Op/Ed for Opelika-Auburn News

Nation defends the innocent, but allows choice for abortion

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:30:00 CDT

My husband is an avid “letters to the editor” writer. The letter he last submitted ran in Saturday’s paper and was titled, “Glad to live in a nation where women have choice to give birth.”
I would just like to say that I have seen the grief that comes with abortion. I myself have not had one, nor will I ever have one.

Mary Belk: Don’t fiddle with Auburn’s music program

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:19:00 CDT

I’ve heard it said that life is what’s happening while you’re making other plans. And Shakespeare had something to say about the best-laid plans of mice and men going astray. I’m not up on the plans of mice, but I do know that some of the best things in my life just sort of happened.

Bob Mount: Indigo snake important to keep around

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:09:00 CDT

Among the wide variety of subjects discussed and debated by the Order of Geezers, A.K.A. the Geneva Street Think Tank, are snakes. A few, Bo Torbert for example, are not snake enthusiasts but tolerate their presence on rural property they own.

Area high school bands deserve attention

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:08:00 CDT

Let’s show our local high school marching bands some love.

Paul Davis: Barron is what’s wrong with government

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:15:00 CDT

One of the most fascinating things is the way the English language and our spelling and use of words continue to evolve. Computers have brought us a geek language and teenagers have brought us a freak language.

Letter: Right to life doesn’t include right to exist in another’s body

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:12:00 CDT

Anita Bledsoe (Aug. 8) argues that if we’re glad we’re alive, then we logically ought to oppose abortion, since we wouldn’t be alive if our mothers had chosen abortion.

Editorial: Safe driving message should be no-brainer for today’s motorists

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:10:01 CDT

Speed limit signs and seat belt laws evidently aren’t enough to prevent motorists from driving too fast or not buckling up.

Letter to editor: Glad to live in nation where women have choice to give birth

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:06:00 CDT

Every afternoon at work, I look forward to going home to see my 9-month-old daughter. She has beautiful blue eyes and a smile straight off the Gerber bottle. My wife and I were very excited when we found out we were having a baby. She purchased a book titled, “What to Expect When You Are Expecting.”

Bob Sanders: Gas shortages nothing new

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:02:00 CDT

Gas problems are nothing new. Some of us remember the War, when gas was rationed and you could buy only what your A, B or C sticker allowed. As we much later found out, there was no shortage of gas, we had it to burn. Rubber was the stuff in short supply.

Jennifer Foster: Conventions, protesters and peaceful assembly

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:09:00 CDT

The conventions are right around the corner, and you know what that means: Long-winded speeches with painfully predictable sound bites. Goofy pins and hats that look more at home in the Disney costume collection. The hackneyed balloon-and-confetti drop.

Lisa Brouillette: Politics plays part in planning

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:42:00 CDT

A few months back, another columnist in this paper made the comment “there is no politics in planning.” Recent ap-pointments to the Auburn and Lee County planning commissions alone show the reverse is true – the planning process is full of politics.

Bible Literacy course opens door to problems

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:17:00 CDT

Lee County Schools’ decision to allow Bible Literacy to be taught as an elective at Smiths Station High School may meet Constitutional standards, but it opens the door to a plethora of potential issues.

Joe McAdory: ‘Somebody knows something’

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:16:00 CDT

I wonder what James Heard’s murderer is doing today. Whoever it is has freedom.

Malcolm Cutchins: Freedom is beautiful and should be appreciated

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:22:00 CDT

Recently, while flying across this beautiful country of ours, I couldn’t help but remember the song, “America the Beautiful.”

All demographics should be excited about election

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:27:00 CDT

It was reported this week that almost 15,000 more blacks in Alabama have registered to vote compared to figures from four years ago. It’s safe to say Barack Obama has had something to do with that.

In Old Testament, spirit and breath are interchangeable

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:16:00 CDT

Some people continue their futile crusade to find something in the Bible not there, namely, a universal prohibition against feticide.

Mary Belk: God bless Alabama, and Gomer too

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:15:00 CDT

Why is it that people have such outlandish ideas about Alabama? Alabama has always been the place that, no matter how miserable a person’s life was, he could always say, “At least I’m not from Alabama.”

