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 What’s So Good about North Carolina?
by Tom Campbell
November 25, 2009
Sir Walter Raleigh’s first explorers described our state as “the goodliest land under the cope of heaven.” What was true then is even truer today, but human nature being what it is we too frequently focus on what’s bad instead of the goodness we encounter.
We have magnificent natural resources here in the Old North State. Oceans, rivers, plains, hills and mountains held together by rich black dirt, sand, clay or rocks. Vast forests still provide a habitat for birds and animals of all sorts. The climate is unequalled, with four distinct seasons, plentiful rains, warm days and cool evenings under starry skies. The land has long produced food and fiber for our sustenance with abundant water for us, our crops and our animals.
North Carolina has been blessed with good leaders through the years, men and women with vision who called forth the best in us; people who understood service above self and looking out for the common good. We have done a good job of selecting those leaders and establishing this as a good government state. We have freedom to worship as we please and speak our beliefs openly without fear of economic or social recrimination.
Here was born the nation’s first public university. Education is a cornerstone of this state, both in primary as well as higher education. Dedicated teachers enable us to learn and think. From these schools have come great people who have made significant contributions, not to just our state but to the world.
Our transportation network allows us to drive, fly or ride to points inside our state or outside our country. North Carolina’s healthcare options are the envy of many, extending not only the number but also the quality of our days. Honest judges, aided by diligent court officials, dispense justice fairly. Our business climate is so widely acclaimed that we frequently top the list of most desirable places in which to do commerce. Young men and women can dream big dreams with assurances of positive reinforcement. Here, too, older citizens can find a place to enjoy the fruits of their labors without fear of crime, criticism or undue tax burdens.
Perhaps the best thing about our state is its people. North Carolinians care about each other. We love having family near us, to enjoy friendships and to accept others who were not born here. We care about worthwhile nonprofit endeavors that make life better for others. People can be trusted. We possess a strong work ethic passed to us from our ancestors. Through good times and bad we are optimistic that better days are ahead, and while we have extreme pride in where we live we are generally humble.
Yes, there are problems but let us choose not to dwell on them. Words are powerful. Negative words can do damage. Positive words can yield great good. Let us think, say and write good things about our state and our neighbors, not out of a spirit of bragging but out of thanksgiving. There is so much good in North Carolina and if we focus on these good things we will be happier and might be surprised what other great benefits this practice might produce. |
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