Columns this week come from Scott Perry, David Larson, David Goetze, Keith and Pat Throckmorton.

If you have an opinion, feel free to share it — unlike many media outlets, we don’t discriminate based on your politics or position on the issues. That’s radical thinking these days. We feel that if we have an open dialogue on the issues, then we have a better chance of understanding one another.

On that note, if you want to submit a column, send it to mileslayton1969@gmail.com

Will Republicans Learn From The Past or Gamble With Their Pursuit Of Power?

BY SCOTT PERRY

A modern-day revisitation of the Alien and Sedition Acts- a reflection of the arrogance and destiny of Political Movements

President-elect Donald Trump has sparked controversy by suggesting a revival of provisions from the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 – a measure from the Federalist Party’s efforts to curb opposition during President John Adams’s term in office. These laws from the century were initially enacted due to concerns over the French Revolution and relations with France; however, they were eventually misused as a political tool by Federalists against their Republican adversaries. The repercussions came swiftly and had an impact in the end. They played a role in bringing down the Adams administration and almost wiping out the Federalist Party altogether. As we know from history lessons, when political power is overextended, and attempts to suppress opposing views are made frequently, it usually results in a response that harms the party initiating actions more than those they aimed to affect. 

Is it possible for history to repeat itself more as we look back on the past and consider Trump’s suggestion of bringing back these laws as a reminder of the risks of political arrogance resurfacing in present-day governance? 

The Alien and Sedition Acts were a set of four laws enacted by a Congress controlled by the Federalists in 1798, which included the Naturalization Act and the Alien Friends Act, besides the Alien Enemies Act and the Sedition Act, which mainly aimed at condemning damaging writings, against the government or its officials thus restricting views in the media with a focus on followers of the Democratic-Republican Party, under Thomas Jefferson’s leadership. 

The Federalists argued that these laws were essential for protecting security during a time of concern about influence and internal uprisings influenced by the French Revolution. However, in truth, the Sedition Act was used to silence dissent. Numerous known Republican editors and even a sitting Congressman named Matthew Lyon from Vermont were taken into custody under this legislation. Surprisingly, Lyon won re-election to Congress while in jail, demonstrating disapproval of the Federalists’ authoritarian actions. The strict measures against freedom of speech received disapproval. Revealed the Federalists as autocratic leaders, which led to a strong adverse reaction that would soon impact the election outcomes significantly. 

Thomas Jefferson and James Madison responded to the Alien and Sedition Acts by secretly drafting the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, which condemned the Acts as unconstitutional and upheld the principle of states’ rights. They contended that the federal government had overstepped its boundaries and asserted that states had the authority to invalidate unconstitutional laws. Although states did not universally accept these resolutions during that period, the doctrines of nullification were. This set the stage for forthcoming disputes concerning federal and state authority. 

The Federalists faced consequences after the 1800 election. Adams lost to Thomas Jefferson, who became president peacefully in a historic transfer of power between rival parties in American history. The Federalist Party’s reputation suffered due to its infringement on liberties and allegations of arrogance, which led to its decline and inability to recover.  

Over a hundred years later, during the World War I era under the leadership of President Woodrow Wilson, the Democratic Party made a similar mistake in history, repeating the scenario when Congress enacted the Espionage Act and Sedition Act in 1917 and 1918 to suppress opposing views and negative commentary regarding the war efforts. These legislations had ranging implications, making it illegal to obstruct the draft process, criticize decisions, or provoke disloyalty among citizens. During Wilson’s presidency, there was a crackdown on those against the war, socialists, and labor representatives. This led to known incidents such as the arrest of Eugene V Debs, a Socialist Party head who later ran for president while in prison. 

The public in America strongly criticized the Wilson administration’s handling of opposing views during that period. People began to feel uneasy about the suppression of freedom of speech. This had political ramifications for the Democratic Party. Following the war, Republicans claimed victory in the 1920 election. Democrats also faced setbacks in Congress. The Espionage and Sedition Acts ultimately backfired, like laws from the previous century, by eroding public support for the party that implemented them. 

Trump’s mention of the Alien and Sedition Acts brings up a concern in politics. The risk of going too far in power consolidation and suppressing dissenters that have been present for a long time historically, when parties have tried to strengthen control and shut down opposing voices, they have faced consequences like the Federalists and Democrats in the Wilson era did If the Republican Party takes steps to quash dissent similarly they might end up dealing with a comparable situation. 

