In an “exclusive” to the Charlotte Observer, we find that current North Carolina governor Mike Easley has failed to nominate a Poet Laureate. The post has apparently been vacant since December of 2002.
First: I don’t have anything against poetry, but why in the world is there even a job such as this – or at least a government job such as this? I’m all for promoting the arts, and I understand it isn’t really a paid position, but the state does apparently pick up some travel expenses, and from time to time will use a grant to offer matching funds for speaking fees. Also, the last jobholder made 250 appearances in his role over a five year period. That’s a job. Come on.
Second: Why is it news that the post has been vacant for 18 months? The government putting the clamp down on the arts? Get real. They’ve been doing that for years. Mecklenburg County cut (warning: slightly inflammatory headline on that link) arts funding more than seven years ago because of what they regarded as inappropriate.
Third: Who cares if this is an exclusive to the Charlotte Observer? Is news really so slow that this is what makes the headlines? I’m all for keeping tabs on what the government is doing, but let’s have a small reality check here. Even if this is deemed by some to be newsworthy, why in the world is it the most prominently featured story on the site? And does anyone else really care if it’s an exclusive? If no one else wants the story, why brag about it? Does it even count as an exclusive if no one else will take it?