The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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As we prepare for Christmas among the most prominent symbols of the season are the lights. Perhaps it would seem almost a foregone conclusion that everyone makes the connection between lights and celebrating the birth of Christ. There are reasons we have trees and wreaths among the various decorations and certainly the Christmas characters in small manger scenes all the way to live displays. However, light precedes them all in order. For the announcement was made both with light and about a...
1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/special_report/1998/10/98/world_war_i/197627.stm 2. http://history1900s.about.com/od/1910s/a/christmastruce_2.htm December, 1914. For over four months, Europe has been embroiled in war. What was initially conceived to be a quick conflict has become a stalemate unlike anything the world has yet seen. With the advent of newer, deadlier weapons of war, the word slaughter has been redefined to accommodate the new world of mass killing. In the first Battle of Ypres,...
Believe it or not we are approaching the fourth year of this legislative quadrennium. The legislature will meet early next year because it is an election year. All 140 seats in the House and Senate are up for election in 2014. These legislators were elected in 2010. Most of them are Republicans. The GOP owns a two to one super majority in both the House and Senate. These folks are not just Republicans in name only, sometimes referred to as “RINOs.” They are real Republicans. They are con...
Twentieth century psychology correctly identified the sources of moral formation. Sigmund Freud, Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg and others showed that moral formation occurs in stages of development. Internalization of the commands and images of the parents plays a strong and vital role in moral formation. Traditional family was the first template for moral formation. Earlier in history, “conscience” was believed to be an inherent part of human nature—something humans are born...
My first Gazette Christmas column contemplated how many are still haunted by Miss Greer Garson’s voice in the opening narration of the 1958 animated version of “The Little Drummer Boy,” one of the few indelible memories which remain from Christmases of my youth. The King James Version of Luke 2:1 reads: “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” Her narration continued with, “To disobey the Roman Emperor mea...
December can be a tricky month in deer hunting. The gun season has been in for a few weeks and there has been enough hunting activity in most areas to alert the deer. Seasoned deer hunters know that whitetails respond quickly to pressure, and the additional sounds and smells associated with hunters cause deer to alter their movements accordingly. However, the pre-rut can be the most exciting time of the year to hunt. Testosterone-filled bucks are starting to become reckless, so if you want to...
On November 30, 2013, the football world was shocked into reality and the BCS race to the national championship was shaken to its knees as the underdog Auburn Tigers miraculously pulled another miracle out of "Malzahn the Magician's" hat. A new but similar bumper sticker will proudly adorn millions of Auburn cars after the Tigers' Chris Davis returned a missed 57 yard field goal attempt by Alabama's Adam Griffith, from nine yards in his own end zone, for the touchdown that ripped the heart out...
I noticed as I drove east on Atlanta Highway that Frazer Methodist Church had something on their marquee about Operation Christmas Child; I know it is a common program at this time of year. Many Montgomerians have participated in Operation Christmas Child, generally through their churches. Children get a kick out of giving as they go to stores with their parent or parents to purchase small items that will go to unknown, less fortunate children in another country. I have done this before and you...
Many years ago, I visited Dr. Jim Fleming's Study Center in Jerusalem. He was, and is, an outstanding archaeologist, teaching at the Hebrew University. Besides his teaching, he operated a non profit ministry with the mission of helping people of all faiths experience the ancient Biblical world, in history and culture. Having been a teacher in a Christian school, and in various church Sunday Schools and Bible Schools, I was keenly aware of the need for children to be engaged in the everyday life...
When the Lord selected Moses to lead his people He set down some rules. The first four dealt with ecclesiastical matters about who was the leader of the team, and the rules related thereto. He then got down to laying down temporal rules, and the first of which concerned honoring fathers and mothers. In Exodus 20:12, He told Moses that he and his followers should honor their fathers and their mothers; respect one’s elders. In short: When you’re young do what they say; when you’re older, take...
Question: How can I get proof of my benefits to apply for a loan? Answer: If you need proof you get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Medicare, you can request a benefit verification letter online through your my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. This letter is sometimes called a “budget letter,” a “benefits letter,” a “proof of income letter,” or a “proof of award letter.” You even can select the information you want included in you...
The recent rash of burglaries in the Ramer and Pintlala area of the county has caused a great amount of concern for the citizens who live in those areas. A town hall type meeting was recently held in Ramer to try to put those concerns to rest. Rumors were rampant and were spreading quickly. Commissioner Reed Ingram and Chief Derrick Cunningham met with the folks recently and most of them were satisfied that we had the problem pretty much under control. It is like a few years ago when the rumors...
The period of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas can make one believe one is in a time warp, for literally time flies at the speed of light. Everywhere there abounds crisper air, and the bustle of children and adults gearing up for one of America's greatest holidays on December 25th. From now on, all eyes are on the countdown of days until Christmas. It is a time of year that many think beyond their own family's needs, and reach out in unbelievable ways to make those less fortunate to be a...
With the most popular holiday just around the corner, it seems like everyone is trying to get into the Christmas spirit. Stores line their aisles with Christmas goodies and decor, TV shows have switched to the theme of giving and love, and Santas are starting to pop up everywhere. And why shouldn't they? After all, it is that time of year. It’s the meaning of the season. Right? Yet, the very first Christmas seemed to do without all of these. The very first Christmas somehow started a frenzy w...
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Several years ago, I was introduced to former Mobile Press Register reporter Eddie Curran, author of The Governor of Goat Hill, and after purchasing his book, I’ve been eagerly waiting for Curran to sink his teeth into another investigative journey regarding Alabama politics. For those unacquainted with Curran’s book, it’s the compilation of his years covering the corruption involving former Gov. Don Siegelman, but also a virtual encyclopedia of political players associated with state gover...