Opinion roundup June 24, 2016: Windmills, opioids, campaigns and health care

Legislators are tilting at windmills" (Wilmington Star-News) – Just when you think the illogical action in Raleigh is about to end, our Honorable Legislators turn around and top themselves. This time, the Senate has passed a bill effectively outlawing wind power in most of North Carolina.

I know assault weapons – and you shouldn’t have one (Charlotte Observer column) -- I was in first-hand combat in Vietnam; We used assault weapons but they are for the military and law enforcement, not civilians; I’m a Second Amendment backer, but I support some gun restrictions.

A Confident Clinton (Greensboro News & Record) -- The woman who made famous the phrase, “It takes a village ...,” has a new message for Americans: “It takes a plan.” Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton laid out her economic plan before a capacity crowd at the N.C. State Fairgrounds Exhibition Center in Raleigh on Wednesday.

General Assembly likely just saved some lives (Wilmington Star-News) -- As a deadly epidemic of illegal opioid use plagues our state, the N.C. General Assembly wisely has broadened access to the prescription drug that can reverse overdoses. Senate Bill 734 was signed into law Monday.

State opioid bill likely saves lives (Burlington Times-News) -- Our legislators and governor should be commended for passing this provision, becoming only the third state in the nation to do so. We think North Carolina sets a good example. So is Alamance County.

State should study transparency laws (Rocky Mount Telegram) -- The N.C. General Assembly would do the people of North Carolina a huge favor by taking a thoughtful look at public records and open meetings law. A bill in the N.C. House calls for a study committee to take up that mission. Here is hoping for its speedy passage.

Certificate of need law vital for regional health care (Greenville Daily Reflector) - -Pitt County legislators should act quickly and decisively to make sure the N.C. General Assembly supports the state’s Certificate of Need (CON) law in the face of strong efforts to remove it.