The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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That’s the way many want to celebrate Christmas today. The secularizers note that America is more diverse than it used to be, that we shouldn’t offend others, that saying “Merry Christmas” might be bad for business, and that public Christmas observances might even violate the First Amendment. Then they deliver their crowning blow: “Besides, everybody knows Jesus wasn’t born in December.” But saying “everybody knows” begs the question, as saying “all scholars agree” defines anyone who doesn’t ag...
This year’s Christmas column is once again intended to be at least one sobering moment in veneration of our Saviour’s birth; reaffirming the importance of standing against tyranny in this world. My devout, wholehearted prayer is all who know the Power of Jesus Christ’s teachings will take Him into their hearts this blessed season and overcome alethophobic [fear of truth] distractions and destruction by those make government(s) their god. Little surprise as more deny/reject God’s Truth, enabled...
The Relevance: Through CHRIST God came to earth! “The Word (Jesus) became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” -John 1:14 NIV “ The Virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,,and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”) -Matthew 1:23 NIV Christmas is relevant for you and me, because Jesus Christ came to earth on that first Christmas to reveal God’s heart towards us. The wonder of Christmas is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago, because Jesus is still walking...
We had a very distinguished congressional delegation from Alabama during the 30-year span of 1934-1964. The congressmen from the Heart of Dixie appeared to be born to serve in Congress. Their pedigrees were all similar. They had pretty much been born and raised in the town that they would eventually represent in Congress. Almost all had gone to the University of Alabama for their education and most had graduated from Alabama’s Law School. While at the Capstone, most had been members of Greek f...
When James Monroe addressed Congress 200 years ago, many assumed his annual message would be limited to legislative initiatives. Since he had no spin doctors to help him explain his position, clarify its broad impact, or narrate its context, it was left to him to simply announce the Monroe Doctrine and let others decide its ramifications. Two centuries ago, the New World was shedding Old World political connections as new nation states were emerging after achieving independence. President...
Several years ago, I read with interest an article about Anti-DWI devices in several states being installed on vehicles of convicted drunk drivers. On the surface it sounds like a great idea and I must admit that at least some politicians are trying to keep word on being tougher regarding their state laws. At one level, it seems like many new politicians want to do the right thing in many instances. But the anti-DWI device can be both a good and a bad thing. First the good. America seems to be...
Mr. Speaker, I read with great interest and frustration the 1819 News article, “Rampant' illegal gambling in Jefferson County shows need for enforcement arm, House Speaker Ledbetter says.” In the past, advocacy for legalized gambling was all about the need for additional revenues. Now that state coffers are overflowing with surplus revenue in the General and Education Trust Funds, however, the “new message” to legalize gambling has turned into the need for a Gaming Regulatory Commiss...
From 1980-1986 medical malpractice cases soared over 25% from the prior years. Not only did the cases increase, but the payouts doubled and I noted many law firms were a part of that, I recall rumors of one Alabama lawyer having difficulty in getting medical care because of their involvement as a plaintiff’s attorney. The Alabama legislature met and revamped the medical malpractice laws in 1987. Prior to 1987 some insurance companies incurred grave losses, so much that some companies no l...
T he War for Southern Independence impacte d events worldwide. In Great Britain debates raged as to why their “American Co usins” w ere i n conflict. Two renowned Englishmen – John Stuart Mill and Charles Dickens -- sparred over this very matter. This was not their first disagreement. John Stuart Mill was a poli tica l eco nomi st, politic ian, and p hilosopher who endorsed utilitarianism, a theory that advocated maximizati on of h ap pin ess and well -being. He supp orted fre e speec h, free...
In my November article about the JFK assassination and others, some people might conclude that Lyndon Johnson’s misdeeds, or at least most of them, had already been covered. After all, his assassinations alone were worthy of a dozen public executions. What more could he have done? There is much more—as Amazon would say it, “A Truckload More.” LBJ was not a nice man by any stretch. He was a heavy drinker and had no qualms about maintaining simultaneous sexual partners. He was very ill-man...
