Civitas Institute

Civitas Poll Update: Francis DeLuca on Carolina Talk Network

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:16:39 -0400

20 Changes For 2010: Death Penalty

Francis De Luca — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:47:31 -0400

Articles in This Series:

The tenth recommendation in the Civitas Institute 2010 Agenda: “20 Changes for 2010: A Primer for State Reform” focuses on ending the death penalty moratorium and carrying out jury verdicts.

The Problem: North Carolina currently has a de-facto moratorium on the death penalty and has enacted more legislative roadblocks to carrying out executions as ordered by juries.

North Carolinians go about their daily lives assuming that if a loved one is murdered in cold blood there is a chance the murderer will pay the ultimate penalty and forfeit their life. The last death penalty sentence, however, was carried out on August 18, 2006 and recent legislative and administrative actions have resulted in a moratorium on death sentences ordered by duly empowered juries of citizens.

Solution: Insure justice and deterrence by restoring the death penalty.

In October 2009, 71.3 percent of NC voters in a Civitas poll said they disapproved of allowing convicted murderers to challenge a death sentence by claiming race was a factor in sentencing.

Recommendation:

10.) Pass legislation that would remove the retroactive portion of the misnamed “Racial Justice Act” and immediately resume the carrying out of legally imposed death sentences.

A number of academic studies by economists, social scientists and others have shown that the death penalty deters some murders. (For information on these studies contact Civitas.) According to House Republican Leader Paul Stam (R-Wake), “Justice delayed is justice denied. In addition to the families of the victims of these 158 inmates, I believe that innocent people were victims of homicide because of this de facto moratorium.” Professors Roberto Marchesini and Dale Cloninger of the University of Houston found a 21-month court-imposed moratorium in Texas likely caused 90 additional homicides.

For those worried about possible mistakes, on average 8 to 15 years pass before executions are carried out in North Carolina. Capital cases are reviewed by an average of 47 state and federal judges, all looking at claims of error in the trial or claims of innocence. Of the 43 murderers executed since 1977, there have been no credible claims of "actual innocence." Additionally, 65 percent of those actually executed have been white, which puts a new light on the claim most were minorities.

A partial list of those who are currently being spared the death penalty:
Inmate Wallace (Mecklenburg): 9 murders / 13 rapes
Inmate Frogg (Forsyth): 6 murders
Inmate Robinson (Bladen): 6 murders
Inmate Phillips (Moore): 5 murders
Inmate Smith (Buncombe): 4 murders / 1 manslaughter
Inmate Wilkinson (Cumberland): 3 murders / 5 rapes
Inmate Lane (Wayne): 1 murder / 1 child rape
For more details on these and other murderers see this link at the Department of Corrections.

Chris Hayes on Lockwood Phillips 03-05-10

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:24:33 -0500

Civitas Gets Mention On Fox News Regarding Stimulus Project

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:52:21 -0500

Read the top 10 worst federal stimulus programs in N.C. including monkeys and cocaine

Chris Hayes & Brian Balfour Discuss Bizarre Stimulus Projects on the Allan Handelman Show

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:24:40 -0500

MP3 File

Results Don’t Justify Wake’s Diversity Policy

Bob Luebke — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:36:57 -0500

For years supporters of Wake County Schools (WCPSS) diversity plan have preached with evangelistic zeal the importance of mixing students of different economic and racial backgrounds as a way to boost minority student achievement. In recent months, diversity in has been pushed more by a doomsday message of segregated schools and racial polarization than by evidence that it helps to educate students. These developments have obscured an important fact: Wake’s diversity policy has produced disappointing results in the classroom.

An examination of elementary school End-of-Grade (EOG) and high school End-of-Course (EOC) tests don’t lie. From 2005 to 2009 (EOG and EOC tests underwent significant revisions in recent years so comparisons prior to 2005 are discouraged.), the percentage of minority students at or above grade level on EOG tests declined for Black, Hispanic, Economically Disadvantaged, Limited English Proficiency and Students with Disabilities. Over the same period, the percentage of students at or above grade level on EOC tests also declined in all areas except Limited English Proficiency. It is true the last couple years have brought some modest improvements in EOG and EOC scores. However, 2008-09 scores still remain at or below 2005-06 levels in eight of ten categories.

