If anyone can take the long view of history, it’s U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.). The assistant minority leader of the House has lived it, from his childhood in segregated Sumter, S.C., through the civil rights movement that benefited him, sometimes in unexpected ways — he met wife-to-be Emily in jail after both were […]
Rep. James Clyburn: ‘The country has topped out to the right’ Read More »
About the only thing that’s certain about North Carolina’s crucial Senate race is that it’s close. Polls show a tight contest, with Democratic incumbent Kay Hagan and her Republican opponent Thom Tillis exchanging slim leads. It’s not even clear what the November midterm will be about. Is it a nationalized election, with Hagan tied to
Obama visit adds heat to contentious and crucial North Carolina Senate race Read More »
CHARLOTTE — While playing with my 2½ -year-old great-nephew was a joyous distraction from the events of Ferguson, Mo., this past week, it was also a reminder that the shelf life for innocence is short when you are a black male — and there is no room for error. Everywhere the family went with my adorable
So, black teens who aren’t angels deserve whatever they get? Read More »
“But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” or so says the lesson in the Gospel of John in the New Testament. It is a simple message that is now being tested by several modern-day crises,
From Ebola crisis to children at the border, does charity have limits? Read More »
When a federal appeals court based in Richmond struck down Virginia’s voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage on Monday, the effect immediately moved southward. In North Carolina, also covered by the 4th Circuit, a similar ban — bolstered by a Constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2012 – is also facing challenges in court. As advocates
Virginia same-sex marriage ruling reverberates in North Carolina Read More »
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) plans to announce Wednesday that it has reached agreements with the owners and managers of two Berlin, N.H., properties, to settle allegations that they engaged in housing discrimination for refusing to rent to a woman who was a victim of domestic violence. Although most know that
HUD settles case alleging housing discrimination against domestic violence victim Read More »
I can’t get enough of “The Rockford Files,” even the episodes I’ve seen over and over. I watched one Sunday night, and mourned the man who embodied the title character. A writer can go to school on the twisty, witty scripts. But the show wouldn’t work without James Garner as Jim Rockford, the put upon
James Garner, with his cynical cool and diverse TV family, was ahead of his time Read More »
It’s about more than one mother of a 4-month-old made to leave a stage-side spot at a California Brad Paisley concert. Was it because she was breastfeeding, as she says, or did police officials give her the option of moving to a seated area or getting a refund and leaving because, as they say, they
he dance goes something like this. A Phil Robertson, Jason and David Benham or Anthony Cumia says or tweets something that is controversial, racially charged or just plain rude. His employer (and Dr. Laura and Paula Deen aside, it’s usually a “he”) condemns, and, sometimes, fires him. Fans cry foul and start a petition, boycott
Heading into the 21st century, North Carolina was that model Southern state — tradition meets moderation, in everything from its manners to its politics. So what happened? Depending on whom you ask, the state has either lost its way or is finding it. It’s difficult to get anyone to agree about anything these days.
From voting battles to coal ash spills, what’s up with North Carolina? Read More »
