Comments by Gene Scarborough | Eastern North Carolina Now
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Commented on Memorial Day - In Flanders FieldsWWI --- THE WAR TO END ALL WARS --- was hardly a success in that part.
A little girl commented in an essay on Armistice --- she said, "The Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. We have seen 2 minutes of peace ever since." 
Commented: Saturday, May 23rd, 2015 @ 8:03 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on It’s the Same Old SongI would put Tom and me gladly in the same "liberal boat." The trouble is we aren't liberals but we are both analyzing to the core on issues. It is common sense and good questions, folks, being shot at all sides of an issue.
The "I win / you lose" politics of today is a sham. The real Founding Father dream had to to with all sides of an issue being debated / pick the better of 2 options offered with a combination option containing the best of both (sometimes a 3rd side) and then get it passed for the GOOD OF THE TAXPAYERS REPRESENTING THEIR CONSTITUENTS! 
Commented: Saturday, May 23rd, 2015 @ 5:22 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Trapped in my own homeI worked my way through college at the end of a trim carpenter's hammer. I would not trade my experience with 2 old master-carpenters for the experiences in the classroom at Emory. They blessed me with training and tricks only known to CRAFTSMEN.
All the permits and safety regulations in the world had NOTHING TO DO with the quality of work we performed. Today any man can go to Lowe's, buy an air compressor and nailer along with an expensive miter saw and "CALL HIMSELF A TRIM CARPENTER." The real control needed is not with technicalities of permitting and inspection. It has to do with skills and knowledge of the man doing the job. Most inspectors I know have never done the work they are inspecting! One example of today's building world is pre-hung door units. In my day we built door from the frame up. The basic frame is composed of substantial boards nailed together at the corners, then set in the opening, plumbed, and straight-edged, then shims and casing nails are applied to make it strong enough to stand any abuse in the future. The next step is to apply trim which requires a perfectly square and straight frame to have no cracks at the corners. Upright trim is first applied, then you turn the top piece upside down and mark the corner by the outside edge of the upright. Trim has no cracks! A router was our magic tool to mortise hinges in the door and frame which held everything together. Finally you took the other magic tool of electric drill to cut openings for the handle. The entire process took 2-3 men, each doing his part to do it right so it hung without movement; could stand a kid deciding to swing on it for fun on a rainy day; and last 100 or more years without failures! The prehung door unit is now the "way to make big money." They are fully assembled on a factory line using air nailers to shoot staples instead of finish nails. The staples are about 1/10 as strong as finish nails. The typical trim carpenter today takes the unit apart, front to back, installs one side that has the door hanging on it, then pushes in the other side to a snug wall fit, shoots about 10 quick pops with his air nailer, and walks away to fill out the bill. *Did he check the door for plumb at the uprights? *Did he apply casing nails and shims to insure it's strength? *Did he even close and inspect it to make sure the crack between door and trim is perfectly straight and equal all around that door? The inspectors never put a coin or shim all around any prehung door unit installed in the house. They dare not slam it or it just might fall out into the floor. Would a 200# man swing on that door to check for strength? Naw, he is headed to McDonald's for a quick lunch because he is paid more than the man who installed it! What I am describing it quality skills no longer needed nor questioned in any modern housing tract. The person who is buying one of those retirement community places on a concrete slab better hope he only uses it for 10 years and that no grandkids come to visit. The first angry kid who slams that door will be the real inspector. Nine out of 10 slams will surely make it's putty crack. The 10th will had it falling out of the opening and into the middle of the floor. All the inspections in the world cannot correct cheap and unskilled labor producing a house that won't stand up to living in it!!! 
Commented: Saturday, May 23rd, 2015 @ 5:15 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Trapped in my own homeTry owning and operating a Tree Surgery Company in NC --- it is anything BUT "friendly to small businesses." If you have more than 2 on the job site you must have Workmen's comp (most expensive non-insurance of all)---it matters not the man getting hurt and paid well is an independent contractor responsible for his own health and safety . . .
I you need a crane anymore, you won't believe the OSHA rules and regs---made up after a college frat party by idiots who never did any work of the sort!!! I now know why so many fresh college grads who can't really read nor write get that $65K job to harass people smart enough to wire a house and remove trees without hitting it!!! Don't get me started, gentlemen . . . 
Commented: Friday, May 22nd, 2015 @ 9:20 pm
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Political positioning TestI thought it was spelled "suppository," Stan . . .
Commented: Friday, May 22nd, 2015 @ 9:09 pm
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Political positioning TestStan--- You sound like the alcoholic who has gone so straight no one can drink around him without a sermon on abstinence!!!