Controlling the storyline and limiting opposing views might seem attractive when dealing with division and perceived risks; however, history cautions against these moves as they often lead to increased resistance and galvanize opinion against those seen as figures. American voters have consistently demonstrated a dislike for overstepping and a dedication to protecting civil rights. 

The events surrounding the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 and the Espionage and Sedition Acts of 1917 and 1918 serve as lessons that trying to silence opposing views seldom achieves the desired outcomes. It tends to undermine trust in authority figures and fuels resistance movements, which can ultimately lead to the downfall of those in power. History has shown that arrogance in politics often manifests as stifling dissent and restricting liberties. It might serve as a tale for present-day leaders. The Federalists and the Democrats, from the Wilson era, both faced challenges that taught them lessons through experiences. The real question is whether today’s Republicans will take these lessons into account or if they will gamble with fate in their pursuit of power?

Scott Perry of Edenton is respected local businessman.

From Carolina Journal

NC’s other big 2026 race taking shape

BY DAVID LARSON

Being a midterm election, North Carolina won’t have a presidential race or the various Council of State races (for governor, attorney general, lieutenant governor, etc) at the top of the ticket. But it does look like we’ll have some fairly competitive and consequential races to follow — which are beginning to take shape now.

Of course, the one that most have been focusing on is North Carolina’s US Senate seat, currently held by Republican Thom Tillis. Democrat former US Congressman Wiley Nickel has thrown his hat into the ring already to challenge him, but a lot more of the buzz surrounds whether former Gov. Roy Cooper will step into the race. Many of the signs suggest he will, and there is already a big groundswell of support for him among Democratic insiders. Having won six consecutive statewide races (four for attorney general and two for governor), he will be a force to contend with. Tillis may even have to face a tough primary, although there aren’t as many developments on that front yet.

But there is also another big race that many stateside politicos will have their eyes on: North Carolina’s First Congressional District. The district, which covers all of 18 counties and part of another in northeastern North Carolina, is the only swing district, not only in the state but the Southeast.

US Rep. Don Davis, a Democrat, has won the last two races for NC-1, but the margins have been closing over time. Davis’ predecessor, Democrat GK Butterfield, consistently won over 70% of the vote over his long career. But in his last race, against political newcomer Republican Sandy Smith, Butterfield only won 54% to 46%.

Davis won against Smith in 2022, by an even narrower 52% to 48%. And in 2024, the race narrowed to less than two points, with Davis defeating retired Army Colonel Laurie Buckhout 49.5% to 47.8%.

Redistricting has also helped chip away at Democratic dominance in the district, and in the 2026 election, East Carolina University and the City of Greenville (both of which are large sources of Democratic votes) will no longer be in the district. The last time Republicans won the seat was in 1883.

What might make the difference this time, if Roberson is the nominee, is that he has qualities that might make him acceptable to both moderate voters and the Republican base. Both Smith and Buckhout leaned hard into the MAGA identity, which was key to winning over the base in their primaries. But it may have cost some votes with the independents and swing voters who ultimately decide the race in a district this close.

Roberson made a point of mentioning Trump, and his intentions to work with him, during his campaign announcement, saying, “I’ll stand with President Trump to get it done.”

He also got the endorsement of Buckhout, who remains popular with local conservative activists. Aligning himself with Trump and having Buckhout in his corner will go a long way to gathering grassroots conservatives in his corner. Putting $2 million of his own money into his campaign won’t hurt to catapult him to the front of the pack either.

But having been the mayor of a town in the district, one where Republicans have not typically dominated, shows he may have the broader appeal needed to be the first Republican since Walter Pool (who only served five months before dying in office in 1883) to serve the district.

Republicans should not downplay the appeal of incumbent Don Davis, though. He has also done a great job of positioning himself as a moderate, independent-thinking member well suited to the district. Davis joined Tillis, former Gov. Pat McCrory, and other swing-voting politicians in aligning with the “No Labels” movement. He has criticized Kamala Harris on illegal immigration, and during his time at the North Carolina General Assembly, he was known to frequently cross the aisle as well.

Some on the left even criticize Davis as going too far to court conservatives and moderates. An article from NC Newsline, a progressive publication, noted some discontent with the fact that he voted 12.6% of the time with Republicans, including on things like Medicaid and tobacco, far beyond the aisle-crossing of his predecessor, Butterfield, who voted 1.1% with the GOP.

