Columns

I dropped by Gov. Nathan Deal’s office recently for a visit. In little over a month-and-a-half, our 82nd governor will be our newest former governor. My timing could not have been better. The governor seemed happy to see me. (Not the kind of reaction I usually get from many of our public officials.) What was supposed to be a 30-minute appointment stretched to almost an hour. … [Read more...] about December 3, 2018: Nathan Deal Proof That Nice Guys Can Finish First

Dear President Trump: You and I both know you won’t see this letter, but that’s okay.  I am going to feel better having written it.  For one thing, it will confuse my friends and confound my enemies, many on both sides of the political spectrum who can’t seem to grasp the concept of middle ground.  You must be either a rock-bound, hard-nosed, … [Read more...] about November 26, 2018: President and His Foes Need to Put Away the Hammers

Any mention of Thanksgiving – which I am about to mention – must first include a caveat that no one ever has or ever will write a Thanksgiving column like Furman Bisher, the late and great sports editor of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  He owns that category like Ray Charles Robinson, of Albany, Georgia owns “Georgia on my Mind.” I am thankful for the times I spent … [Read more...] about November 19, 2018: Being Thankful for a Great Writer’s Inspiration

Just when you think there is no place left in this politically toxic, mudslinging, in-your-face world for any goodness, along comes 17-year-old Jordyn Moore, a teenager from Forsyth County, to happily prove us wrong. Jordyn is autistic and struggles with the skills that most of us take from granted, but with the help of supportive parents, a good friend named Sarah … [Read more...] about November 12, 2018: Autistic Teen Reminds Us That Kindness Is for Everyone

Because of a finite deadline, I won’t be commenting on the election results in Georgia until next week since some of you will see this before the election and some afterwards. But not to worry.  As I have noted previously, American humorist Will Rogers used to say, “I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.” Me, too.  There will plenty of … [Read more...] about November 5, 2018: Nothing Divine About Having to Wait to Talk About Election Results