If you burn your wild oats as a youth, it's not hard to be suddenly "too righteous to fart when you get old," good buddy! 
Commented: Friday, May 22nd, 2015 @ 7:27 pm
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Political positioning TestHad you fed your brain, Stan, instead of fertilizing your prejudices of youth---you just MIGHT appreciate those who "agree to disagree with you," my brother! Without calling them vile names, I might add . . .
Commented: Friday, May 22nd, 2015 @ 12:02 pm
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Poll Reflects Decade Of NC Voters' ViewsAs a trained person in testing and analysis, I see a simple expression of SELFISHNESS in this poll!
If we were truly serious about "helping one another," as people of faith and charity, the church would never need government rules on equal voting rights and any form of social services. NC is now a REGRESSIVE STATE over the PROGRESSIVE ONE between 1970-2000. The Marriage Amendment voted in by a slight majority has now been found UNCONSTITUTIONAL and the courts are telling NC that our voting districts are badly skewed (gerrymandered) --- and need to be re-done to what was before the Conservative Surge to rule . . . 
Commented: Friday, May 22nd, 2015 @ 5:16 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Political positioning TestStan---had you ever taken a college course in Sociology, as I did my freshman year, the wise person ultimately concludes:
*All cultures are different on their exact laws (mores). *The purpose of culture is to keep people of the same area from killing and hating all the time. *The 10 Commandments of the Hebrews were basic rules of their culture *Most of them are violated by Conservatives of today = Thou shalt not steal, lie, commit adultery . . . *Thou SHALT honor your parents --- which means they know more than you and when they tell you "NO" at the candy counter---quit yowling and shut up if you lose your ability to control them! Most Conservatives I know start scheming when they are in the minority to find ways to rule despite the rules of voting proven to be good in the past!!!! PERHAPS, your constant view that Conservatism is always right / Liberals always wrong could find some respect --- had you ever cracked a book on various societies around the world---which are all different from us, BUT have a way to get along which works for them. . . 
Commented: Friday, May 22nd, 2015 @ 5:08 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on JLF’s Alternative N.C. Budget Focuses on SavingsHere is where I ask questions about a conservative proposal of budget:
Curry points to a list of six R's of fiscal responsibility in North Carolina. "Reform entitlement programs," she said. "Require more user responsibility. Redirect spending to higher-priority uses. Revive free enterprise. Restore civil society. Reduce biases in the tax code." *Require more user responsibility ~~~ what does this mean? *Revive free enterprise ~~~ if this means less honorous things for small businesses employing less than 10 people---it makes GOOD SENSE. *Reduce biases in the tax code ~~~ If this means "restore deductions taken from small businesses and individuals which actually make their NC tax greater" --- you have something! Frankly, I am more than tired of the Conservative lie that "we are taxing less!" No one in NC got an actual reduction EXCEPT the big corps and wealthy who have the ability now to buy corporate jets and other extravagances with their "deductions raised!" Just tell the truth---nothing but the truth---STOP THE WEALTHFARE given us citizens over the last 2 years of conservatism---that has "conserved nothing!"
Commented: Thursday, May 21st, 2015 @ 3:03 pm
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Liberals Hard Wired - Volume I: ''Shut Up and Sing"Have a few good Conservative observations from your las presidential hero:
Fool me — you can't get fooled again." —Nashville, Tenn., "I miss being pampered." --George W. Bush, reflecting on his presidency, University of Texas at Tyler, Oct. 19, 2010 "This is my maiden voyage. My first speech since I was the president of the United States and I couldn't think of a better place to give it than Calgary, Canada." --George W. Bush, as reported by the Associated Press, Calgary, Canada, March 17, 2009
Commented: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 @ 9:31 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Liberals Hard Wired - Volume I: ''Shut Up and Sing"Here is a better one -- think it has something to do with George W. Bush:
Irish Lighter Mick and Paddy were fishing on the Irish shoreline when Mick pulled out a cigar. Finding he had No matches, he asked Paddy You know for a light. 'Ya, sure, I tink I haff a lighter,' Paddy replied and then reaching into his tackle box, he pulled out a Bic lighter 10 inches long. 'My God, man!' exclaimed Mick, taking the huge Bic lighter in his hands. 'Where'd yew git dat monster?' 'Well,' replied Paddy, 'I got it from my Genie.' 'You haff a fecking Genie?' Mick asked. 'Ya, sure. It's right here in my tackle box,' says Paddy. 'Could I see him?' Paddy opens his tackle box and sure enough, out pops the Genie. Addressing the Genie, Mick says, 'Hey dere! I'm a good pal of your master. Will you grant me one wish?' 'Yes, I will,' says the Genie. So Mick asks the Genie for a million bucks. The Genie disappears back into the tackle box leaving Mick sitting there waiting for his million bucks. Shortly, the Irish sky darkens and is filled with the sound of a million ducks flying directly overhead. Over the roar of the one million ducks Mick yells at Paddy, 'What the hell? I asked for a million bucks, not a million ducks!' Paddy answers, 'Ya, I forgot to tell yew dat da Genie is hard of hearing. Do yew really tink I asked for a 10 inch Bic?'
