newsobserver.com projects - Walter Davis - Comments

Re: Walter Davis dies at 88

Proctor — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:36:53 -0400

The dedication of the main research library at UNC-Chapel Hill to Walter Royal Davis a quarter of a century ago was a most appropriate way to honor a North Carolinian who literally would go out of his way to help someone else realize a brighter future. In a time of remembrance at the passing of Mr. Davis, his fellow North Carolinians will surely recall his devotion to the cause of education in North Carolina even amidst the many marvels of his business career accomplishments.

The Walter Royal Davis Library itself, anchoring so many academic, teaching and research pursuits on the flagship campus of the University of North Carolina, symbolizes the continuing struggle to protect educational learning, academic scholarship and career advancement from the excesses of partisan politics as they might adversely affect the quest for the continuing education of the people of this state both from within and from outside its borders.

Here's hoping that the university library named in his honor will continue to be one place among many where North Carolinians, Americans from across the country and citizens of other nations can immerse themselves in the unfettered search for the broader horizons of learning and the higher truths of life.

Walter Davis knew more than a thing or two about politics, and he counted many of the state's most influential political leaders of the last half century among his closer personal friends and associates. But he never forgot the needs and aspirations of the potato farmer back in Pasquotank County nor those of the working people of all the cities, towns and rural communities of North Carolina.

Walter Royal Davis knew what it meant to succeed in business in a big way, but he also understood and did his best to assist at every turn the efforts of individual North Carolinians to achieve the incremental gains in their day-to-day living situations enabling them to move a step closer toward realizing their dreams for a better future for themselves and their families. Yes, bold international businessman that he was, he also was "an enabler" extraordinaire for the people of his state.

Folks from New York, Texas and other places in this country often talk about individuals who are considered "bigger than life" in their various occupational pursuits and personal adventures. Out of the historic Albemarle region of Northeastern North Carolina also came just such a person in Walter Royal Davis, and his personal influence in behalf of the betterment of his state and country will form a lasting imprint on the sands and hills of the Old North State.

David Proctor McKnight
Durham

Thanks for the correction on the $88K.

Anglico — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:14:22 -0500

n/t

Nevermind

Anglico — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:02:04 -0500

I checked them too. You got it right. Big money from big bidness. That pretty much sez it all.

Thanks.

Re: Dalton raised $855,000 by end of 2007

Anglico — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:48:20 -0500

Are these numbers right? Let's do some double checking.

(Question from Robert at BlueNC)

Re: Young raised $449,000 by end of 2007

FFC1304 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:12:08 -0500

another corrupt democrackkk...

Re: Fundraising numbers in treasurer's race

JayBlair — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:05:19 -0500

I'd want the taxpayers to subsidize my campaign if I couldn't raise money from voters voluntarily too.

And no, taxpayer subsidized elections of judges is not working. First, the state ran out of money so a special new tax was enacted to pay for it. Second, 527 committee money is still allowed that can't be rebutted if it is spent late or costs taxpayers even more if spent early.

Private donations are not bad. More money allows more information being shared with voters.

Re: Fundraising numbers in treasurer's race

tjrutledge — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:47:39 -0500

Everybody is raising buckets of money these days. I agree with Cowell's call for public financing of this office. It's working well for the judges, and is expanding to other down-ballot offices this year. It makes sense for the treasurer's race.

Re: Fundraising numbers in treasurer's race

FFC1304 — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:36:34 -0500

What could possibly attract those kind of $$$ to David Young? He's milktoast. Sheesh, cant you all find somebody with some actual worthy goals??? He's more of the same BS in NC!!!