It should also be noted that while WCPSS EOC and EOG scores have been consistently above the state average for most of the past decade, during the period 2005-2009 the differences between WCPSS and state average scores have been declining. From 2005-2009 all Wake County minority student achievement EOG scores declined toward the state average. In addition, scores for Hispanic and Economically Disadvantaged Students actually declined below the state average by two and four points respectively.

With regard to EOC scores, from 2005-2009 the difference between WCPSS and the state average also continued to dwindle for Blacks, Hispanics and Economically Disadvantaged Students. On the positive side, EOC scores for Limited English Proficiency showed a healthy increase (11 percentage points) and a nominal increase (1 percentage point) in difference above the state average.

If WCPSS’s diversity plan was really working wouldn’t it be reflected in minority dropout and graduation rates? WCPSS four-year graduation rates for Blacks, Hispanics, Economically Disadvantaged, Limited English Proficiency and Students with Disabilities all declined from 2005-2009. Black graduation rates declined from 70 percent to 63 percent; while Hispanic graduation rates declined from 58 percent to 51 percent.

True the WCPSS dropout rate has been less than the state average. Still it is also true that during the same period, the absolute difference between the two is dwindling. With regard to minority dropout rates the news is also not good. The percentage of blacks as a percentage of total dropouts actually increased from 46 percent (2004-05) to 49 percent (2007-08). Likewise, the percentage of Hispanics as a percent of all dropouts also increased, from 61 percent (2004-05) to 67 percent (2007-08).

Abbreviations: Econ. Dis=Economically Disadvantaged; L.E.P. = Limited English Proficiency; Stu. Dis=Students with Disabilities.

Diversity proponents have had a hard time accepting proposals to improve these conditions. Last year, former school board member Lori Milberg and others made sure Ron Margiotta’s proposal to evaluate the WCPSS’s diversity plan never saw the light of day. . In 2009 the SAS institute published a report highly critical of the way WCPSS positions minority students for success. Superintendent Del Burns didn’t release the report until the day before last fall’s school board elections.

Diversity proponents admit minority achievement isn’t where it should be, but they also contend, without diversity outcomes would “likely” be worse. It’s the height of arrogance to ask citizens to ignore a decade of poor test results and then say things would certainly have been much worse without diversity. Poor scores merely reflect poor policy.

At the heart of diversity is the premise economics is destiny. History and character attack the validity of this claim. Should a neighborhood schools plan be adopted, diversity proponents claim Wake’s schools would quickly divide among racial lines and minority scores would quickly plummet. Such statements ignore the other districts in North Carolina that have successfully addressed this question. Several years ago Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), which has a much higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students, stopped busing students to achieve diversity. How are they doing? This past year the percentage of Black, Hispanic, Educationally Disadvantaged and Limited English Proficiency Students in CMS who passed both reading and math EOG tests scores was greater than equivalent categories for WCPSS. The same outcomes hold for minority EOC results at the high school level.

It’s time to get past the rhetoric of crusaders and recognize Wake’s diversity plan has failed. Diversity hasn’t boosted minority student achievement nor served to better integrate minority students. Minority students and taxpayers alike deserve a policy that is workable, fair and produces solid results for everyone in Wake County.

February 2010 Poll Results

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:48:43 -0500

Do you feel things in North Carolina are generally headed in the right direction or have gotten off on the wrong track?

Right Direction 28%

Wrong Track 57%

Not Sure 15%
If the election for North Carolina State Legislature were held today, would you be voting:

Democratic 38%

Republican 34%

Neither 7%

Not Sure 21%
If the election for US Congress were held today, would you be voting:

Democratic 38%

Republican 36%

Neither 5%

Not Sure 21%

Do you feel things in North Carolina are generally headed in the right direction or have gotten off on the wrong track?
Right Direction	28%
Wrong Track	57%
Not Sure	15%

If the election for North Carolina State Legislature were held today, would you be voting:
Democratic	38%
Republican	34%
Neither	7%
Not Sure	21%

If the election for US Congress were held today, would you be voting:
Democratic	38%
Republican	36%
Neither	5%
Not Sure	21%

Besides the economy and unemployment, what North Carolina issue concerns you the most?
Reducing Health Care Costs	31%
Public Education	20%
Holding down taxes	19%
Government Corruption	13%
Illegal Immigration	9%
None	3%
Not Sure	5%

Opinion of Barack Obama?

