Last week, Charlton County commissioner Drew Jones used this space to defend the actions of Toledo Manufacturing in the Okefenokee mining controversy. Comm. Jones, who also runs Toledo’s day-to-day operations, says Toledo has gotten a bad rap from me and others over their intentions and wished to clarify their position which includes how studies are done and by whom on whether … [Read more...] about March 15, 2026: Leading Okefenokee Mining Opponent Takes Issue With County Commissioner’s Rationale
March 8, 2026: Toledo Manufacturing Gives Its Side Of Okefenokee Mining Issue
My columns opposing the mining for titanium dioxide on Trail Ridge near our Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge have drawn a heavy reader response. Almost all of it supporting a permanent ban on mining in the area. I also have received a rebuttal, asserting I have gotten my facts wrong. This from Drew Jones, a Charlton County commissioner. It is in Charlton County wherein … [Read more...] about March 8, 2026: Toledo Manufacturing Gives Its Side Of Okefenokee Mining Issue
March 1, 2026: Some Random Thoughts On Some Random Subjects
A reader in Calhoun sent my column on the Monks Walk for Peace that appeared in the Calhoun Times to a Facebook page devoted to that extraordinary event. As of last week, it had received over 3,000 likes, more than 200 comments and 20 Facebook users had posted it to their own page. I suspect that number has grown since. I also heard from people across the country who had … [Read more...] about March 1, 2026: Some Random Thoughts On Some Random Subjects
February 22, 2026: Immovable Object Vs. Irresistible Force In Okefenokee Mining Dispute
Let us revisit the matter of drilling for titanium dioxide in our Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in order that the world as we know it never runs out of toothpaste whitener. Although you have strongly expressed your concerns to our intrepid public servants under the Gold Dome and I have commented on the issue more than once, I will be the first to admit not much has … [Read more...] about February 22, 2026: Immovable Object Vs. Irresistible Force In Okefenokee Mining Dispute
February 15, 2026: Monks’ Walk for Peace Brings Out the Best In Us
I’m trying to figure out why all the talk about Making America Great Again. America has been great since I’ve been here and I suspect it will be great when I’m gone. That is because it is made up of good people who do good things. No one comes close to Americans in charitable giving. In 2024, U.S. charitable giving reached $592.5 billion. The Charities Aid Foundation and … [Read more...] about February 15, 2026: Monks’ Walk for Peace Brings Out the Best In Us