Commentary/Opinion
You Decide: Which Economic-Ism Is Best
By Mike Walden A renewed debate about the three -isms of socialism, communism and capitalism has been sparked by a proclaimed socialist candidate, who some claim is actually a communist,…
You Decide: Should You Be A Buyer Or Seller Of The Economy?
By Mike Walden As the major league baseball season reaches the midseason point and the trading deadline looms, teams must decide if they will be buyers or sellers. A buyer…
Social Security Matters – I’m Turning 70. When Should I Apply For Social Security?
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens Dear Rusty: I have a very simple question: I will turn…
Opinion: Health Bill Shows All Is Not Lost
By John Hood RALEIGH — Are today’s elected leaders incapable of addressing public problems in a serious, respectful, bipartisan manner? If your answer is yes, I’ll concede that you have…
You Decide: Is The National Debt Still A Big Worry?
By Mike Walden When I recently reviewed my columns of past years, I was surprised I hadn’t written about “the debt” — meaning the national debt — in six years.…
You Decide: Is Social Security Secure?
By Mike Walden Recently, one of my relatives contacted me, and there was desperation in her voice. Immediately, I worried it was about a health issue for her or another…
Opinion: Carolina Congressmen Tell Off Constituents
By John Hood ALEIGH — Ever written your congressman? I have. I always get a prompt and cordial, if bland, reply. Back in 1988, I actually spent a few weeks…
You Decide: Will North Carolina Get An MLB Team?
By Mike Walden Although I have lived and worked in North Carolina for almost 50 years, I wasn’t born in this wonderful state. I was born and raised in Cincinnati,…
Opinion: Look Before Leaping To New System
By John Hood RALEIGH — In a recent column, I outlined three ways that North Carolina’s system of government differs from that of many other states, including our neighbors. First,…
Opinion: Supply-Side Policies Boost North Carolina
By John Hood RALEIGH — After North Carolina conservatives won control of the General Assembly in 2010, they began a systematic application of supply-side principles to state policy. It’s been…
Opinion: Put Your Tax Cards On The Table
By John Hood RALEIGH — The North Carolina House and Senate have enacted very different versions of a 2025-27 state budget, even though two plans would authorize virtually the same…
Opinion: Requiring Work For Benefits Is Wise
By John Hood RALEIGH — There are good reasons to criticize the “Big, Beautiful Bill” the U.S. House just sent to the Senate. But its imposition of work requirements for…
