Parsing Pat

Governor McCrory’s response to the now-famous Taylor Batten column is worth a close read. After all, it was headlined: “Here’s where my attention really is.”
 
First off, there is not one word in his 397-word essay about public schools or teachers.
 
Then, he said, “North Carolina is poised for an economic revival” and noted the 8 percent unemployment rate. But today’s numbers show that unemployment is down across the nation. If the Governor takes credit for North Carolina, does he give President Obama credit for the national economy?
 
McCrory said: “Since this time last year, North Carolina has gained approximately 80,000 jobs.” But a letter to the N&O noted that, in November, the state’s own figures showed that total employment had dropped by 13,000 jobs.
 
Then, taxes. The Governor said, “Starting on Jan. 1, the income tax rate will go down for every North Carolina taxpayer….North Carolinians will see more money in their paychecks next year.”
 
Here’s the big question. What will voter say next November when Democrats recall the Governor’s words and ask: Did you get a tax cut?
Avatar photo

Gary Pearce

Categories

Archives

Recent Posts

Parsing Pat

Governor McCrory’s response to the now-famous Taylor Batten column is worth a close read. After all, it was headlined: “Here’s where my attention really is.”
 
First off, there is not one word in his 397-word essay about public schools or teachers.
 
Then, he said, “North Carolina is poised for an economic revival” and noted the 8 percent unemployment rate. But today’s numbers show that unemployment is down across the nation. If the Governor takes credit for North Carolina, does he give President Obama credit for the national economy?
 
McCrory said: “Since this time last year, North Carolina has gained approximately 80,000 jobs.” But a letter to the N&O noted that, in November, the state’s own figures showed that total employment had dropped by 13,000 jobs.
 
Then, taxes. The Governor said, “Starting on Jan. 1, the income tax rate will go down for every North Carolina taxpayer….North Carolinians will see more money in their paychecks next year.”
 
Here’s the big question. What will voter say next November when Democrats recall the Governor’s words and ask: Did you get a tax cut?
Avatar photo

Gary Pearce

Categories

Archives