This morning the House and Senate convened to honor the 2010 Duke Men’s Basketball Champions.

It took an hour.?

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Now, I’m a die-hard Duke fan and appreciate the gesture and sentiment, but really, guys? Really? When I was told about this event this morning, my first thought was, “That’s nice, but is that really supposed to be what the government spends its time doing?”

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After sitting and listening to a number of people sing praises, and after listening to Coach K express his appreciation, I came up with the following Point/Counterpoint.

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POINT: Government inefficiency Exhibit A.

Aren’t there better things for the General Assembly to discuss? Why is this the item that prompts a Joint Session? I’m pretty sure honoring this team’s excellence is going to actually do nothing to promote the well-being of North Carolina or North Carolinians.

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COUNTERPOINT: Government inefficiency Exhibit A.

Who’s complaining? As long as they keep spending an hour or so on the floor honoring people for notable achievements, I can rest easy. At least then I know they’re not talking about taking away more of my freedom.

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So sure, there are other things that the government ought to be doing. But passing resolutions of this kind is also keeping the General Assembly from doing things they ought not be doing.

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Choose your side. Pick your poison.

Maybe not all government inefficiency is that bad.