June 2013 archives

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Saturday, June 29, 2013

Which path? What if things were really more like the 'good old days?'

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Americans set aside their cell phones, cut back their schedules and pulled down their fences and talked and shared with one another? What would our children be like? How would our communities...

Friday, June 28, 2013

Not just fireworks: Remember the history as annual Independence Day party begins

It is easy to get distracted by those colorful bursts in the sky. After all, the Fourth of July is one of those holidays that is full of pomp and pageantry. But even though school is not in session,...

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Sad testimony: Future of Michael Jackson's kids is what should matter now

The only thing sadder than hearing that pop singer Michael Jackson's daughter tried to commit suicide is seeing his eldest son testify in a civil case involving his death. There is no question that these children are grieving --...

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Border first: Immigration question should be about a solution

We have been so busy talking about budgets at home that we have not had the time to comment on another important issue being decided right now in Washington, D.C. Immigration -- and what to do about it. There...

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Off the cuff: Commissioners still speak without all the facts

It happened again Monday. No surprise really -- another round of seemingly random budget cuts -- and several targets, including a county literacy program and the county's library system. And with those proposals, more non-facts -- statements that not...

Monday, June 24, 2013

Who's the boss? Seems country ought to be able to recoup vacation costs

It is shocking enough that any president facing this kind of mounting debt would even consider an unnecessary $100 million expenditure. But what is even more disturbing about the president and first family's trip to Africa is that he...

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Stand: We need leadership that doesn't squander community's future

It is not easy to stand up. It is much easier to stand back and to wait for someone to say what you are thinking -- and discussing among friends. But that is not how a community gets better...

Friday, June 21, 2013

The IRS story: How the crusade for Barack Obama got fanatically out of hand

The spin has begun on the Internal Revenue Service scandal in which applications from conservative-leaning groups for tax-exempt status seemed to have a tough row to hoe to achieve approval. Now, it seems, weeks later, an official in the Cincinnati...

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Inspiring: AmeriCorps effort shows how much can be achieved if we all pitch in

A bunch of strangers came to town this week -- and set an example for adults and teens alike. The AmeriCorps volunteers are pitching in at a number of local organizations -- everything from serving meals to senior citizens...

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

A misstep: Board member cannot be part of this discussion

Sometimes the hardest criticism to make is a comment about someone who has had a distinguished career, but who has taken a misstep. And that is the case with Thelma Smith, who sits on the Wayne County Board of Education....

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Oh boy: Chalk this one up to an oops; now listen to others.

Perhaps we were a little too hasty in criticizing the Wayne County commissioners for hiring a spokesperson. Witness, for example, Monday's budget meeting and the debate over funding for Literacy Connections. During the discussion, it was revealed that the...

Monday, June 17, 2013

Practical skills: Perhaps education should have more life skills factored in

English and math are important, no question about it. But perhaps the story of Ivey Nagypal and Morgan Rigsby might suggest that there are other skills we should help our children learn -- whether it be at home, at church...

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Fire on board: Commissioners' heavy-handed approach has spread too far

Sometimes politicians are just scary. And if the alarm has not already gone off for you when it comes to the new board of the Wayne County Commission, get ready. Sirens are starting to sound everywhere. It is not...

Friday, June 14, 2013

Out to Africa: President's trip unwise, ill-timed

It seems that when the going gets tough, President Barack Obama gets going. And this time, it is going to cost $100 million, unless snipers have to be added to fend off the cheetahs. Forget the scandals, forget the questions....

Thursday, June 13, 2013

A message: Racial Justice Act repeal paves way for justice

There are many aspects to consider with regard to the prospective repeal of the Racial Justice Act. Some say it is a step forward, while others say it is a slap against the principles by which this country's court system...

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Tax watch: Debate is critical to state's future

Nothing gets people's blood boiling more than paying taxes. Well, that is until the Obama administration decided to use the Internal Revenue Service as its own political battering ram. And we found out that the National Security Agency has...

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Proud moment: Student and parents' hard work will make dreams come true

Today we told you the story of Santos Saldivar and his parents, Jose and Aurora, and their journey to graduation day. We would be remiss if we did not point out how special this young man is. No one handed...

Monday, June 10, 2013

If it works ... Graduation coaches program has proven its worth

There is one line item in the upcoming city and county budgets that should not even prompt a discussion -- money for the continuation -- and expansion -- of the Communities in Schools graduation coaches program. The concept behind the...

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Buses, priority: School board, district should not accept any excuses

Parents of children in the Wayne County Schools -- and the school board -- should be appalled by the news that the district's bus fleet received one of the worst scores in the state. And they have every right...

Friday, June 7, 2013

Say one thing ... New findings scary because of the trust it erases

Let's be fair: Some monitoring of connections and communications is necessary in an era when militant groups and crazy nuts can call for a jihad with the click of a mouse. So, extra security to protect this nation from...

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Take that: President's appointment more than just filling a job

Rest easy, America. Susan Rice is on the job. President Barack Obama took a moment away from answering the scandals that are plaguing his White House to take a stand Wednesday, appointing Susan Rice national security adviser -- avoiding...

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Heroes tarnished: News about players sad commentary on state of sports

There are many disappointing moments in the world of sports -- and lately, the worst do not involve scores or last-minute offense or defense. After Olympic athletes losing medals because of banned substances and a famous cyclist admitting he...

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Another day ... IRS scandal keeps getting harder to believe

And so today's addition to the ever-unfolding scandal at the Internal Revenue Service is ... (drum roll please). More than $11,000 paid to a happiness consultant to make sure that the employees enjoyed their jobs as they were breaking...

Monday, June 3, 2013

Budget miscue: It is about money spent wisely, not just the tax rate

Funny how the promise of lower taxes can make some leaders single-minded and single-focused. It is exhilarating really -- being able to say you cut the county or state's tax rate. Many politicians believe that such a pronouncement will...

Saturday, June 1, 2013

The secret: Responsibility creates success. Some would have you believe otherwise.

It is difficult these days to get people to understand that sometimes the age-old, time-tested advice is really the best. They think there is a better way -- that there is a secret shortcut that is just waiting to...