetoric of politi- Check and see if they are. CJ pay for nearly 15 percent of medi- isn’t zero. Nearly half of all Ameri- cal services. The share exceeds 20 can health spending is by govern- percent in Italy, Portugal, and ments — Medicare, Medicaid, and Rational Energy Decisions Spain, and reaches about one-third other programs. Canada’s share in Switzerland. Greece tops the list is 70 percent. Most big European Huber, Mills advocate ‘seven heresies’ of energy thinking at 43 percent. nations have shares between 70 As North Carolina and the percent and 80 percent. f you want to understand some insatiable. Lurking underneath many rest of the nation move into the Taking the share of govern- of the most challenging issues in green policy recommendations is a de- thick of the 2008 political season, ment health care in the U.S. up by debates about energy policy, read sire for human deprivation — to travel health care promises to be a popular 20 points, to Canada’s level, would IThe Bottomless Well by Peter Huber and less, consume less, strive less, settle for topic. Barack Obama and Hillary be a big (and in my view unwel- Mark Mills. less. Clinton are already debating which come) change. But it wouldn’t be Much the book by Huber, a regula- 6. The raw fuels are not running of their plans is the best pathway quite as radical a change as some tory analyst, and Mills, a physicist, is out. In the real world, companies that to universal coverage. In our state, liberals and conservatives seem to devoted to articulating and advocating drill and sell oil have a huge incentive gubernatorial candidates such as think. their “seven heresies”: to pay attention to available reserves. Beverly Perdue, Richard Moore, On the other side of the ledger, 1. The cost of energy as we use it has As supplies get tight, consumers bid up Fred Smith, and Pat McCrory have be wary of those who equate “uni- less and less to do with the cost of fuel. the price and increase the incentive to talked a lot about comprehensive versal coverage” with “universal The equipment and techniques used explore new sources and produce more reform and how to serve the unin- care.” Plenty of people residing in to refine, process, and employ the fuel from existing sources. sured population through policies European countries where they are in performing work are now far more 7. America’s relentless pursuit of ranging from expanding govern- guaranteed, by law, to have “free” important than the cost of harvesting high-grade energy does not add chaos ment health programs to reforming health care are less able to secure a and shipping the fuel. to the global environment. It restores the tax code to promote personally doctor’s appointment or receive a 2. “Waste” is virtuous — by which order. owned health plans. medical procedure than the average they mean not that technology fails to Huber and Mills are hardly wed- One good rule of thumb is American is. improve over time, but instead that ded to the status quo. They talk enthu- to doubt those who proclaim that Before North Carolina or dumping waste energy is necessary to siastically about a variety of emerging health-care issues have simple national politicians go plunging produce the highly ordered power we technologies to move automobiles with solutions or that there is some way into a new round of “reform,” they truly want. the electrical grid, generate power from for reformers to score a free lunch should study more carefully what 3. The more efficient our technol- nuclear fusion, install high-end solar by spending a lot less, getting a lot other countries actually do, how ogy, the more energy we consume. This cells on roofs and buildings, and convert more, and hurting no one in the their policies affect the quality and is one of the key insights of energy emissions from coal-fired power plants process. Careful analysis and valid availability of medical services, and economics — if governments mandate into calcium bicarbonate. international assessments of nation- whether Americans would ever ac- efficiency gains, the primary result won’t But neither are they alarmists or al health systems confirm that trad- cept the constraints on liberty that be to conserve energy supplies but in- charitable to those whose energy poli- eoffs are no less inevitable in health European-style health insurance stead to heighten customer demand for cies are little more than exhortations for care than in other economic sectors. would necessarily bring. CJ power to consume. Americans to shiver in the dark. That’s Governments that use taxes, regula- 4. The competitive advantage in not where we’re headed, as long as tions, and monopolies to restrain John Hood is president of the manufacturing is now swinging deci- Washington and the states make rational health spending end up limiting John Locke Foundation and publisher of sively back toward the United States. choices and disregard special-interest patient access to care and reducing CarolinaJournal.com. 5. Human demand for energy is pleading. CJ May 2008 CAROLINA 26 Opinion JOURNAL

