Columns

I try not to write about whatever all the ponderous political pundits are pontificating about at the time.  I am just not a “me too” kind of guy.  But, I am going to have to make an exception this week and mention the recent presidential debate.  To call it a debacle is being too kind.  To the crowd that would support Donald Trump even if he was caught … [Read more...] about October 4, 2020: Some Random Thoughts on Some Random Subjects

It is my bounden duty to report to you on the state of the state in which you find yourself.  I am talking, of course, about the Great State of Georgia. While we are blessed to be home to the Blue Ridge mountains, the Golden Isles, the Vidalia onion and the greatest state song in the history of the world, “Georgia on my Mind,” as sung by the late Ray Charles Robinson, of … [Read more...] about September 27, 2020: What Do We Care What Credit Firm and Grass Cutters Think Of Us?

I don’t  know about you, but I find the political ads on television these days refreshing.  At least, we have something to look at beside ads for ambulance-chasing lawyers. (I try to find the silver lining in every cloud.) In case you haven't figured it out yet, the earnest, look-you-in-the-eye promises the candidates are making don't mean squat.  If and when … [Read more...] about September 20, 2020: If Politicians Can Pander for Approval, Why Not Columnists?

I have a new hero.  His name is Richard Woods and he is the State School Superintendent of Georgia. First, a little background: For a couple of years during the Deal Administration, Supt. Woods, although duly elected by the people, was relegated to the governor’s Time Out Chair in a dispute over how to deal with the state’s lowest performing schools.  Under a law … [Read more...] about September 13, 2020: State School Superintendent Refuses to Turnaround On Testing

We are now into September of what has so far been a bummer of a year.  My colleague, David Carroll, a Chattanooga TV anchor with whom I share the editorial page in several papers, calls 2020 “the Edsel of years.”  I wish I had thought of that line.  I hate it when TV anchors are funnier than I am. We have had to endure eight months of sheltering in place, social … [Read more...] about September 6, 2020: Not Finding Much Good News in This Bummer of a Year