The article claims that his voting choices make him the fourth most-conservative Democrat and put him to the right of many blue-state Republicans, according to GovTrack.us.

To be clear, Davis is a Democrat, and he votes overwhelmingly with Democrats. But in a toss-up district, he’s been able to make the case that he’s putting their needs above his party loyalty. Both he and Roberson will be strong candidates for their respective sides if they make it out of their primaries.

Whether any others jump in the primaries, be it a progressive Democrat who thinks Davis has made too many concessions or a MAGA hardliner who doesn’t buy Roberson’s grassroots bona fides, is unclear. But the race is bound to be a very competitive (and expensive) battle — one which political observers will keep a close eye on.

David Larson is managing editor of Carolina Journal.

LETTER: Perspective on Democrat’s Short Memory

Editor’s NOTE: David Goetze responds to state Democratic First Vice Chairman Jonah Garson’s speech to the Perquimans County Democrats at their recent county convention.  

I would like to remind the Democrats down East that the GOP learned a great deal from the Democrat gerrymandering during the first decade of the new century. Then State Senator (D) Brad Miller led the legislative redistricting in 2000 that carved out a new 13th Congressional District that snaked and stretched from Rocky Mount, along the Virginia border, to just beyond Greensboro. It should come as no surprise that he then ran for and won that custom-made seat that sent him to the US House and kept him there for a decade until the next census brought the next round of redistricting. I also hasten to remind everyone that the Republican victories in the Legislature in 2010 were won using maps drawn by Miller & fellow Democrats in the Legislature. That just goes to prove that even gerrymandering is no guarantee of a victory.

Regardless of what anyone thinks of gerrymandering for political gain, it has been upheld by several courts over the years (to the winner goes the spoils) and has only been sanctioned when done to achieve racial inequality or disparity. Recent news reports like this one have the Democrats (wrongly) sounding as if the GOP invented gerrymandering.

Just adding a little background to give some context to what has really happened in NC over the last 25 years.

David W. Goetze
Major (Ret), US Army Military Police Corps
Vice-President for Research
The Electoral Education Foundation

Where Have All The Leaders Gone?

BY KEITH THROCKMORTON

Especially today, in politics, prosecutors, legal system,  and law enforcement “leaders.”

During the early 1960s, a popular folk group, The Kingston Trio, performed a hit song “Where Have All The Flowers Gone, long time passing.”  This song made me ask, where have all the leaders gone today?

Abraham Lincoln said: “I can promote a colonel to the rank of general, but that won’t make him a leader. Leaders create themselves.”

What are some of the typical traits of Effective Leaders?  They are as follows:

They must be effective communicators. Good leaders are excellent communicators who clearly and concisely explain problems and solutions. They know when to talk and when to listen. Leaders can communicate on different levels: one-on-one, telephone, email, etc.  They must be able to reason logically, make decisions, and convey their thoughts.

A leader must be accountable and responsible. They hold themselves accountable and take responsibility for their mistakes. They support and encourage individuality while abiding by organizational structure, rules, and policies to be followed. 

They must be long-term thinkers.  Great leaders are visionaries.  The leadership trait evidences it by planning for the future through concrete and quantifiable goals. These leaders understand the need for continuous change and are open to trying new approaches to solve problems or improve processes.

Leaders must be self-motivated.  They are self-motivated and can keep going and attain goals despite setbacks. Good leaders try their best to exceed, not just meet, expectations. A leader must be willing to do everything asked of others and more. Timing is important. It is a combination of alertness, imagination, and foresight. They must have the capacity to hang on five minutes longer and inspire others. A leader must be willing to take chances and ready to experiment.

They must be confident. Virtually all good leaders share the leadership trait of confidence.  They can make tough decisions and lead with authority. By being confident, leaders can reassure and inspire others, establish open communication, and encourage teamwork. If a leader does not believe in him/herself, no one else will.

Good leaders are people-oriented.  Leaders are typically people-oriented and team players.  They foster a team culture, involve others in decision-making, and show concern for each team member. By being people-oriented, leaders can energize and motivate others. By making each feel vital to the team’s success, they secure the best efforts from each member of the team. 

They are emotionally stable.  Leaders exercise reasonable control and regulation over their behavior, tolerate frustration and stress, and cope with changes in an environment without an intense emotional reaction.  A good leader must possess a firm code of ethics, a strong sense of Integrity, and moral character.  Leaders must believe in their followers and the goal they are leading.

