Commentary/Opinion
Opinion: To Boost Downtowns, Make Them Safer
By John Hood RALEIGH — North Carolina continues to exhibit impressive economic performance. Last year, for example, only five states — Idaho, Tennessee, Florida, Nevada, and Texas — enjoyed faster…
Opinion: On Tax Reform, Set Firm Priorities
By John Hood RALEIGH — Negotiators from the North Carolina House and Senate are current hashing out a compromise budget for the fiscal year that begins in July. One of…
Opinion: Oh, Let Him Build His Pirate Ship
By John Hood NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH — It’s still a free country. We all enjoy the right to vacation as we see fit. For my family, summer vacation means a…
You Decide: Where Is The Economy Today?
By Mike Walden A year ago, a large percentage of economists were predicting that by now, the economy either would be in a recession or clearly headed for a recession.…
Opinion: State Ranks Poorly On Remote Taxes
By John Hood RALEIGH — North Carolinians are by now accustomed to seeing our state score well on national rankings of economic performance, cost of living, quality of life, and…
You Decide: What Determines The Dollar’s Worth?
By Mike Walden I often receive comments from readers about my columns. Some agree with my comments, while others disagree. I value both, but some readers suggest a topic for…
Opinion: Of Course Books Can Be Dangerous
By John Hood RALEIGH — A thought occurred to me as I was traveling through the North Carolina Piedmont last week. The notion didn’t have to do with my location…
Opinion: Carolina Voters Dislike Big Government
By John Hood RALEIGH — North Carolina Democrats are frustrated. It’s not hard to see why. Since 2008, when Barack Obama narrowly won the state and Kay Hagan beat Elizabeth…
Opinion: School Choice Offers A Brighter Future
By John Hood RALEIGH — The North Carolina General Assembly is about to make all children eligible for the state’s Opportunity Scholarship program. They won’t all receive the same amounts…
Opinion: Workfare Still Superior To Welfare
By John Hood RALEIGH — In Washington, Republican lawmakers are insisting that any deal with the Biden administration to raise the federal debt ceiling be accompanied by stricter work requirements…
You Decide: Is The Economy Good, Bad Or Uncertain?
By Mike Walden Clint Eastwood has long been one of my favorite actors, going all the way back to his TV series “Rawhide” in the 1950s and ‘60s. A movie…
Opinion: Make It Easier To Start Charities
By John Hood RALEIGH — North Carolina has a robust network of charitable enterprises that deliver tremendous value across our great state. They feed the hungry, treat the sick, shelter…
