A recent report from the state Auditors? office shows that $697 million in government money went to non-profits in 2008.  Was that $697 million well spent?  Here are some examples of where your hard earned tax money went:
1) East Coast Drag Racing Hall of Fame received $30,750 through the Golden Leaf Foundation.  Previous grant of $150,000 was received during 2006-2007.

2) Ducks Unlimited, Inc. through the NC Wildlife Resources Comm. received $50,000.  The State has given them at least $500,000.

3) The Gallery Theatre in Ahoskie received $11,343. On an April Performance of ?The Gingerbread Lady?:

The Gallery Players will perform this Neil Simon play about a popular singer who has gone to pot with too much booze and sex.  We meet Evy Meara (the singer) returning to her New York apartment after a ten-week drying out period.  Her friend Toby Landau, her daughter Polly Meara, and an actor friend Jimmy Perry try to help her adjust to sobriety, but all three have the opposite effect on her.

4) Southern Documentary Fund in Durham received 43,730.  A current project:

Two Forms of ID: How My Brother Became My Sister examines how a brother’s change in gender identity tests the ties that bind in a Southern family. This deeply personal film follows not only the transformation of Christopher into Christine, but also looks at the family’s experience of loss, grief, and adaptation in response to this dramatic change. Told by Christine’s sister, Diana, Two Forms of ID will challenge your beliefs about gender differences, family secrets, and the complexities of love.

5)  Harbour Point Yacht Club in Carolina Beach received $9,170.  A private membership club that includes access to waterfront pool and clubhouse.  The Harbour Point Marina is on the market for $5.5 million. Individual boat slips are for sale for $91,000.
6) Harbour Village Marina in Hampstead received $7,932.  A privately owned marina offering boat slips for sale for $75,000 to $225,000.

7)  Bare Bones Theatre in Charlotte received $7,500.  Among their productions, ?Debbie Does Dallas, the Musical.?

Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical premiered at the New York Fringe Festival in 2001. The story, dialogue and characters are mostly faithful to the original film, performed as tongue-in-cheek spoof, with a musical score of memorable (and memorably raunchy) tunes.

And they want to raise taxes.  Brother!