Bob Mount: Frayed moral fabric tearing at nation

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:02:01 CDT

“Change, Yes We Can,” or something similar is Barack Obama’s campaign slogan, but it’s not precisely clear what changes he advocates. Is he in favor of stemming the flow of illegal aliens into the country?

Sky’s the limit for Auburn-Opelika Airport

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:01:00 CDT

Bill Hutto summed it perfectly. “It’s a good front door for the community,” the director of the Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport said in a story Monday.

Paul Davis: Bryce Hospital decision at crossroads

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:56:00 CDT

After months of often testy discussion and debate and with negotiations going on at the highest levels of state government, the University of Alabama, under heavy pressure from preservationists and mental health advocates, has backed away from its tough stand in opposition to placing Tuscaloosa’s Bryce Hospital on the highest level of national historic recognition.

More thoughts on Israeli importance to U.S.

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:53:00 CDT

As Steven Silvern writes in his letter of July 25, Israel is more important to American interests than some realize. As of November 2007, every American taxpayer had given Israel $23,240 in foreign and military aid — a total of nearly $135 billion.

More needs to be done to help those helping the challenged

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:51:00 CDT

Parents who raise children with developmental disabilities must overcome hardships and challenges that others simply never face. People enjoy normal lives, day after day, and don’t realize the difficulties others must endure. But what happens to the developmentally challenged (autistic, mentally retarded, physically handicapped, etc.) when their parents are too old to care for them?

Bob Sanders: Good ‘ol days at Mount Pisgah

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:23:01 CDT

It’s between laying-by and back-to-school time, therefore it must be protracted meetin’ time.

Jennifer Foster: Equality isn’t achieved through unequal laws

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:21:00 CDT

The case of Luis Ramirez is the latest incident that has civil rights advocates calling for an expansion in the federal hate crimes law.

Auburn has too many wards without grocery stores

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:18:00 CDT

I read with interest the Our View of July 31 regarding the reasons for obesity in Alabama. I am writing, not to dispute anything in the editorial, but to point out an omission. There is research to indicate that underserved populations would eat healthy food, such as fresh vegetables, had they access to it.

Decrease in teen smoking a positive sign for state

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:22:00 CDT

Teen-agers are often put down for making what some perceive as the wrong decisions. But before folks get on the “those darn kids today” mantra, we must point out that teenagers in Alabama have apparently seen the light when it comes to smoking.

Malcolm Cutchins: Looking down on creation a beautiful sight to see

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:46:00 CDT

There he was, not 60 feet away, a bull elk with 13 points on that beautiful rack of antlers. The digital photo turned out very well. It wouldn’t be fair to even think of hunting such a magnificent animal right in my son’s front yard.

State Sen. Barron a habitual offender of our laws

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:18:00 CDT

There you go again, Lowell Barron!
According to WSFA Channel 12, the “powerful” state senator from the bucolic burg of Fyffe was ticketed twice in Covington County for reckless driving and running a stop sign. The Andalusia Chief of Police said that Barron was driving at such excessive speeds that it warranted more than just a speeding ticket.

New tax at Celebrate Alabama worth forking over

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:17:00 CDT

Celebrate Alabama will cost consumers more than they originally thought.

Mary Belk: Cleanliness exists in eye of beholder

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:58:00 CDT

To bathe or not to bathe … ridiculous question? Maybe not.

Barbara Patton: Special fundraiser around the corner

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:57:00 CDT

Just around the corner lies a special fundraiser! Special because it benefits the renovation and transformation of the Miriam S. Brown School into a Community Cultural and Small Conference Center.

Alabama’s judicial salaries raise red flags

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:23:00 CDT

Last month,we lamented poor ethical grades Help Abolish Legal Tyranny (HALT) gave Alabama’s judicial system. Whether or not poor ethics exists, the report — which ranked Alabama 38th in holding state judges accountable — at least showed there was a little oversight to prevent unethical situations.

Area fortunate to have national voice

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:02:00 CDT

The national spotlight may be on Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul in coming weeks as Democratic and Republican parties officially make their nominations for president, but East Alabama can stick its chest out just a little bit knowing it had a hand in the process.