Editorial Briefs

Red tape rising To hear Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama tell it, the Bush administration is in the pocket of corporate interests. However, a look at the recent Bush regulatory record makes one wonder why the party’s candidates aren’t holding it up as a model of Democratic governance, The Wall Street Journal says. Last year Bush rule-making agencies imposed $11 billion of net new economywide regulatory costs, mostly in the environmental area. The cost of new regulations has increased every year on Bush’s watch, but last year was by far the highest. The Small Business Administration calcu- lates that the total cost in 2005 of complying with 145,000 pages of federal rules and procedures was $1.1 trillion. This is the rough economic equivalent of imposing a second federal income tax on the economy. George Mason University’s Mercatus Center shows in a study, which will be released soon, that every measure of regulatory activity is up in recent years — agency staffing, budgets, pages of rule-making, and compliance costs. Those num- bers contradict the stream of attacks against the administration for “weakening” federal consumer and environmental protections. Excluding homeland security regulations, the budgets of Uncle Sam’s 50 largest agencies, such Is It Easy to Measure Economic Progress? as the Federal Communications Commission and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, are ith talk of recession in the air, we’re seeing income comparison over time: how to adjust for up almost one-third since 2001. There are about more stories about whether households changes in the purchasing power of the dollar, how have really gotten ahead, economically to adjust for inflation. Since prices typically rise over 200,000 full-time government employees writing Wspeaking, in recent years. Some analysis shows the time, we certainly don’t want to compare dollar val- and enforcing federal commandments. average household’s wages and income have actu- ues in the past directly to dollar values today. Some ally retreated this decade. Some say this has been conversion must be made to account for the fact that the situation for longer than three decades. today’s dollars buy less than yesterday’s dollars. Yet other readers of the economic data come That’s not the problem. Economists know how Specialty hospitals improve care to the exact opposite conclusion. After sifting and to make these adjustments. The problem is that sorting the numbers, they argue the aver- there are many, many measures of infla- Hospitals are still the heart of the health-care age household has never had it so good tion, and different measures can give dif- industry, consuming a third of the $2 trillion U.S. in terms of what they can earn and buy. ferent answers as to whether households health-care bill. Some are very good. But many are How can smart people come to are getting ahead. Measures based on not, brimming with infectious bacteria and viruses, such different conclusions? You would a “fixed market basket” of goods and systemic error, and negative hospitality. Because the think it would be fairly easy to determine services, meaning it is assumed people hospital industry does all it can to thwart competi- whether people have made economic buy the same things this year as they did tion, many communities are stuck with the hospitals progress. However, by the time you fin- last year, tend to show the highest infla- they have, Forbes magazine says. ish this article, you may decide it’s not. tion rates and thus the poorest economic The presidential candidates are grappling There’s actually a simple answer advancement for households. over the plight of the uninsured, yet you’re five to this puzzle. Households and families In contrast, inflation measures times more likely to die from visiting a hospital have been getting smaller over time. Michael that try to account for changes in what Walden than from not having health insurance, according Couples are having fewer children, and people buy show the lowest rates of to the not-for-profit Committee to Reduce Infec- more households are now composed of inflation and better gains in “inflation- tion Deaths. single adults or childless couples. adjusted” incomes. One in 200 patients who spends a night or This means average incomes today have fewer Finally, some economists think the focus on more in a hospital will die from medical error. people to cover in each household and in each fam- income changes is misdirected, that what matters One in 16 will contract an infection. Deaths from ily compared to in