“Blame the citizens and strengthen our own power.”  Who said
this?  I did and probably somebody else at some point in
history.  Regardless, this could be the motto of past North
Carolina legislatures.

In my latest report,
I identify 10 egregious examples of how the legislature has only been
focused on one thing: its own power. The report provides a clear set of
issues for policymakers that care about freedom.
 
Some lowlights of the power-first mindset:  

Preserving Eminent Domain Abuse: In 2007, the House voted
104-15 in favor of an amendment.  The Senate, as usual, caring
more about the North Carolina League of Municipalities and its
influence, ignored the will of fellow legislators and citizens. 
The Senate leadership sent the amendment to the Ways and Means
Committee, which hadn’t met since 2001.  In other words, it sent
the amendment off to die.

State Water Police: To address recent drought conditions, the
legislature automatically decided to blame North Carolinians for their
water consumption instead of looking inward to determine how government
policies affected water-supply issues. As a result, the state has new
powers with no real oversight that will allow it to dictate severe
water restrictions.

Silencing Political Critics: The legislature several years ago
passed ?McCain-Feingold on steroids?; i.e., legislation that prohibits
many mass mailings, faxes, and telephone communications that mention
candidates in state elections prior to primaries and general elections.

Restricting Third-Party Competition: North Carolina has some of
the most restrictive ballot-access laws in the country?a good way to
keep out the competition and preserve power.

Ignoring Parents When it Comes to Education: Despite parents
clamoring for their children to attend charter schools, the legislature
refuses to lift the cap of 100 charter schools. Some legislators would
not dare go against the education establishment and risk their
legislative seats.

As we see in North Carolina, there is government greed–a lust for
power at the expense of citizens.  The next time some policymaker
starts whining about “Wall Street” greed, he should look in the mirror
for the real source of greed.