To the chagrin of some on the far left, the News & Observer states outright that they’re no shill of the John Locke Foundation. I know it’s hard to believe, but the mentions we do get in Raleigh’s major metro — 65 references this year through August – are because we supply crucial examinations of NC policy, while those unorganized fronts on the left collectively speak for their side. Here what an N&O reader had to say in our defense. But unfortunately for them, no one group stands out. Tear. Apply tissue. Sigh.  It’s good to know that we’re making a difference in bringing different philosophical views to the discussion table. We’ve even got a small mention in a Hartford, Connecticut paper for one of our upcoming events. Gasp, scandal. And it doesn’t stop there. Up in Asheville, our friend Matt Mittan plugged our event with Gen. McInerney (ret.) (grab the conk, have a listen), as did the Asheville Citizen-Times. Matt’s also broadcast live from Raleigh last week, with co-host Chad Adams and guest speaker Joe Coletti. In the midst of their morning talk show, Rick and Donna Martinez interviewed Wilfred M. McClay, Ph.D. in anticipation for his Headliner lecture. All this is to say that we’re a growing force in many debates in the state.  If you’re not convinced, word that Terry Stoops‘s Spotlight on school construction, “The Forsyth Formula,” was passed out at a Rotary presentation on a Forysth’s bond issue by Don Martin, superintendent for their county’s schools, may change your mind. If not this, then maybe Joe Coletti‘s recent presentation on his Spend and Tax report to the Tax Foundation’s State Tax Working Group?