the past. So, income trends look most is what people can buy. Here the evidence preventable hospital infections each year exceed much better when they are examined for house- shows the quantity of purchases made by house- holds or families of the same size, or when income holds has been increasing, and the gains have actu- 100,000, more than those from AIDS, breast cancer, changes are expressed on a per-person basis. ally been similar for households of different income and auto accidents combined. Another issue is the measurement of income. levels. Patients have a choice, but it’s not widespread Again, while this might be expected to be easy, So assessing the economic gains of households yet. It’s called the specialty hospital, a center that it’s not. The problem is there are many potential is easier said than done. At a minimum, you have focuses on the care of a particular body part such measures of income: income earned per hour (the to answer who is being measured, what kind of in- as the heart, spine, or joints, or on a specific disease wage rate), total income earned by hourly workers come is being measured, and what kind of inflation such as cancer. There are 200 specialty hospitals in (wages), total income earned by non-hourly work- adjustment has been made. Also, you have to ask the United States (out of 6,000 hospitals overall), ers (salaries), and income earned plus the value of whether income is more important than spending, and they often deliver services better, more safely, benefits (compensation). or is it the reverse. And if things aren’t complicated and at lower cost. Each one of these can have, and has had, dif- enough, what about the intangibles that money A recent University of Iowa study of tens of ferent trends. In general, wage rates have had the can’t measure? CJ thousands of Medicare patients found that compli- slowest increases, while compensation has had the cation rates (bleeding, infections, or death) are 40 best increases. One reason is that benefits (especial- percent lower for hip and knee surgeries at specialty ly health benefits) have been rising faster than have hospitals than at big community hospitals. CJ wages and salaries. So, when benefits are included, Dr. Michael L. Walden is a William Neal Reynolds the income picture of households looks much better. distinguished professor at North Carolina State Univer- Then there’s the issue that challenges any sity. CAROLINA May 2008 JOURNAL Opinion 27 Leadership Tips From Morris Emerging Leaders Program

ll information is good information. Particularly 2. Six questions about the issues that are most control on a regular basis, if it’s clear, and communication is a two-way strongly linked to productivity and excellence: • How leaders react to critical incidents and street. Do I know what is expected of me in my orga- organisational crises, AIf there is a troll hiding under the bridge, I nization? • How leaders allocate resources, want to know about it before I attempt to cross; if Do I have the materials and equipment that I • Deliberate role modelling, teaching, and there is a leprechaun, I likewise want to know. I’m need to do my work right? coaching, abstracting from the view that I might deliberately Do I have the opportunity to do what I do best • How leaders allocate rewards and status, put on blinders. So “good” is every day? • How leaders recruit, select, promote, and good in the sense of useful, not In the last seven days, have I received recogni- excommunicate.” necessarily “welcome.” All in- tion or praise for good work? In any organization, everyone knows what the formation is good information. Does my supervisor, or someone in my organi- culture is. In the course of acting as zation, seem to care about me as a person? the Director of Educational and Is there someone in my organization who Thematic dissonance Academic Programs at the John encourages my development? Here are some last thoughts about the issues Locke Foundation, I have had I see the above questions as appropriate for su- mentioned above, and glitches that make the train the pleasure to direct our E.A. pervisor/managers in a regular manager-employee run poorly. Morris Fellowship for Emerging exchange. If good leadership demands clarity, then poor Leaders program. Karen I would argue strongly that this is neither a leadership, or failed leadership, obfuscates. Lead- In this column, I’d like Palasek paper-and-pencil exercise, nor a group discussion. ers not only need to articulate a vision, they need to share what I think are the In keeping with a build-on-your-strengths ap- to transform people’s anxiety about the uncertain most insightful points we have proach, it seems very clear that management is a set future into confidence in a better future. To gener- gleaned from just a few of our opening leadership of strengths, not