Paul Davis: Newspapers not dying, not yet

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:00:00 CDT

Are newspapers in America dying? I keep hearing that on an almost daily basis. Newspapers are morphing. Large news-papers, particularly those owned by major newspaper chains are hurting. A few are attempting suicide.

Mike Hubbard: National convention means busy week ahead

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:01:01 CDT

During the first week of September, the Republican National Committee will hold its convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., for the purpose of nominating our choice for president and vice president of the United States.

Joe Turnham: Chance to nominate president an awesome obligation

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:00:00 CDT

No experience or responsibility as party chairman can compare with the awesome obligation to coordinate a state’s participation in selecting a nominee for the Presidency of the United States.

Jennifer Foster: Should your vote still count if you’re dead?

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:14:00 CDT

The stories we’ve all heard about dead people voting are generally linked to allegations of fraud in tight races. Some locales have developed enduring reputations for, shall we say, high postmortem voter turnout.

People should be thankful their lives were not aborted

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:10:01 CDT

The laws and principles found in the Bible reveal that God, whose name is Jehovah (Psalm 83:18), is both a wise legislator and a loving Father who deeply cares about the welfare of children. Even the unborn, are very precious in his eyes!

Editorial: Tax-free weekend an opportunity you can’t pass up

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:08:00 CDT

If residents in Lee and Chambers counties haven’t purchased school supplies or school clothes for their children, this is the weekend to do it.

America exports debauchery, materialism to parts of world

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:58:00 CDT

I am a registered nurse, proud of my education, training and experience I have gained over the last 25 years. I am convinced that nursing makes the difference in all aspects of health, especially in hospital patients. But when others in my profession are uncaring, lazy or even cause harm, I will confront, report and counsel. I am still a nurse, and proud of it.

Bob Mount: Momma rat prevented chaos

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:23:00 CDT

Last week, I remarked that a tame Norway rat might have saved my career and quite possibly most of my earthly possessions. I’m sure that anyone who read the column must be wondering how a Norway rat could have been my ‘savior.’ Let me explain.

Editorial: Good, greasy Southern cooking made Alabama fat

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:21:00 CDT

Nobody enjoys being called fat. It’s an insult. But when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called Alabama fat earlier this month, it’s nothing more than the cold, hard truth.

Today’s society not ready to implement Old Testament laws

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:16:00 CDT

Malcom Cutchins must know the source of his quote in his column, in which he suggests that the community is not responsible for helping the “less fortunate” among us. The late R.J. Rushdoony was the leader of the Christian Reconstructionist movement, which was not very Christian, and whose idea for reconstructing America was to make it a theocracy based on Old Testament law.

Mary Belk: Yesterday’s kids’ games were better

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:15:00 CDT

I looked out my car window, waiting for the light to change, and spotted four teenagers kicking a little pouch-like ball back and forth and around. I think the game’s called Hacky Sack.

Editorial: Changes on horizon for Opelika City Council

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:14:00 CDT

The theme for one presidential candidate may be change, but change also appears to be the order of the day for Opelika municipal elections Aug. 26.

Joe McAdory: State trooper becomes man’s ‘guardian angel’

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:27:00 CDT

His Nissan Altima barreled down Alabama Highway 165 in excess of 60 miles per hour, the left side of his body went numb and he had difficulty seeing. His mind and heart racing, hands struggling to grip the steering wheel, pine trees whizzing by on this early July evening, Daniel Diaz was in dire straits.

Editorial: Four-day work weeks worth exploring for state

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:44:01 CDT

Some Alabama agencies are changing work schedules in an effort to cut costs.

Youth sporting events show ‘good news’ readers don’t see

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:42:00 CDT

Thursday night, Auburn Orange Dixie Youth Baseball AAA all-star team played Dothan National for the state championship. Everyone present witnessed an excellent youth sporting event. None of the players sat out for more money, were arrested, asked to be traded or bad-mouthed the manager or coaches.

Velinda Wheeles: Main Street Opelika holds its own

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:41:00 CDT

‘The grass is always greener on the other side.’ That is true in some instances, but I have figured out that sometimes you have to venture out and find that maybe what you are doing is OK, that there is always room for improvement and you should be open to change. Are you wondering where I am going with this?