Favorable 51%

Unfavorable 35%

No opinion 14%

Not Aware >1%
Opinion of Bev Perdue?

Favorable 38%

Unfavorable 35%

No opinion 23%

Not Aware 3%
Opinion of Richard Burr?

Favorable 30%

Unfavorable 18%

No opinion 37%

Not Aware 16%
Opinion of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina?

Favorable 46%

Unfavorable 28%

No opinion 24%

Not Aware 2%
Opinion of Tea Party Movement?

Favorable 29%

Unfavorable 28%

No opinion 29%

Not Aware 15%

Opinion of Barack Obama?
Favorable	51%
Unfavorable	35%
No opinion	14%
Not Aware	>1%

Opinion of Bev Perdue?
Favorable	38%
Unfavorable	35%
No opinion	23%
Not Aware	3%

Opinion of Richard Burr?
Favorable	30%
Unfavorable	18%
No opinion	37%
Not Aware	16%

Opinion of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina?
Favorable	46%
Unfavorable	28%
No opinion	24%
Not Aware	2%

Opinion of Tea Party Movement?
Favorable	29%
Unfavorable	28%
No opinion	29%
Not Aware	15%

If the Democratic Primary for US Senate were held today, would you be voting for: Elaine Marshall, Cal Cunningham or Kenneth Lewis?
Marshall	11%
Lean Marshall	3%
Cunningham	3%
Lean Cunningham	3%
Lewis	3%
Lean Lewis	2%
Not Sure	77%

Which Party is better at: Holding down taxes?

Republican 41%

Democratic 26%

Both Equally 7%

Neither 12%

Not Sure 14%
Creating jobs and growing the economy?

Republican 32%

Democratic 38%

Both Equally 7%

Neither 11%

Not Sure 13%
Fighting government corruption?

Republican 26%

Democratic 29%

Both Equally 10%

Neither 16%

Not Sure 20%
Reducing health care cost?

Republican 26%

Democratic 29%

Both Equally 10%

Neither 16%

Not Sure 20%
Controlling illegal immigration?

Republican 35%

Democratic 24%

Both Equally 7%

Neither 15%

Not Sure 21%
How close have you followed the scandals involving former Governor Mike Easley?

Very Closely 17%

Somewhat Closely 48%

Not closely at all 34%

Not Sure 2%

Which Party is better at: Holding down taxes?
Republican	41%
Democratic	26%
Both Equally	7%
Neither	12%
Not Sure	14%

Creating jobs and growing the economy?
Republican	32%
Democratic	38%
Both Equally	7%
Neither	11%
Not Sure	13%

Fighting government corruption?
Republican	26%
Democratic	29%
Both Equally	10%
Neither	16%
Not Sure	20%

Reducing health care cost?
Republican	26%
Democratic	29%
Both Equally	10%
Neither	16%
Not Sure	20%

Controlling illegal immigration?
Republican	35%
Democratic	24%
Both Equally	7%
Neither	15%
Not Sure	21%

How close have you followed the scandals involving former Governor Mike Easley?
Very Closely	17%
Somewhat Closely	48%
Not closely at all	34%
Not Sure	2%

Do you support or oppose the health care plan being proposed by President Obama and the Democratic-Controlled Congress?
Strongly Support	21%
Somewhat Support	20%
Strongly Oppose	14%
Somewhat Oppose	34%
Not Sure	12%

If taxes had to be raised in order to make up a $200 million shortfall in the state budget, which of the following taxes would you raise:
None	>1%
Sales Tax	57%
Income Tax	21%
Not Sure	22%

Attorney General Roy Cooper recently announced a plan to collect DNA samples from every one arrested on felony charges in North Carolina before going to trial and enter that information into a statewide database. Do you support or oppose this idea?
Support	60%
Oppose	29%
Not Sure	11%

Do you support or oppose the proposal by the state board of education that high school history instruction would start with 1877, removing the teaching of the American Revolution, the Civil War and that Anti-Slavery Movement from High Schools?
Support	6%
Oppose	88%
Not Sure	6%

Do you support or oppose State Government requiring the use of a hands free device when using a cell phone while driving?”

