NCGA. NC GOP

And that doesn't mean pandering to lobbyists:

The quick fix concerns transparency. Last summer, in response to a Raleigh News & Observer report that as many as 30,000 North Carolina companies did not have required coverage, the General Assembly made most of the data confidential.

Is that how our Legislature should approach widespread systemic problems, by sweeping them under the carpet (or closing the drapes so nobody can see)? Of course not. But aside from the issue of the casual disregard of established law, there are some other very good reasons to bring these companies into compliance:

It's a natural question to ask, of course, after being told by your state lawmakers -- pissed away $150K paid with our tax dollars -- to hold a special legislative session to specifically stroke off their inner bigot. Actually, for most of these pro-amendment politicians, there was nothing "inner" about their full-time, fact-free, disgusting bigotry.

Putting the chokehold on Ocracoke:

Tolls for ferries to Ocracoke likely would result in fewer tourists visiting there, which are a major part of the island’s economy. Those people may consider a $20 (round-trip) toll too much of a price to pay to check out the barrier island. The Hatteras-Ocracoke route is the most popular in the ferry system.

It would also adversely impact tourism along the entire Outer Banks. A lot of tourists come up from the South through Ocracoke on their way to Hatteras, Nags Head, etc. Cutting the budget for the ferry system is one of the worst "false economy" moves we could make.