Barbara Patton: Darden house full history

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:39:00 CDT

Dr. J. W. Darden’s legacy is living on through the restoration of the home where he and his wife lived and where he practiced medicine. The restoration of this house on Auburn Street in Opelika was relentlessly pursued by Dr. Yvonne Brown-Phillips, as she led the efforts and formed many partnerships to make this house come back to life. It was not an easy task but through her, their legacy was preserved.

Paul Davis: Marriage survives illness, other maladies

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:04:00 CDT

I’m ready to go back to school. After a grand start, summer has become rather boring. You agree? I even had a granddaughter, Janie, stop by and say that for the first time in her life, she is looking forward to going back to school. Boring, boring summer. Nothing to do.

Editorial: Big cities or not, all America remains terror threat

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:57:00 CDT

It’s a fact: 43 less U.S. cities will receive fewer grant dollars toward Homeland Security this year than last. Don’t fret. We must bear in mind that dwindling monetary resources and a weak economy doesn’t help. But money isn’t the only issue here. Strategy might be.

Bob Sanders: Stan the Man, Joltin’ Joe and Ted

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:31:00 CDT

With the All-Star game behind us, let’s look at how real baseball used to be. The year 1941 would be a good start.

Americans should have more national pride about flag

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:29:00 CDT

This year like many before, I noticed in my neighborhood of educated, fortune filled successful neighbors, less than 5 percent of the homes flying “our flag” on America’s Birthday. What’s with that?

Israel more important to U.S. interests than some realize

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:44:00 CDT

Answering Joe Griffey, “Who is the ‘Israel’ we are risking our future on?” (July 20) I shall provide a face showing Israel is not some nebulous political entity.

Hard news in demand, like it or not

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:37:00 CDT

It gives me no great pleasure to knock on a person’s door, tell them I’m with the newspaper and would like to speak with them about their precious son who was shot to death the day before.

Carelessness could cost Alabama millions

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:35:00 CDT

Times are tough all over. When times get this bad, we start looking at every penny. That small fee that hit your account when you were late paying a utility bill used to be a nuisance.

Malcolm Cutchins: Don’t be fooled by false responsibility

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:05:00 CDT

We continue to read (locally) and hear (nationally) about matters of false responsibility.

Wanton killing of unborn through abortion raises eyebrows

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:52:00 CDT

I have been intrigued by Sen. Barack Obama’s pledge to dramatically change government policies and have everyone feel they can live with the changes. Since our Congress is roughly divided along party lines, any President needs the support of the other party to effect substantive legislative change. So, my question for Obama is this: What change do you think I, as a Republican, can live with?

Mary Belk: Don’t call a woman phat nor fine

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:29:00 CDT

Abraham Lincoln — or maybe it was Mr. Rogers — once suggested, “Say it so simply a child can understand.” And Russell Baker followed right along a hundred years later, asking, “Why do we like our words so fat but our women so skinny?”

Physician pipeline can reverse trend shortage of doctors

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:26:00 CDT

In response to the article “East Alabama feels pinch of doctor shortage,” which appeared in the Opelika-Auburn News on June 22, I would like to provide additional information regarding a solution to the shortage that is evolving in our state.

Barbara Patton: A quick education on road diets

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:01:00 CDT

Road Diets! Now that’s a new use for the word “diet.” Does it mean that roads no longer can eat cars?

Bob Mount: Sometimes mice save marriages

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:00:00 CDT

Among the critters I dislike the most are fire ants, cockroaches and wild, I emphasize wild, Norway rats. I’m convinced that fire ants are responsible for the decline of many native birds that nest on or close to the ground and numerous other native animals that used to be common.

Sales tax holiday weekend on horizon

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:45:00 CDT

Alabama’s third annual sales tax holiday weekend starts at midnight Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 3.

Lisa Brouillette: It’s summertime, and the money is easy

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:36:00 CDT

Yep, it’s summertime, and this year that means Opelika city elections, so you can bet cash is flowing. Campaign contributions, campaign expenses: these can add up to big money. One campaign consultant already has been paid at least $8,000, and many such expenses don’t even become known until the final required reporting after the elections.