Support 78%

Oppose 18%

Not Sure 4%

Do you support or oppose State Government requiring the use of a hands free device when using a cell phone while driving?”
Support	78%
Oppose	18%
Not Sure	4%

Do you support or oppose a proposal limiting state budget growth to the growth in populations and inflation and any excess money raised would go into a fund to pay for the $26 billion liability for future health care and retirement costs for teachers and state employees?
Support	52%
Oppose	24%
Not Sure	24%

Would you support or oppose a ban on government agencies and state universities hiring lobbyists?

Support 43%

Oppose 42%

Not Sure 16%

Would you support or oppose a ban on government agencies and state universities hiring lobbyists?
Support	43%
Oppose	42%
Not Sure	16%

North Carolina is considering privatizing its state run ABC system of selling liquor. Some say the system should be privatized because it would raise money for the state and get government out of the liquor business. Others say that by privatizing the system it will lead to increased availability and consumption of liquor which is a detriment to society. Which opinion do you share?
Support Privatizing	47%
Oppose Privatizing	37%
Not Sure	16%

Would you be more or less likely to vote for a candidate who describes themselves as moderate?

More 34%

Less 23%

No difference 30%

Not Sure 13%

Would you be more or less likely to vote for a candidate who describes themselves as moderate?
More	34%
Less	23%
No difference	30%
Not Sure	13%

20 Changes For 2010: Defense of Marriage Act

Jessica Custer — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:23:50 -0500

Articles in This Series:

The ninth recommendation in the Civitas Institute Agenda “20 Changes for 2010: A Primer for State Reform” focuses on strengthening state marriage laws in North Carolina.

The problem: North Carolina is the only southern state that does not have a marriage defense amendment in its state constitution.

In 2009, North Carolina state legislators had the opportunity to enact a constitutional amendment declaring marriage as the union between one man and one woman. However, the Defense of Marriage Act, introduced this session in the House as HB 361 and in the Senate as SB 272, was blocked for a fifth straight session by opponents in committee.¹

Without a constitutional amendment, current marriage laws could come under attack in the courtroom from same-sex couples who seek a marriage license or same-sex couples who move to North Carolina from another state that previously recognized their union as marriage.

Current state marriage laws declare: “A valid and sufficient marriage is created by the consent of a male and female person who may lawfully marry to take each other as husband and wife, freely.”

On the flip side, North Carolina law invalidates marriage – whether created by common law, contracted or performed outside the state – between individuals of the same gender.

That said, both laws do not substitute as a state marriage amendment, nor negate the right of North Carolinians to vote on the definition of marriage in a referendum.

Solution:

9. Strengthen existing marriage laws

Two-thirds of North Carolina voters support a constitutional amendment declaring that marriage is defined as one man and one woman, according to polling by the Civitas Institute.

Recommendation:

Pass a Marriage Defense Act. The legislation would allow North Carolina voters to amend the state constitution to include the definition of marriage as solely between a man and a woman. If approved by voters, a constitutional amendment would strengthen already existing state marriage laws and not allow activist courts and legislatures to alter the definition of marriage.

¹ The Defense of Marriage Act has been introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly each session from 2004 through 2009.

Brian Balfour Discusses Wasted Stimulus Funds on The Bill Lumaye Show

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:21:47 -0500

MP3 File

Conservative Group Says Three Triad Projects Waste Stimulus Money

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:41:22 -0500

News coverage of Brian Balfour's article: Hot Flashes, Dead Bugs, and Cocaine for Monkeys: The 10 Worst Federal Stimulus Projects in North Carolina