By Michael S. Opitz – The United States Supreme Court, in its historic 1964 decision, ruled that prayer in public schools is illegal because it violates the First Amendment’s principle of separation of church and state. The judicial court system at all levels across the land has expanded that ruling to include the prohibition of Christmas manger scenes on government property and the Ten Commandants being posted in county buildings. … Read more...
Read It Here Before It Happens – Column No. 1049
By J. Randolph Evans – Why do folks read this column? Based on the letters to the editors, there are a few reasons (some not so good, some downright funny). One good reason is that readers get a pretty good preview of things to come long before they happen. As political insider Matt Towery often notes, prognosticating is a lot of fun at the time, but can be a little … Read more...
Soldiers – Thank You! – Column No. 1048
By J. Randolph Evans – The two most underused words in the world are “thank you.” So often, in the whirl of current events and the frantic pace of nonstop lifestyles, there never seems to be enough time to stop and recognize the truly priceless gifts from the few. Yet, they ask so little and give so much.
Thank you Marine Pfc. Jason H. Estopinal who died while serving his … Read more...
America’s Bill of Rights – a vital afterthought
By Donald S. Conkey – There are two dates this week that are embedded in my mind as much as my birthday. December 15, yesterday, is a date I share with all Americans. And it should be a date special for all Americans because it was on this date in 1791; 219 years ago yesterday that America’s Bill of Rights was ratified and became the foundation for all those freedoms … Read more...
Elizabeth Edwards’ One Wish – Column No. 1046
By J. Randolph Evans – Every year about this time, folks – young and old – think about all the things that they wish for. Politicians wish for more power. Presidents wish for better approval ratings. Companies wish for more customers. And people wish for more jobs. Amidst it all, there is often a brutal reminder that puts everything back into perspective. While most people wish for many things, people … Read more...
Take time to ‘Smell the Roses’ and enjoy family
By Donald S. Conkey – Tribune columnist Dick Yarbrough, in a recent column, quoted his successful friend Benjamin Porter several times regarding taking time in mortality to “smell the roses” and to spend time while still in mortality with family and friends. The quote that touched me was “Smell the roses, and that’s not just a flip phrase, and tell your family and friends that you love them while you … Read more...
December 7, 1941: A day worth remembering
By Donald S. Conkey – With each passing year, as more and more World War II veterans pass away, fewer Americans remember December 7, 1941, or the fear it engendered in those of us then living. I remember well where I was when we first heard the news that Pearl Harbor had been bombed by the Japanese Imperial Navy – with nearly 3000 Americans killed. It was the first time … Read more...
Thanksgiving: A different, special kind of national holiday
By Donald S. Conkey – Thanksgiving is a unique and different American holiday. Its uniqueness is because it is distinctively American with it roots sunk deep into America’s early history, reaching back to the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620, and who, being grateful to their God for their survival held a feast of thanksgiving.
America’s national holiday, Thanksgiving, is different because of all of American’s national holidays … Read more...
Georgia Women Leading Political Parties – Column No. 1044
By J. Randolph Evans – Two women led their respective political parties in Georgia into the 2010 election cycle. They were the chairs of the Georgia Republican Party and the Democratic Party of Georgia. It was the first time this has happened in Georgia history. Next year, both political parties will hold conventions and elect party officials heading into the Presidential elections in 2012. Here is what convention delegates will … Read more...
The new House can restore sanity, but will they?
By Donald S. Conkey – The 2010 election is over with Republicans making major gains as they take control of the House of Representatives. And the liberal press is already asking if the Republicans are willing to compromise with Obama, suggesting if they don’t there will be gridlock or a possibly government shutdown. The war for America’s soul continues with both parties already geared up for the 2012 presidential election.… Read more...
2010 Elections Were Nothing New – Column No. 1041
By J. Randolph Evans – In case anyone missed it, there was an election on November 2, 2010. So, here is how it works. Americans let elected officials govern. Every so often, elected officials get confused about what this means and start to believe that indeed they have the power. So, Americans remind them about who has the real power in this country. Sometimes, the reminders are subtle, gentle reminders. … Read more...
Can our generation do less?
By Donald S. Conkey – Now that the election is over and, for the most part, we all know which political party will guide America through the crisis America is now encountering there will be those who will say it’s up to them (Congress) now to fix America. How dangerous that thinking is. The war for America’s soul is just beginning. Remember it took a strong leader, George Washington, and … Read more...