Joe McAdory: Desperate times calling for desperate crimes

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:33:00 CDT

After spending a few days vacationing out of town, I couldn’t help but wonder how things were going back at the ’ol homestead in east Alabama. That’s much easier to do that these days, compliments of the World Wide Web and our newspaper’s Web page, http://www.oanow.com

Fight city leaders put up for Indian Hill subdivision was memorable

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:25:00 CDT

On July 1, the Auburn City Council voted unanimously to take action to preserve the integrity of our tiny subdivision that has been surrounded by commercial development over the past year. It happens in cities all across the nation.

Christian mindset taken hostage by globally empirical neo-con movement

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:21:00 CDT

Something I would like to grow in knowledge of: Israel? The Zionists state that American Christians (and any politician that seeks their vote) have labeled “a must preserve and protect at all costs,” even at the risk of morally, economically, financially, and maybe militarily bankrupting our country.

Rise in birth control packs at AU create tough choices

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:19:00 CDT

A story in Thursday’s Opelika-Auburn News revealed that the price of birth control packs at Auburn University’s pharmacy for students rose this summer from $10 to $50.

Bob Sanders: I never grew a green thumb

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:16:08 CDT

Many people garden. A neighbor up the street has a nice vegetable garden. Luxapalila Rose gardens in a big way. She hands out fresh-picked goodies to her friends.

Jennifer Foster: Dreaded disease is back among politicians

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:13:01 CDT

Bad news, friends: That dreaded disease, flipflopitis, is back – and it’s spreading.

System fails Alabamians, helps DUI offenders

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:39:01 CDT

State courts are supposed to bring justice to DUI offenders. Violators should have the book thrown at them to the extent of the law, so there’s no reason the men and women who comprise

No place for children using fireworks to celebrate America

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:57:00 CDT

Although the use of fireworks in the city limits are prohibited, it is still in existence in some neighborhoods. How do I know this? I can hear them and sometimes receive their remnants on my lawn and drive way.

Byrne’s newest act helps bring credibility to diplomas

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:56:00 CDT

It’s time getting an education from a two-year post-secondary college in Alabama meant more than it does today. At least, that’s what Chancellor Bradley Byrne is willing to try to ensure.

Thoughts on gas prices, oil fields and statewide revenue

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:02:00 CDT

As I see the debate over drilling for oil in the coastal states and Alaska, that always holds this country back. Nobody agrees on anything, so we still pay for $4-a-gallon gas prices.

Letters to editor: Let’s not give visitors a bad impression by serving lumpy grits

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:30:00 CDT

With all of the problems we face in this life, sometimes the small things get overlooked. I’m talking about grits. It is next to impossible to get decent grits in a restaurant.

Bob Sanders: Ice cream, potatoes, and old cousins

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:58:01 CDT

Sorry I missed it. According to Baby Sister on the phone, there was a real homemade ice cream-eating get-together up at Uncle Kent’s old place.

Support of Opelika football fantastic throughout community

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:02:00 CDT

I would like to personally thank everyone in the Opelika community from the bottom of my heart for the dinner last week at First Baptist Church.

Joe McAdory: Charred wire teaches lesson in life

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:58:00 CDT

I have a wire. It’s gray, about three inches long, perfectly cut on one end and burned on the other.

Helms was no Adams or Jefferson

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:30:00 CDT

The funeral service for former North Carolina Sen. Jesse Helms is over, but the words of praise still ring in the ear.

Malcolm Cutchins: Lack of flags shows apathy

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:28:00 CDT

Could it be that too many of our own citizens and residents don’t appreciate the heritage and the sacrifices that have built this great country? Failing to put up a flag on special holidays, they encourage our nation’s decline and lack of patriotism.

Bible condemns abortion

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:40:00 CDT

In response to the letter in the July 5 paper titled “Is Dobson making stuff up…,” Dr. Dobson never claimed to be a theologian. He is a Christian who is a trained psychologist.