a job slot. ate buy-in, it is widely recognized that the vision 3. How’s the organization doing? Does it know discussions. must be presented and communicated as clearly as who it serves? Does it understand its core strength? I’ll also have some comments on why I think possible. Does it have a core score? Are there (what are the) these are significant, especially from an information, That brings me to performance-inhibiting or more precisely a clarity, perspective. actions it can take today? practices — especially being unclear, whether The leadership and management literature is intentional or not. When different people perceive Exposition vast, and the above is just one model out of many, identical messages differently, information is misin- many models available to measure, within the By no means exhaustive, here are my picks for terpreted. It’s hard to compensate for that fact, and organization, what is targeted, what is required, the best points to come out of our Fellowship ses- things get muddy. what is accomplished, and what is being done to sions so far: Also problematic is unnecessarily vague, advance toward the group’s goals. The importance 1. Three guiding insights, what author and needlessly withheld, and arbitrarily distributed of measurement, even when difficult, persists. And leadership coach Marcus Buckingham calls “control- information. If there is no strategic or confidentiality if happiness and job performance are linked, as ling insights,” are critical to excellence in leadership, requirement to limit information about the group analysts contend, productivity and performance can in management, and in sustained individual suc- to the group, why distribute it selectively? “Is this cess. They identify the difference in focus between never be at their best — moving effectively toward a better future. limitation useful or necessary?” is a question that managing and leading, and argue that different could be asked more often. strengths apply to each. Each offers a perspective 4. The individual strengths assessment. There that is specific to its own category, but universally are lots of personal and professional assessment true within it. tools out there. The Clifton StrengthsFinder is just Resolution and finale one, but if strengths are hard-wired and stable over Thus, great leaders all “discover what is uni- Information fosters either greater clarity or time, it makes sense to discover that information versal, and capitalize on it,” while great managers appropriate questions seeking clarity — both are and use it in the pursuit of excellence. “discover what is unique about each person, and good things. If we are interested in good leadership 5. Culture is ultra-important. Here is how one capitalize on it.” For sustained individual success, it and good performance from groups in which we blogger expressed it: is necessary to “discover what you don’t like doing, collaborate, taking steps to sharpen the picture of “…Edgar Schein noted a decade ago: cultures and stop doing it.” that better future through better leadership should Communication processes are paramount. are largely created and modified by the actions of definitely make a difference. Leaders must above all be clear, not just informa- the organisation’s leaders. Putting the pieces of that process to work is a tive. This means that the vision, the strategic story- And here we view leadership in its broadest topic worth discussion as well as action. CJ line, the quest, the mission statement, the group’s sense as someone who people take notice of and motto or slogan, the organization’s hero, or what the follow their lead. Fellowship is about — some “same truth we all care There are a relatively small set of things lead- Dr. Karen Palasek is Director of Educational and about” — is articulated and understood by every- ers do that affect culture: Academic Programs for the John Locke Foundation. one in the group. • What leaders pay attention to, measure, and Readers Respond to Easley E-mails, Annexation, Murphey

To the editor, dissolve it since it was not elected by Our forefathers would have al- respectively). voters and obviously does not have the ready staged a second revolution. Your readers can learn more at How nice of Gov. Easley to allow voters’ interests at www.ncthf.org. One minor and for- calls from the Carolina Journal to be re- heart. Larry J. Bolick givable correction is that the Town of turned by his staff! (sarcasm) Enough of Gibsonville, N.C. Murphy in Cherokee County was named Letters this forced an- after Senator Murphey — there is no Victoria Lucking nexation. Murphy County in North Carolina. Raleigh, N.C. to the It should be To the editor, declared uncon- David Robinson, CEO Editor stitutional and it I enjoyed reading Dr. Kickler’s N.C. Transportation Hall of To the editor, is nothing short article in April 2008 on the subject of Fame of illegal seizure ”Internal Improvements” since both I very much enjoyed reading your of property and Archibald DeBow Murphey and John Send letters to [email protected], articles on the ”Shadow Government” in subsequent imposition of taxes without Motley Morehead were posthumously or by mail to Letters, Carolina Journal, 200 North Carolina (April 2008) and think it the approval of the citizens that were inducted into the North Carolina Trans- W. Morgan St., Suite 200, Raleigh, N.C. is high time to identify its members and annexed. portation Hall of Fame (in 2004 and 2005 27601. May 2008 C a r o l i n a 28 Parting Shot Journal Easley Wows Italians With N.C.