John Marlow: ‘Amusing’ becoming ‘dangerous’

I am finding it increasingly embarrassing to explain to my family and friends that the reason I am a Republican is because I am a strong supporter of smaller government. To me, “smaller” means less costly and less intrusive. What on earth is the North Carolina legislature doing here?

Instead of managing at the state level, which is itself a target-rich environment for less government, the legislators took it upon themselves to manage at the municipal and county level, and, to add insult to injury, spend beyond the planned legislative budget to do it?

Forget the issue de jour. That’s not the point. If the legislature wants to manage at the city or county level, then get engaged and decide whether or not that crosswalk is necessary in Hertford. But don’t “cherry pick,” getting all energized about one issue in Charlotte that lawmakers think appeals to their base.

They have left “amusing” in the rear-view mirror and are now threatening to become “dangerous.” They are the state legislature for some 10 million people for heaven’s sake. Start thinking, and acting, strategically.

This story was originally published March 26, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "John Marlow: ‘Amusing’ becoming ‘dangerous’."