newsobserver.com projects - Maya Angelou - Comments

Re: What is the Order of the Long Leaf Pine?

romulusD — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:01:22 -0400

I was presented this honor in 1992 and at the time had no idea why or who might have nominated me. Is there a way to find out who would have nominated an individual for this recognition.

Re: Who's in the Order? Who knows?

barbie50 — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:12:25 -0400

cliff2, your father in law was eligible to receive the award at least under the guidelines that existed from the early 1990s, but he had to be nominated to do so. Not many supervisors actually nominate people, so a lot of very deserving folks don't get the award.

and terrell, why be so terribly partisan about everything. There is very little money involved this reward..just the cost of printing a certificate. At least in state government, if an employee gets one, his supervisor or co-workers pay for the framing. Governors Hunt and Martin used private dollars, not government dollars to pay for the framing for outsiders receiving the award. I'm not sure what Easley did. But, this is not a partisan award. Governor Martin, who was a republican awarded his share of them, as well.

Re: Who's in the Order? Who knows?

clifft2 — Wed, 06 May 2009 09:47:23 -0400

I am not sure about everyone with 30+ years getting the award. My Father -in Law retired with that from State in early 1980's and did not get it. I believe current Orange County Sheriff Lindy Pendergrass received one in 1980's for his long time Law Enforcement service, which surpasses 50 years now. Dean Smith probably got one too.

Order and honor under Easley

Isaac136 — Wed, 06 May 2009 09:21:43 -0400

There is little question that the awarding of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, like so much else, was considerably cheapened by Governor Easley.

Notwithstanding the Governor's considerable charm, he was cynical and corrupt. He greatly disappointed many of us who wanted to have faith in our party leadership.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which has long been a valued award that public servants could display with genuine pride, was issued to toadies and hacks who did favors for Easley. Those plaques are fit to be hung in the garage now.

Re: Who's in the Order? Who knows?

radiogirl — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:53:03 -0400

You might want to check it out with McClatchy's own Jack Betts, who received the honor from Governor Easley a couple of years ago in honor of Jack's long career serving the public.

And to PaulTerrell - what hundreds of millions are you talking about? Award recipients don't receive any cash prizes - just a plaque, and of course the honor.

Re: Who's in the Order? Who knows?

PaulTerrell — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:21:58 -0400

How about us taxpayers close this atta boy program designed for and run by Democrats. Then use the hundreds of millions in US $'s and help pay off the excessive spending by Democrats.

Re: Who's in the Order? Who knows?

barbie50 — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:21:36 -0400

If you have more than 30 years service and you retire from state government, then you have always been eligible for the reward...if someone nominated you. Really good supervisors did nominate folks,, but a lot of folks - particularly at the lower end of the pay scale and despite their wonderful work - didn't get nominated.

Other nominees were left up to the governor's office discretion. For instance, Gov Hunt would often present the award to people with less than 30 years service who were leaving state government but had done something outstanding during their time with state government. He also presented it to lots of amazing people who had led their field in one way or another and made NC proud. Dale Earnhardt, for instance got the award from him. And, these presentations were done publicly with lots of fanfare, so the Governor wasn't hiding anything.

Gov. Easley's office, on the surface at least, was very strict about who got the award. All state HR offices were told that the award would only be presented with the requisite 30 years service and applications for anything other than that were turned down. Citizens who had done great things in the cultural arts arena and people who had spent decades doing wonderful community work were turned down by his office. It was only after he left, or late in his term, that we discovered that people like Rick Hendricks' dad had received the award. Presumably giving the governor a free car and the chance to drive a race car, qualified your extended family for the award under Governor Easley.

Re: Who's in the Order? Who knows?

ncralph — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:09:13 -0400

A previous UTD posting stated that "The certificate is most often presented when a person retires," notes an application form by Gov. Beverly Perdue's office. "A State Employee is awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine if he/she has 30+ years of service to North Carolina." If so, there are likely many many more than 7000 people to have received the award.

Re: What is the Order of the Long Leaf Pine?

CABINKLEY — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:12:58 -0400

Is there a web site that lists all of the recipients of The Loyal Order of the Long Leaf Pine?

now, now zoobat~

Isaac136 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:40:18 -0400

You mustn't expect much from some of these guys. Yes, the comment by ebetz does indicate that ebetz is not a thoughtful person, but more to the point, it suggests he a frightened person, so we have to try to summon pity instead of mere contempt. There are some folks (more than will show themselves out in the open)who are gnashing their teeth at the thought of an African American President and of an African American First Lady.

I think it will be one of the most beautiful sights in more than two hundred years of our history to see Michelle Obama holding the Bible as Barak Obama is sworn in as President.

ebetz you are a jerk

zoobatmania — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:24:30 -0400

She never said she was not proud to be an American. Get over your Republican talking points. Jerk.

Re: Angelou to introduce M. Obama

ebetz — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:42:08 -0400

Miclelle Obama isn't even a candidate!! I find it hard to believe a real strong american would be willing to introduce this person as someone who would be beneficial to have representing our country. But I guess it is appropriate any DemoRat woman married to a presidential candidate to have some sort of say, especially one who up until a few months ago indicated she was NOT PROUD to be an American. She would turn her back when it came time to salute the flag or sing the Star Spangled banner or other hymn honoring flag and country. Isn't that what we want for a "First Lady"?? That is what the Democrats are trying to sell us and that is what is being put before by the Democrats. AND that is the choice of a wife that Barry Obama knowingly made for a wife?? Barry O chose someone who doesn't like us or the USA!! Hmmm?!? Who is he gonna pick as secretary of this and that if he gets elected will he pick some one who likes us and the USA. Will Angelou be glad she introduced Michelle and backed her husband then???

Re: Clinton and Angelou to speak

FFC1304 — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:11:06 -0400

Y A W N . . . you mean Maya aint for Obomba?

Re: Clinton names N.C. steering committee

SamuelWait — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:58:33 -0400

The blog lists some of the big names but there is some new blood on the list as well. Don't assume that Obama has cornered the market on grassroots Democrats.

Re: Clinton names N.C. steering committee

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:16:45 -0400

Please watch your language.

— RTB