On the other hand, a few of the traits of Bad Leaders are as follows:

Bad Leaders are too bossy. They are usually autocrats who push their way or the highway. They often filibuster meetings, not allowing attendees to have feedback.  They are fearful of change.  Bad leaders do not communicate effectively. They may be unwilling or unable to speak effectively.

They dismiss ideas other than their own. Bad leaders typically do not respect the input of others. They do not like being disagreed with, resulting in false accusations to discredit their followers, intending to shut them down.  They seek “yes” people who will support them when there would be no support from anyone else. It may even include bypassing established procedures to get “yes” people.

Bad leaders are inconsistent; and prone to blame others rather than accept responsibility for their actions.  They are indecisive.  Sadly, all too often, “yes” people are dubbed with unearned recognition as leaders.  It discredits and disrespects legitimate leaders.   Bad leaders who are in positions that they are, lack Integrity and live by “the ends justify the means,” even if they are illegal.  

Leaders must earn respect from their subordinates. I have always believed that employees can either make or break their leader at some point.  Truthfulness and Integrity  are essential in leadership,

Third president and founding father, Thomas Jefferson, wrote: “He who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual; he tells lies without attending to it, and truths without the world believing him. This falsehood of the tongue leads to that of the heart and in time depraves all its good dispositions.”

Today, there is one example of deception that stands out.  Leaders and others take oaths of office to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the land.  There is a current trend to disregard these oaths, and circumvent and ignore laws that oaths were taken to enforce and deceive their constituents. 

Some of the greatest leaders that I have been blessed with knowing were the peer group leaders.  They did not have college degrees, but they had the common sense abilities to lead their peers and accomplish goals. 

Lastly, and maybe most important, is honesty, integrity, and living up to oaths of office without compromise!

Keith Throckmorton, Fairfax County Police (Retired /Chaplain), Hertford, NC

Don’t Let The Devil In

BY PAT THROCKMORTON

I do it!  And I suspect you do as well – let out an angry word at something or someone and immediately regret it.  But the damage is done, and I must somehow walk it back.  It is difficult.  I allowed Satan to take over my tongue!  

The Bible does not tell us not to feel anger, but it does tell us to control our anger properly. If vented thoughtlessly, anger can hurt others and destroy relationships. If, on the other hand, we keep anger bottled up inside, it can make us bitter and destroy us from within.  

“In your anger, do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry and do not give the devil a foothold.”  Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV.  Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them.  If we nurse our anger, we are allowing Satan to divide us.

God’s Word tells us to live as children of light.  This implies embodying virtues, values, and principles that reflect brilliance, truth, and love.  It is a call to rise above the shadows of ignorance, negativity, and malice, and to illuminate the world with the brilliance of our inner light.

“Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”  1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV.

Watch out!  Lions attack the young, sick, and defenseless ones.  They choose victims who are alone or not alert, attacking them when they are most vulnerable and feeling helpless and cut off from other believers.  Sometimes we are so absorbed in our troubles that we forget to watch for danger.  But Peter says, “Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”  

Prayer is not just for bad times—it is for all times! It is important to pray regularly and reach out to needy people. Invest your time and talents where they will make an eternal difference.

Light is the absence of darkness.  Light in its physical form dispels darkness and reveals the true nature of things.  Metaphorically, light represents wisdom, goodness, and hope.  To live as children of light means to embrace these qualities and radiate them in our daily lives.

Wisdom is the light of the mind.  It involves understanding the more profound truths of life, distinguishing right from wrong, and making decisions that promote well-being and growth.  Cultivating wisdom requires continuous learning, introspection, and a willingness to see beyond the surface. At the same time, goodness is the light of the heart.  It is expressed through acts of kindness, compassion, and integrity.  Living a life of goodness involves treating others with respect, being honest, and standing up for what is right, even when challenging.  

On the other hand, hope is the light of the spirit.  It is an unwavering belief in the possibility of a better future.  Hope inspires us to persevere through difficulties, to dream, plan, and to work towards creating a world that reflects our highest ideals.

Don’t let the Devil into your mind, heart, or spirit. Embrace wisdom, goodness, and hope. Always be mindful of your thoughts, actions, and behaviors, and be courageous in facing challenges.  Embody the essence of light so that you can illuminate your life and the world around you, creating a brighter, more beautiful future for all.

To paraphrase Peter, cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

A retired nurse, published author and columnist whose work has appeared in many states, Pat Throckmorton is a resident of Hertford.