Thanks for checking us out
I've been scratching my head trying to figure out what I want to say to you first. It's only fair that you know a little about where I stand and why I created this blog.
I am moderatus caucasian maleous. People often dislike moderates because they mistakenly believe we don't have any opinions or take any stands. Not so. I am full of them, and if you check into this site often (or, better yet, subscribe to get new posts) you will quickly discover my passions.
I am a staunch conservative on fiscal issues, believing that public servants and public agencies need to zealously get a dollar of value for every dollar spent. They must also be accountable for outcomes. But I am more liberal on social issues, understanding that our society has relegated to government many services to help those who cannot help themselves. I believe historians will judge us by how we treated the mentally ill, handicapped or poor. We should provide a healping hand to those who need help. This doesn't mean we should enable those who can and should provide for themselves. There are also things government should do such as public safety, education, and infrastructure.
I am a product of several people and many events that have shaped me in my 63 years. Some of my heroes and people who have influenced me include my father, former UNC President Bill Friday, former Governors Jim Hunt, Jim Holshouser and Jim Martin, former Senator Robert Morgan, John Winters and my former boss and mentor Treasurer Harlan Boyles. My mom and wife Lib are also two who have had much more influence on me than they suspect.
I grew up part of "The Pepsi Generation," on the leading cusp of the "baby boomers." Born at the close of World War II my early remembrances are that times were not plentiful, but also not scarce. I got involved in politics as the Camelot era of John Kennedy swept the nation and remember too well when there were water fountains in public buildings for white and "colored." I was part of the generation that advocated civil rights and opposed the Viet Nam war. I missed the Woodstock, free love and hippie experiences that came later. My group loved Motown, much of what is now called Beach music. We learned to bop or shag holding on to the door handle, watching American Bandstand, before actually trying it out with a girl.
My dad built the first TV station in Eastern Carolina in 1953 and ran it successfully for years. I wanted to be a broadcaster from the time I was 13 and was often caught reading news stories out loud, hoping my voice might not sound so Southern and break up so much.
I now understand. I grew up in an unusual home. My parents were both interested in current events and if you hadn't read the newspaper or watched TV news you might not have anything to say around the dinner table. So at an early age I was exposed to politics. We were North Carolina Democrats, nationally conservative, often voting for Republicans, and more progressive in state and local matters. I actually knew a few Republicans but most everyone was registered as a Democrat so they could vote in the primary elections.
I am a blessed man to be able to combine my two loves - politics and broadcasting - in my career. That's way more than you wanted to know, but now you have some background on what you might be getting.
I do want to hear from you....so long as you aren't name calling, cursing,insulting or writing novellas on this blogsite. As I tell the people who are panelists on NC SPIN we are Southern ladies and gentlemen and are going to act like it. If you can't go somewhere else to dump your garbage.
So we begin. Let's see where this takes us. It should be fun.
I am moderatus caucasian maleous. People often dislike moderates because they mistakenly believe we don't have any opinions or take any stands. Not so. I am full of them, and if you check into this site often (or, better yet, subscribe to get new posts) you will quickly discover my passions.
I am a staunch conservative on fiscal issues, believing that public servants and public agencies need to zealously get a dollar of value for every dollar spent. They must also be accountable for outcomes. But I am more liberal on social issues, understanding that our society has relegated to government many services to help those who cannot help themselves. I believe historians will judge us by how we treated the mentally ill, handicapped or poor. We should provide a healping hand to those who need help. This doesn't mean we should enable those who can and should provide for themselves. There are also things government should do such as public safety, education, and infrastructure.
I am a product of several people and many events that have shaped me in my 63 years. Some of my heroes and people who have influenced me include my father, former UNC President Bill Friday, former Governors Jim Hunt, Jim Holshouser and Jim Martin, former Senator Robert Morgan, John Winters and my former boss and mentor Treasurer Harlan Boyles. My mom and wife Lib are also two who have had much more influence on me than they suspect.
I grew up part of "The Pepsi Generation," on the leading cusp of the "baby boomers." Born at the close of World War II my early remembrances are that times were not plentiful, but also not scarce. I got involved in politics as the Camelot era of John Kennedy swept the nation and remember too well when there were water fountains in public buildings for white and "colored." I was part of the generation that advocated civil rights and opposed the Viet Nam war. I missed the Woodstock, free love and hippie experiences that came later. My group loved Motown, much of what is now called Beach music. We learned to bop or shag holding on to the door handle, watching American Bandstand, before actually trying it out with a girl.
