Rich: Nicole’s wisdom

“In so much as it is within your control in a situation, be kind.” My niece, Nicole, was telling me about a family meeting that she and her husband, Jay, had recently conducted with their five children. That commandment was the meeting’s foundation.

Crane: Knowing when it’s time to go home

I first had the pleasure of meeting U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky in Scottsdale, Ariz., roughly six months into his first term.McConnell was energetic, vibrant, quick-witted, and very thoughtful in his public policy position statements. McConnell is now the U.S.

Letters to the Editor: Time to make waves in Lake Country?

Dear Editor, You kindly wrote an article about me and my 20/20 for 2024 hats ( The Eatonton Messenger, Sept. 7, A3). I first came up with the hat idea to voice my concerns about our government in D.C., aka “The rich men north of Richmond.

Letters to the Editor: Applauding progress on Putnam STR ordinance

Dear Editor, Often proposals before the Putnam County Board of Commissioners place them between a rock and a hard place: a darned if you do, darned if you don’t situation. Their handling of issues raised concerning the Short-Term Vacation Rental Ordinance is a perfect example.

Crane: Only time travel can change the past

Though I have never been a legislator, nor a lawyer, nor have I even played one on television, I have a more than basic understanding of how laws are made, take effect, and the legislative process. Here is a simple primer with some examples which folks might find helpful.

Op-Ed: Public vs. private education funding not a simple equation

I am opposed to the unproven idea of “let the money follow the child” as described in the bill passed by the Georgia Senate but rejected by the House. The one proven legal path out of poverty has been public education. This idea narrows that pathway.

Yarbrough: Kemp’s increasing political influence

A few short years ago Brian Kemp was one of our most underrated and understated governors. Not anymore. Today, he is a power to be reckoned with, both in the state and nationally. Who saw it coming? I didn’t. Former Lt. Gov.

Smith: Coast-to-coast arrivals

With the semester system in place at most colleges across the country, most incoming freshmen have now settled in, beginning a journey that should be enhanced by their campus experience.

Rich: The photo and the Bible

It happened 15 years ago yet the memory sticks to me like cotton candy to a child’s hand. I still puzzle over it. Paducah, Kentucky, was a stop on a Mississippi riverboat cruise for which I had been hired as a storyteller. When the boat docked, I strolled down the picturesque streets.

Adair: August critter report from the R’n’P

It is August in Georgia, and the days are still hot and humid. So deal with it. The way I have come to deal with the dog days of August when I am outside is simply to sit. And to sit as still as possible. Do nothing to work up a lather. Mainly, I “adjourn to the R’nP’.