newsobserver.com projects - Jack Betts - Comments

Munger's way

James_Protzman — Fri, 29 May 2009 11:05:17 -0400

isn't an alternative.

The "alternative" is the Apple bill itself, a massive misappropriation of the legislative process to benefit an individual company.

Re: Quick Hits

WhalerCane — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:48:08 -0400

Well, in a radio interview this week, Brock did not rule out the possibility. In politics, if you do not rule it out, then it is likely possible.

Re: Quick Hits

mrclean — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:28:31 -0400

Looks like you hit a nerve with the GOP-must be some truth to it-I suspect a big fight at the convention-oh boy what fun-make sure the N&O covers it fully-the GOP might implode

Re: Quick Hits

PaulTerrell — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:01:20 -0400

I want to know about this comment Ryan. Is this the National Enquirer or the News and Observer? Why are you trying to cause trouble with Republicans. I know you are afraid of Protzman and the Democrats. So why don't you pick on them? Equal opportunity is all I ask.

Re: Quick Hits

mrclean — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:01:52 -0400

George Little would bring respect back to the grand ole party.He is no nonsense and has impeccable qualifications-you couldn't do any better than Little

Re: Quick Hits

CitizenOpinionated — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:40:38 -0400

Ben Noliet took down a comment of mine bc of its speculative nature - how come this is posted then...

Re: Quick Hits

ryanteaguebeckwith — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:01:54 -0400

Yes. As I said, they may nominate someone. They may not.

— RTB

Re: Quick Hits

ncpoli — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:00:27 -0400

RTB, do you have a reliable source on the possibility of a Little or Brock nomination? Talking About Politics doesn't count.

Re: Easley inducted 4,000 into Order

BitterEXdemocrat — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:47:40 -0400

Yet another example of how SLEAZELY degraded the state he was elected to serve. WHEN will he be INDICTED?

Re: Easley inducted 4,000 into Order

mmclendon — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:38:34 -0400

Great reporting! Sounds like a lot of trees are cut down to print these certificates. On the plus side, trees are a renewable resource. I wonder though, how many people got the Tar Heel Tater Head award during Easley's term? That is the big one!

Re: Easley inducted 4,000 into Order

JoeBlow39 — Wed, 06 May 2009 23:07:04 -0400

The handing out of this certificate due to connections goes way back before Easley. I know for a fact that Martin gave these out like candy in the 1990s. Two co-workers with less than 10 years experience with the state had theirs hanging on their office wall.

I asked why they were awarded the highest honor in the state and never received a straight answer. After working several years with them, I found out they both had family connections to Martin.

Bottomline, those who receive this certificate and deserve it should feel proud. To the majority of recipients, I hope you can at least make up a plausible story to tell people when they see you so proudly displaying your undeserved certificate.

Re: Easley inducted 4,000 into Order

cometrudolph — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:43:41 -0400

Big deal
How many of these were State Employees with 30 years?

I see Federal Prison in the Future for Sl*Easley

vraptor — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:13:53 -0400

What a sleaze ball. Speaker Black meeds some company in federal prison...

It is fun to look up Jimbo....

http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp

JAMES BOYCE BLACK. 50655-056. 74-White-M. Release: 03-31-2012. LEWISBURG USP

Re: Easley inducted 4,000 into Order

ejkane — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:37:31 -0400

I'm outraged and more! I wanna be a member of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine! What's the Order of the Long Leaf Pine? Never mind, everyone else is and I wanna be a member too!

P.S., Are these people who need "long leaves" to cover their "you know whats?" Just asking. ;-)

Re: Easley inducted 4,000 into Order

barbie50 — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:28:51 -0400

I'm outraged about this. I used to be in charge of submitting Long Leaf Pine nominations, and I was told repeatedly by the Easley folks that the only people who would be considered were employees of our department who retired with 30 years of service. We occasionally tried to submit awards for very deserving North Carolinians outside of state government, and they went no where. They told me only the governor's office could make nominations for other folks. I really didn't have that big a problem with that, assuming they were going to very special people who were worthy of the award. But, now I do. I mean -- giving his inlaws the award? I'm sure they are lovely people, but what did they do to deserve this award? They produced his wife. Maybe they are the ones who taught her how to get a high-paying state job that does virtually nothing, pay $60 for a cheeseburger and onion rings in Itally, or figure out how to get Rick Hendricks to loan her a car. Are those talents worthy of this award?