Barbara Patton: Patriotism alive and well in America

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:49:00 CDT

Patriotism! What a soul stirring, resounding word. This is the character word of the month and should not be difficult to write about. After all, this is the month that we celebrate our country’s independence.

Mary Belk: It’s not so bad being short

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:32:00 CDT

“Short people got nobody. Short people got nobody to love.” Remember those lyrics from Randy Newman’s 1977 fast-selling record? Probably not, unless you’re, well, short.

Brittany Branyon: I’m not as liberal as I thought

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:30:01 CDT

The attempt I made to bring the issue of progressives being misunderstood came back to bite me.

Clean up the language in kids’ movies

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:27:00 CDT

Indiana Jones wears a cool Fedora hat. Indiana Jones often carries a whip. Indiana Jones finds lost artifacts and explores places we’d prefer to read about in National Geographic.
But why must Indiana Jones use foul language? The movie ... not necessarily the character.

Malcolm Cutchins: Reflections on the true meaning of the Fourth

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:22:00 CDT

A nation cannot be very powerful if it is divided. There has to be a certain amount of oneness, a unity that won’t break under pressure and a spirit that serves as a salve to heal our differences.

Be safe with fireworks

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:19:00 CDT

Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed and displayed. But too often, improper usage can lead to injury or worse.

Jennifer Foster: Holiday special for three American families

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:07:00 CDT

But for three American families, freedom this Fourth of July takes on a whole new meaning.

Howard Deane: Why wouldn’t people support Bush?

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:59:00 CDT

When asked, “why should people support the president?” the question seems almost silly. Why wouldn’t people want to support the person they had not only freely elected, but had also re-elected?

Matthew Goodwin: Questioning the president is patriotic

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:55:01 CDT

The most patriotic thing to do is to be engaged and voice your opinion; the unpatriotic thing to do is to discourage dissent out of “respect for the office.”

Let’s remember the Founders

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:52:00 CDT

On this day of celebrating our nation’s birthday, let’s remember the conviction and determination of a group of men who declared America a free nation.

Bob Sanders: The old way of getting news was better

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:48:00 CDT

I worry about magazines and newspapers. I like the way they used to be.

Bill Robinson: Why didn’t Helen Keller return?

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:40:00 CDT

At 19 months, Helen Keller was stricken with an illness that left her deaf and blind. When Anne Masefield Sullivan wasn’t brought to Helen’s home in Tuscumbia on March 3, 1887, a new world was slowly opened to the little girl.

Velinda Wheeles: Opelika plans summer celebration

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:35:00 CDT

I hope you and your family had a wonderful 4th and have made plans to come downtown Friday, July 11, for our Summer Celebration. DJ Ozz, sponsored by Niffer’s and Niffer’s At The Lake will be providing the music from 6-9pm.

Steve Flowers: What looms for Alabama, Riley?

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:26:00 CDT

Most political observers including myself have never seen a governor in his second term work as hard as Gov. Bob Riley. The Constitution prohibits Riley from running for a third term, but you would never know that when you look at him everyday. He is in full campaign mode. His ubiquitous daily schedule points to a person running for re-election.

Mary Belk: Walking home from school a memorable experience

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:21:00 CDT

I’ve always felt sorry for children who miss the experience of walking home from school.

Joe Turnham: 2008 session not all bad

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:24:00 CDT

When you look for the worst in something, you usually find it. Public angst with the Alabama Legislature’s high profile failures in 2008 is understood. However, on this patriotic weekend, I want to share with you some positive successes the Alabama Legislature had in the 2008 session. Even amid the disappointments of 2008, many members worked diligently and crossed party lines to enact positive and meaningful legislation.

Mike Hubbard: 2008 session one of worst in memory

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:05:00 CDT

The 2008 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature must be considered among the worst in recent memory due largely to the lack of meaningful legislation passed and the Senate’s failure to approve an education budget before adjournment. The few legitimate successes in the session did not result from bills being passed, but from Republican efforts to defeat several bad bills introduced by Democrats.

BOB MOUNT: What will the world look like in 2060?

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:59:00 CDT

I am not a biblical scholar, but I am familiar with some passages that to me make perfectly good common sense. The Golden Rule is the first of these, and among others is Job 15: 7-10. “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you.