John Locke Foundation President John Hood continued to attract attention this week linked to MSNC commentator Keith Olbermann’s assertion that Hood is one of the “worst people in the world.” Within North Carolina, the News & Observer‘s “Under the Dome” column discussed the issue (online and in print), as did the Charlotte Observer. Hood discussed the “honor” with Bill LuMaye on WPTF Radio, while the Carolina Talk Network noted the item on its Web site. The Wilmington Star-News‘ “Cape Fear Watchdogs” blog also mentioned Hood and Olbermann. N.C. Senate Republicans highlighted Hood’s column on the topic. (A separate GOP e-mail mentioned Hood’s column on health insurance portability.) Beyond the Tar Heel State, the issue attracted attention from National Review Online, Newsbusters.org, Conservative Compendium, ConservativeBlogwatch.com, OutloudOpinion.com, and other conservative and left-leaning blogs. Unphased by Olbermann’s screed, Hood continued his NRO commentary on national politics, with multiple entries that ended up reposted on sites such as ConservativeBlogWatch.com and LiberalWhoppers.com. Hood also continues to enlighten North Carolina audiences. The Charlotte Observer interviewed him for a story on foreclosure prevention efforts, while the Franklin Times cited him in a piece on targeted tax incentives. (I can’t say that I’m a big fan of the arch conservative, but Hood’s contention that offering large incentive packages to land industries, etc., is counter productive and at best, a no-gainer, makes sense. To be frank with you, I hadn’t ever given the matter much thought, but Hood’s assessment of the practice is something that I wholeheartedly recommend reading by all of our county commissioners and members of the county Economic Development Commission, particularly in view of the fact that Franklin County is pumping upwards of $450,000 annually in tax revenues into the effort to attract industry.)
