Today is Eyes on the Screen, nationwide grassroots screenings of "Eyes on the Prize," a very important documentary on the civil rights movement of the mid-twentieth century. You can watch in Carrboro:

Community Realty
February 8, 2005 at 8:00pm
201 North Greensboro Street
Approx Capacity: 15. 13 people plan to attend.
Organized by: Scott Morningstar
Episode 1
Bring a folding chair if you can.

As an African-American Studies minor (OK, over 10 years ago), I can attest to both this film's importance and to it's watchability. It allows the individuals who collectively formed the grassroots of this critical movement to speak for themselves and document their own experiences. The result is compelling and educational.

We knew last summer that then-Senator John Edwards and his wife Elizabeth bought some property in Orange County just west of Carrboro. The picture became more complete with the announcement last Friday that Edwards has received a faculty appointment at UNC and will direct a new Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity.My first reaction: what a testament to the drawing power of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school system! It can't help John Edwards' exponentially-growing political career to hail from one of the most famously left-leaning communities in the region. I guess they felt it was worth spending some political capital to get the best for Jack and Emma. Of course I'm assuming they will be in public school.Second thought: the Edwardses are certainly role models for the nouveaux rich yuppies by positioning themselves to pay county/school taxes but not town taxes.

The DTH reports that the volunteer committee to review the Chapel Hill budget has gotten underway. I'm often impressed by the graphics in the DTH and this story is no exception. But even with that nice visual aid, I stink at budgets. Basically what I can tell is this: the new Town Operation Center will cost a fortune. It's probably worth the expense to do it right in long run (and we don't have much choice), hopefully there's a little fat to be trimmed there.

One committee member suggests a temporary Town hiring freeze, but I don't see how that helps anyone. If we are to avert this tax increase (not just postpone it), we need systemic financial changes, not a quick purge. Since most of us are unlikely to get up at 7:30 on Monday morning to attend this committee meetings, let's discuss here. How would you cut the Town of Chapel Hill's budget? Or would you?