Comments by Mike Hayes | Eastern North Carolina Now

Ms. Rufino has given us a great analogy to frame the debate of the role of the federal government. She has also given us a great reason why the Tea Party movement is fading quickly as an ideology. The role of parenthood is clear: to raise our children to be independent, productive individuals in our society. Being a responsible parent requires that we instill in our children a sense of responsibility for themselves and those around them. Children cannot and do not learn these traits on their own. The reality is that we give them everything they need to develop. Inherent in that role is a balance to be played as the child grows older; the growing child must understand the boundaries that society and civility place on them. If there are no effective and defined boundaries, then unbridled freedom becomes anarchy very quickly. The government is not our parent. However, I would suggest that as our society continues to evolve in directions our founders could never have fathomed, effective governance becomes more and more critical to our ability to move forward as a nation.

Commented: Saturday, April 21st, 2012 @ 1:24 pm By: Mike Hayes

As a liberal and former protester, I find Stan's comments to be spot on. The only thing that I would add is that protesters in general-- left wing or right wing-- are typically filled with folks that have entirely too much time on their hands and read way too much of writings that agree with their own ideological perspective. One of my favorite professors at UMASS was a lead scholar at the conservative think-tank, The American Enterprise Institute. His advice to me was to, "always be careful of overstating issues. Overreaction makes you look silly." That hit me hard back then; it remains true today.

Commented: Sunday, October 9th, 2011 @ 9:55 am By: Mike Hayes

There's lots to agree with....hell....there's lots period! I love the article! Ill have a response very soon!

Commented: Saturday, May 1st, 2010 @ 9:16 pm By: Mike Hayes

The power of the purse only goes so far due to the short term and fickle nature of the economic powerhouses in this country. It becomes even worse when the free market and government are in cahoots as well. I think you and I would agree that an enlightened American electorate is an oxymoron.

Commented: Thursday, April 29th, 2010 @ 4:00 am By: Mike Hayes

This is probably the number one reason I like you; both as a politician and a person! My question to you is this: if we are so quick to distrust the government (which I agree with you 100%), shouldn't we be wary of the free market system for the same reason?

Commented: Wednesday, April 28th, 2010 @ 3:22 am By: Mike Hayes

"Unlike the desire to live by God's Word, the desire to be healthy is not transcendental." What an awesome statement, Brandia! What I think you will find is that acting on that desire to be healthy- with a positive, patient, and persistent mindset- will definitely be transcendental for you!

Commented: Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 @ 5:06 am By: Mike Hayes