2021 Columns

My wise father once advised me to never talk politics or religion with people.  You will never change their minds, he said, and they will spend all their time trying to change yours.  That may be true but sometimes I can’t help myself.  It is hard not to write about politics and those who practice that arcane art.  Humor-impaired wingnuts on both sides of … [Read more...] about August 1, 2021: Methodist Squabbles Show ‘Organized Religion’ An Oxymoron

One last word about the 25th anniversary of the Centennial Olympic Games and then we will move on.  Nostalgia is not one of my strong points but having been associated with such a high-profile, once-in-a-lifetime (for me) event makes it hard to not take a quick peek back, especially when I keep getting asked about those times. For instance, a reporter wanted to know if I … [Read more...] about July 25, 2021: Final Olympic Memory: A Lasting One

Strong opinions begat strong reactions.  I recently begatted a strong opinion about Republican gubernatorial candidate Vernon Jones and he begatted a strong reaction right back at me.  Good for him.  Many intrepid public servants poked by my stiletto do one of two things: They sulk or ignore me, hoping I will be abducted by space aliens and transported to some … [Read more...] about July 18, 2021: Vernon Jones Talks About Running For Governor

Twenty-five years ago this week, Bill Clinton was winding up his first term as president and trying to remember if he knew someone named Monica Lewinsky.  Newt Gingrich was riding high as U.S. Speaker of the House. The Atlanta Braves were in the process of winning the National League Championship.  (They would lose to the New York Yankees in the World Series.)  … [Read more...] about July 11, 2021: Recalling the Best and Worst of Centennial Olympic Games

Webster’s Dictionary defines a hero as, “A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life.”  With Noah Webster’s concurrence I would add, “and doesn’t talk about it.”    That would aptly describe 94-year-old retired Col. Ralph Puckett, of Columbus, Georgia, the latest recipient of the Medal … [Read more...] about July 4, 2021: A Salute To Georgia’s Latest Medal Of Honor Recipient