My dad built the first TV station in Eastern Carolina in 1953 and ran it successfully for years. I wanted to be a broadcaster from the time I was 13 and was often caught reading news stories out loud, hoping my voice might not sound so Southern and break up so much.
I now understand. I grew up in an unusual home. My parents were both interested in current events and if you hadn't read the newspaper or watched TV news you might not have anything to say around the dinner table. So at an early age I was exposed to politics. We were North Carolina Democrats, nationally conservative, often voting for Republicans, and more progressive in state and local matters. I actually knew a few Republicans but most everyone was registered as a Democrat so they could vote in the primary elections.
I am a blessed man to be able to combine my two loves - politics and broadcasting - in my career. That's way more than you wanted to know, but now you have some background on what you might be getting.
I do want to hear from you....so long as you aren't name calling, cursing,insulting or writing novellas on this blogsite. As I tell the people who are panelists on NC SPIN we are Southern ladies and gentlemen and are going to act like it. If you can't go somewhere else to dump your garbage.
So we begin. Let's see where this takes us. It should be fun.
Good to see you in the blogging biz, Tom.
Reply to this
I record and watch your show every week. You need new set design and a different way to seat your guests. Appears like 1960's TV. That does not detract from your value and value of guests on show. Every so often; define your guests, BG, their possible political leanings etc.
Reply to this
As a "long time" viewer of NC Spin (some 4 years now), I support any online medium related to the show which now includes this new blog site. I look forward to participating in the discussion. Thanks Tom!
Reply to this
Glad to see this new forum. I watch NC Spin most of the time (I sometimes don't get out of bed by 6:30 AM on Sunday)and I have thoroughly enjoyed the program....really the only one of its kind on TV. Please keep up the work you do.
Reply to this
Good start. Will supplement weekly e-mails and ncspin website. No longer in NC so I miss the TV program, but this lets me keep up with the goings on back home.
Reply to this
Someone sent this quote to me: "The American Republic will endure, until politicians realize they can
bribe the people with their own money."
-Alexis de Tocqueville...don't know if Tocqueville really said it but it sure is prophetic....how do you spell stimulus? I-T-S N-O-T-Y-O-U-R-M-O-N-E-Y..as a Sunday morning watcher, I beg you to keep up the good work!
Reply to this
I just read your opening post and you seem like a well rounded man.I am fiscally conservative and socially more liberal also,but since 2000 I have been a Democrat.I just sent a post to carolinapoliticsonline.com titled "IS WBT AFRAID OF DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS" that you might enjoy reading. With all of the problems we now face it is frustrating to only hear 1 point of view in Charlotte. Hopefully one day we will have more options on talk radio in this area.
Reply to this
I have enjoyed your program for years.May your new venturs be a go also.
Reply to this
tuned in early to catch the incoming snow report and caught the tail-end of your show which lead me to this blog. This is so great for NC citizens! I plan to tell all I know who are interested and even those who aren't! It is important to be aware and have a voice, nationally, but more importantly perhaps, at home. Thank you for this opportunity and I will be checking in daily. Who knows where it may lead!
Reply to this
Your description of yourself is typical of many North Carolinians who grew up in NC. Keep up the good work. I don't always see your TV Program but do read NC Spin on-line every week.
Reply to this
Not enough moderates speak up! Everyone seems to be staunchly liberal or conservative and never the twain shall meet. It reduces online debates down to shouting matches and ridicule/ad hominem attacks. In short, it makes political debate pointless.
I am also a "mixed" liberal/conservative. Us mongrels should stick together.
Reply to this
Moderates, by definition, are fence sitters and ready to go whichever way the wind blows. Where's the wholesome debate in that? I'm not sure if that is what you mean by "mixed" liberal/conservative! Think principles...and the "mixed" will go away!
One of the main reasons I like NC SPIN is because there is not the "shouting matches" that are so prevalent on other political talk shows (thank you, Tom) ...and I agree,it does not matter which side you come down on, when knuckleheads shout at each other, I cannot tell if either have a good point.
From a 'knuckle-dragger" to a "mongrel", please do not call yourself names, it's not constructive.
Reply to this