-Products Gift Packs (a CJ parody)

By TOPO GIGIO • A six-pack Rapids Theater, no Department’s Travel and Tourism Divi- Travel Writer of Cheerwine soda matter his or her sion will issue airfare reimbursements ROME bottled in Salis- nationality.” for any visitors to North Carolina from ov. Mike Easley and the delega- bury. The group met Italy during 2008. tion that recently visited Italy to • A a bottle with Italian travel Some time ago his office had promote North Carolina didn’t of 2007 limited- and tourism offi- created a coupon book that included Gbother with a complicated advance edition Randy Par- cials, and Easley said discounts for such things as Parton schedule or dozens of appointments. In- ton Wine from a he told them that performances at his theater in Roanoke stead, they relied on their North Carolina city-owned ware- current exchange Rapids and for round trips on the Cur- gift packs to open influential doors. house in Roanoke rates, combined with rituck Ferry, but those books had to be Carolina Journal was surprised to Rapids. North Carolina’s di- left behind since circumstances had find that there was no itinerary for the • A copy of verse vacation des- made them obsolete. North Carolina delegation’s trip. “They Parton’s business tinations, make this Easley said he will ask the legis- went over there with an open mind and plan autographed the best time for in- lature to approve the travel reimburse- no specific plans,” said Easley spokes- by Parton, Roa- ternational travelers ment as well as special incentives to man Seth Effron. “The governor felt that noke Rapids May- to vacation in North attract Italian-owned businesses. The many doors would be open solely based or Drewery Beale, Carolina. program will be called IJDIG, for Italian on the quality of the gift packs they were State Treasurer Easley said the Job Development Investment Grant. The handing out.” Richard Moore, look on their faces centerpiece of the program is a $50,000- Gov. Mike Easley talks up North Carolina Taking advantage of Easley’s and Commerce at a press conference in Pisa, Italy, on his showed how im- per-job annual state grant for any new recent declaration that his staff should S e c re t a r y J i m recent trip. (CJ concocted photo) pressed they were job created by any existing or new Italian no longer refuse information requests Fain. with his offer. But a firm during 2008. from Carolina Journal and the John Locke “The busi- translator later con- “It’s strictly business, as your Foundation, CJ made a request for a list ness plan was a special touch,” said fided that the Italian tourism officials people in our country like to say,” Easley of the contents of the influential gift Effron. “We figured that even if it didn’t told him: “Does he think we’re crazy? told Italian business leaders. packs. work for Parton, an Italian entertainer Why would we urge tourists in our Later he said he expects many Included in the taxpayer-bought might be able to make a successful go country to leave here and spend their business inquiries from Italian firms. swag were: of it. The governor wanted to get the money in North Carolina?” “You could tell by their reaction to my • A small jar of Mount Olive plan out to the international community, In spite of that reaction, Easley said remark that they were rarin’ go to. Their pickles. and he has promised state funds will be he will still pursue a special subsidy security folks had to literally hold them • A dozen assorted Krispy Kreme available for the next qualified enter- for Italians visiting North Carolina. back to keep them from rushing up to donuts. tainer who wants to run the Roanoke Under Easley’s proposal, the Commerce thank me.” CJ Who should insure coastal properties? REGISTER NOW for

“Insuring Coastal Properties,” a symposium sponsored by the Richard S. Brantley Risk & Insurance Center at Appalachian State University

July 20-21, 2008 Broyhill Inn and Conference Center, Appalachian State campus Registration: $50 Online registration: https://ssl1.appstate.edu/confinst/ins.php Additional information: call David C. Marlett at (828) 262-2849