Ensign Cecil H. Prescott Jr.: Age 98 Ensign Cecil H. Prescott Jr. served three years on active duty with the U.S. Navy and two years with the U.S. Navy Reserve. His Military Occupational Specialty and ranks were Pharmacist Mate Third Class while on active duty and as Flight Surgeon with the Navy Reserve as Ensign. He received the following medals, awards, decorations and citations: Victory Medal, Atlantic-Pacific Medal and American Theater Medal. Ensign Prescott was born to his parents, Cecil...
Major Timothy Lawrence Tormey: Age 47 Major Timothy Lawrence Tormey served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was Helicopter Pilot and then Tilt-rotor Pilot. He flew the CH-46E helicopter and the MV-22B Osprey and served four tours in Iraq. He received the following medals, decorations, badges, citations and campaign ribbons: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal-Strike Flight eight), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Presidential...
Petty officer Third Class Shanarik Deone McNeal: Age 42 Petty Officer Third Class (PO-3) Shanarik D. McNeal served four years in the United States Navy. His Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) was Aviation Ordinanceman. He received the National Defense Service Medal. PO-3 Shanarik was born November 14, 1981 at Los Angeles, CA, to his mother, Belinda Wilson and father George McNeal. After graduation from George Washington Preparatory School in June 1999, he volunteered and enlisted for service in...
Master Sergeant Paul Robert Williamson: Age 75 Maser Sergeant (MSgt) Paul Robert Williamson served 22 years in the United States Marine Corps. His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was Cobol Programmer and Small Computer Systems Specialist. Prior to these, his MOS included Field Radio Operator, Communications and Recruiting. MSgt Williamson is a highly decorated Marine who demonstrated great valor and received two Purple Hearts while serving in Vietnam. In addition, he received the...
That’s the question we’re answering in the latest episode of our audio series, SSA Talks. Our Chief Actuary Steve Goss sheds light on our trust funds and how they relate to your future benefits. The 12-minute episode includes a fact sheet and transcript. The fact sheet provides more information about the trust funds and how much protection our benefits offer. We invite you to visit our SSA Talks page at www.ssa.gov/news/audio-series. html to listen and subscribe to receive alerts about fut...
Christmas time is here again with all of the chores of decorating inside and out. But I have been noticing decorations, gift baskets, Christmas wrapped candy and Christmas themed cookies since Halloween. It appeared that Thanksgiving was lost in the shuffle. I just hate to rush the season, but it is truly time now to get ready to have the finest Christmas ever. One thing, that with all the reminders, we should be well prepared with no last minute shopping this year. If you are searching for a...
This time of year, orange fills the woods. It confirms gun season has come. I’ve sat in many places, thinking I was the only one around, only to scan the horizon with my binoculars to discover an orange vest in a tree closer than I wanted. I can remember one time while hunting in Muhlenberg, Kentucky, staying in a hotel, and nearly every single occupant either leaving early that morning or coming in late that evening, with an orange hat and vest on. It was a hotel from heaven. Years ago, fish a...
There is a quiet calm that falls over Alabama at Christmas time. Stars seem to be more brightly scattered over a broader more open sky. The type of sky with such depth it can make you believe in miracles and wishes coming true. In destiny, and in fate...if you believe in such things of course. There is a wreath or ribbon on most every door by now and twinkling lights blinking in colors. There are candles in windows, and decorated trees peeking through open drapes. It is the season of peace and h...
I once of the story of a family during the great depression was unable to afford anything but the bare necessities. One day the news came that a circus was coming to town. Tickets cost one dollar. The little boy came running home excited and eager to get the money from his dad. The father regretfully told his boy that he could not provide him with that much money, but if he went out and worked on odd jobs, he might make enough to purchase a ticket on his own. The dad promised to match what the...
Have a Blessed Christmas Most of the recipes I post are entrée's and are meant for a family lunch or dinner party. Occasionally, I get requests for certain types of recipes, such as desserts. Winter and the Christmas holidays are good times to introduce recipes that are desserts and are sweet. Cakes and pies are popular this time of year and I have gotten several requests for cakes that will go with the meal that is usually served at a Christmas dinner. The cakes are popular during the...