Is mom breastfeeding infant at concert having it all or going too far, and other parenting questions

It’s about more than one mother of a 4-month-old made to leave a stage-side spot at a California Brad Paisley concert. Was it because she was breastfeeding, as she says, or did police officials give her the option of moving to a seated area or getting a refund and leaving because, as they say, they were concerned for the baby’s safety and hearing?

It’s also about how much life does and should change when you have children. Is it fair to the infant, and others who then watch their language, attitude and step when a child shows up in an unlikely place? Should a parent become a hermit when baby-sitting family members are far flung, the child is well-behaved and an evening out could lessen the stress and make everyone a little happier?

Politicking In N.C. After McCrory Divided On Issues


CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s Republican versus Republican in Raleigh. Governor Pat McCrory is showing some differences of opinion with members of his own party.

Political contributor Mary C. Curtis answers the question: Is McCrory flexing his independent muscle?

The ‘I have a black friend’ defense – just another bit in Anthony Cumia’s shock jock routine

he dance goes something like this. A Phil Robertson, Jason and David Benham or Anthony Cumia says or tweets something that is controversial, racially charged or just plain rude. His employer (and Dr. Laura and Paula Deen aside, it’s usually a “he”) condemns, and, sometimes, fires him. Fans cry foul and start a petition, boycott or counter-offensive to the original offensive behavior. And away we go. Wait awhile and a black friend eventually enters the picture –an actual picture, in Cumia’s case.

From voting battles to coal ash spills, what’s up with North Carolina?

Heading into the 21st century, North Carolina was that model Southern state — tradition meets moderation, in everything from its manners to its politics. So what happened? Depending on whom you ask, the state has either lost its way or is finding it. It’s difficult to get anyone to agree about anything these days.

Awaiting a judge’s ruling on NC’s wide-reaching voting law

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A federal judge is hearing arguments for and against the legality of North Carolina’s voter ID law.

Supporters say it will reduce voter fraud. Critics says it disenfranchises minorities.

WCCB News Rising Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis has been covering the legal debate.  She weighs in on the arguments.

Is celebration of ‘Seinfeld’ as cultural touchstone just wishful thinking?

There was a time when — even in America divided — there were certain shared cultural experiences. Everyone knew what guest made which joke or gaffe while sitting on the couch next to Johnny Carson. Most could easily keep track of which Huxtable/Cosby kid was in the good graces or the dog house with papa Cliff/Bill. On Ed Sullivan’s variety roundup, ballet dancers, jugglers and singers from the Beatles to the Supremes divvied up the hour. These pop culture moments have become fewer and fewer as viewers have split into small, dedicated slivers in the cable and online universe. Now a hit is declared with audience numbers that would have made the networks tremble.

It’s no wonder that the 25th anniversary of the television show “Seinfeld” is being treated with such pomp and relative reverence. It harkens to a time in the not long ago 1990s when even a final episode judged mediocre could mean ratings gold.

But much like a typical “Seinfeld,” all is not what it seems to be — it never was. When the show, after a rocky start, hit its stride and No. 1 in the ratings, it was never as popular among all members of its potential audience.

National Society of Newspaper Columnists Names Winners in 2014 Columnist Contest

The big surprise of the night was WaPo’s Mary C. Curtis winning first place in the category for Online, Blog and Multimedia Columns with over 100,000 Monthly Unique Visitors.

The “Hobby Lobby” Decision and Its Effects at The Polls

CHARLOTTE, N.C.-   The Supreme Court’s ruling on employee healthcare plans and contraception is sparking a lot of discussion online; but will the high emotions translate into higher voter turnout this fall?

WCCB Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis is taking a closer look at the “Hobby Lobby” case.

Will ‘Moral Monday’ Protests Affect Midterm Elections?


 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One-thousand arrests and counting is the word from the NAACP since Moral Monday protests began last summer.

Protesters are focusing on registering voters before the November elections.

Political Columnist Mary C. Curtis says things will get interesting.

North Carolina Republicans try — despite themselves — to win minority voters

In North Carolina, Republicans see a prime opportunity for a U.S. Senate win in November. So national and state party leaders, anxious to broaden the base, are again turning to African American voters. The latest effort is a North Carolina Black Advisory Board “to strengthen the party’s ties with diverse communities and expand engagement efforts across the state,” the Republican National Committee said in a statement Thursday.

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said of the 11 board members, “Their knowledge and roots in black communities across the state will be invaluable as we share our message of empowerment and expanding access to the American Dream.”

They have their work cut out for them.