Commented: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 @ 8:56 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Liberals Hard Wired - Volume I: ''Shut Up and Sing"Conservative like you, Stan have a MO as well --- it's called hard head with baseball bat in hand . . .
Commented: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 @ 8:52 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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In Rocky Mount on the mill hill they say---CLE-SHET when sober, been known to get altered after 6 beers and a NASCAR race . . .
Commented: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 @ 8:50 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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It is called "Delusions of Grandeur" --- STAN!
Commented: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 @ 6:51 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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I suggest some good relaxing additive to your coffee --- there are several of choice which sooth the spirit in early morning writing time. I am feeling so good of late (since Beaufort County offers hidden Property Tax relief to those of us on fixed incomes and making less than $30K a year---it is hopefully going to reduce my burden you Commissioners could reduce any meeting---since no property is selling for better than 70% of appraised value you did 5 years ago).
By the way, many of us taxpayers are living off 20% of what we made pre-Recession (under whom) and why should government live higher on their hog than the people who pay their taxes????
Commented: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 @ 6:08 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Commissioner Hood Richardson States the Correct CaseCome on, Stan --- don't start acting as if I only do tree work for "liberals." I don't start any consult over more than the trees in their yard --- they open up if the subject of County Politics comes up! I am just trying to be honest with you and Hood.
You are good men in your set ways and you mean well, BUT, like the little girl prayed, "Dear God, make all bad people good --- and all good people NICE!"
Commented: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 @ 6:02 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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It's early morning on Tuesday, Stan --- and I am delighted --- as the sun begins to rise and birds start singing ~~~ we are agreed on more important things than we are disagreed! Any who think we are in a constant debate should join us as we sit together in your office/den and share a cup of coffee!
Love you, man --- LOVE YOU!!!
Commented: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 @ 5:59 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Commissioner Hood Richardson States the Correct CaseI beg to respectfully DISAGREE on OBNOXIOUS, Stan. I move about with my tree surgery rounds and more people than you know (or care to listen to) are saying, "For so many years we had a cooperative spirit in Beaufort County --- UNTIL we started acting like the national scene of hate and bullying."
Commented: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 @ 5:52 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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OUR President is but a passing leader with no more than 2 terms = 8 years at the max. Now, if we have the guts to give Congress the same TERM LIMITS we could find ways to mend this broken and hating nation without bloodshed, in my view.
Commented: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 @ 5:49 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Commissioner Hood Richardson States the Correct CaseTHE HOOD --- is always right --- IN THE MOST OBNOXIOUS WAY!
Commented: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 @ 5:39 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Political positioning TestStan---Why is it easier to point a finger and try to positonize someone TO YOUR SPECS OF CONSERVATISM??? I have taken 3 --- THREE --- test now which put me just to the left of center and you try to say I am a "liberal."
It appears you are becoming like the folks in Germany who called Jews "RATS" before they sent them to ghettos and ultimately Auschwitz . . .
Commented: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 @ 5:36 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Anyone who says, "Truth is stranger than fiction" --- only needs to read the stuff of the early Presidential campaign to know ~~~ IT IS HAPPENING HERE AND NOW IN AMERICA!
Commented: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 @ 5:30 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Political positioning TestI just took the 3rd test = just left of center and in the up/down middle!
www.politicalcompass.org Keep on calling me a "far-left liberal" and I may have to crank the chipping machine!
Commented: Monday, May 18th, 2015 @ 5:05 pm
By: Gene Scarborough
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Let the chips of a good and honest audit fall where they may --- now let's see what turns up on the new Administration and all the appointees therein.
On FOR SURE is NC is now a REGRESSIVE state where once it was PROGRESSIVE . . .
Commented: Monday, May 18th, 2015 @ 9:36 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on More Terror in Obama's AmericaI was fortunate to get a broadened mind and ability to reason and debate from Emory. Part of the process was to meet fellow students from all over this country---each of whom was sharp and developing the same ability to analyze. It was far from the tobacco field or pool halls where you discussed the price of beer with your buddies. . .
