Only the News & Observer would cover a lobbyist-sponsored advocacy effort in such a syrupy way.

Teachers who traveled to Raleigh this week to talk to legislators felt more like the discards than the lifeblood. The N.C. Association of Educators organizes Wednesday trips for its members to see lawmakers. Teachers are usually asked to wear red, but this week some wore pink to symbolize pink slips.

Journalistic fairness and objectivity is the actual discard here.