On of the first "tells" on students who were pretenders was they used big words instead of real communication --- kind of like someone I enjoy debating--somewhere I know. Many times the bigger the words, the shakier and weaker the logic!
Commented: Monday, May 18th, 2015 @ 7:09 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Political positioning TestI am a bit tired this Sunday evening --- but will gladly do it manana! Thanks for the good stuff, Bobby Tony . . .
Commented: Sunday, May 17th, 2015 @ 8:11 pm
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on More Terror in Obama's AmericaThanks, Stan for a clearer picture of you post-high school education. I hate you don't respect a good school like Emory.
Tell you what you do --- go to their website and take a good look at their philosophy and methodology. It involves challenging a small town southern boy like me at a year early from high school (I graduated in 11 years rather than the normal 12). Many of my basic assumptions and prejudices got a real challenge to EXPLAIN WHY. If you ever turn on CNN vs. Fox, you will see each week a number of Emory folks with the CDC / Medical School / Rollins Business School / Law School be brought in for "EXPERT INSIGHTS." TheY did not let any student off the self-examination / explain --- with logic --- why you are who you claim to be. Their Debate team usually won or placed high in the Debate Team world of logic and verbal competition. They choose NOT to get their academics side-tracked with big sports. They are like Duke in many ways, but don't give a crap about the ACC National title, nor mess with dummies playing on their sports team with special consideration. Preppies don't rule at Emory! I shall give you a classic picture of Emory education vs. the rest of GA. I was president of the BSU my senior year. The 2 years I attended the Baptist Student Union state-wide meeting it was interesting to note the vehicles disgorging students. Our Emory station wagon had us getting out with an arms full of books because most of us had a paper due, come Monday, and the graders were using "the curve" to grade us. The rest had their sports equipment to "play ball and have fun." In other words, if you knew it all, it didn't matter. 20% were going to get high grades / 60% were in the average range / 20% were going to fail, man!!! Had you tried such intellectual challenge and humiliation of having been a top 10% in high school then an average student at Emory---you might just have learned a few things --- STARTING WITH HUMILITY, bud!!!
Commented: Sunday, May 17th, 2015 @ 7:38 pm
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on More Terror in Obama's AmericaThat was ugly about Emory, Stan --- so where did you graduate and what was your major ---school of DUMBHATE --- I bet . . . Did Dick Cheney sponsor you???
Cutting off heads started with David and Goliath so it is biblical --- not nice, but biblical. Maybe our terrorism of taking their oil got them really pissed off ???
Commented: Sunday, May 17th, 2015 @ 4:31 pm
By: Gene Scarborough
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I once got a little toy with push buttons from my wife --- one of them was what you spotlight, Tony, the others were "You are so beautiful / Whatever you say, dear!"
Commented: Sunday, May 17th, 2015 @ 2:06 pm
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on Political positioning TestThanks for the renewal of the post to the front page, Stan!
Instead of "far left of center" as you label me --- I am just outside the Moderate box in one and on the edge with the other test, brother --- OOPS on your label!
Commented: Sunday, May 17th, 2015 @ 8:49 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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GREAT POINTS --- Ted!
In my pre-marital counseling I recognized the couple was in LUST more than LOVE which will come after 5 years of marriage! My always-used question to each was: "What do you think of your prospective bride/husband's parent of the same sex?" They always gave surface PC answers, but my next comment was crucial: "You are going to be amazed in a short time how much your mate acts just like their model from parents. If you don't like those parents and the family you are about to marry into, then you had best discuss it in the next few days most seriously. I married in 1968 and we are together still and have great children and grands. In all these years we have never seriously considered DIVORCE --- MURDER, yes / DIVORCE never!!
Commented: Sunday, May 17th, 2015 @ 7:37 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on More Terror in Obama's AmericaI assume we all have the Jury verdict of DEATH for the Boston Marathon Bomber.
Between involving local countries in taking out Terrorists, aerial drone strikes, and a growing global disgust of HATE --- we are making progress on defeating the sneaky snakes of Terror in this world . . . The US --- under the influence of a good President --- is becoming a leader rather than the sole enforcer of civility for the world.
Commented: Sunday, May 17th, 2015 @ 7:29 am
By: Gene Scarborough
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Commented on How McCrory Gets JudgedWait until the Fracking damage to water and he signs off for Offshore Drilling. Perhaps those of us in Beaufort County will look at our waters and say, "WE NEED A CHANGE IN RALEIGH!"
Commented: Friday, May 15th, 2015 @ 8:05 pm
By: Gene Scarborough
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