Opinion Archive

Several years ago, while working in LaGrange, Georgia, the newspaper covered a horrific story.

A cooler was found on the side of road, and a dead newborn was inside, leading to a 14-month investigation. A 19-year-old woman was eventually arrested and charged with murder.

As I write this column, I am in the last third of a two-week vacation. What exotic or exciting destination did I visit? Well, first, my yard, then my office, and soon I will be visiting my garage. Mine was a “staycation” involving yard maintenance, office and garage de-cluttering, and an unanticipated repair project in the master bathroom. No, it has not been the most restful vacation I’ve ever taken, but it has been refreshing, nonetheless.

No matter where you live in Santa Rosa County, you have to be proud to have someone representing this area on one of the biggest stages.
In this instance, we’re talking about Navarre alum Emily (Madril) Sams, who is in Paris this week for the 2024 Olympics. She’s an alternate on the United States Women’s National Soccer Team.

A relative recently asked for my opinion on her pastor’s Bible commentary recommendation to her. Of course, the commentaries he recommended are those he uses for his own personal study. I considered his list of three and, whereas they would provide a reader with some interesting information on the Bible, in my opinion, they were not the best for helping someone better understand the message of the Bible.

If there’s anything we know after hearing years – even decades — of debate about incorporating Navarre, it’s this: there are a lot of people out there that believe they know what’s best for Navarre’s future.

A few nights ago, I was up late, sitting on the couch, watching TV.

I was trying to take my mind off the stresses of the world at a too-late hour, well beyond the time I should’ve been in bed.

We have a football all-star game and a basketball all-star game. We also have all-star games for soccer, baseball and softball. Those are the typical sports you’d expect to have a game for simply because they are the high-profile ones in this area.

The Book of Acts describes an encounter between Phillip, a newly minted deacon, and an Ethiopian court official, who was sitting in a chariot reading Isaiah 53. The Spirit of God directed Phillip to ask him if he understood what he was reading. “How can I, unless someone guides me? About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or someone else?” Phillip told him from the Scriptures the good news about Christ Jesus, and that man put his faith in Christ.

We currently have a choice for our next presidential election between a criminal & apparently an extremely aged incumbent president. How did we ever allow this great nation of ours get to this point? On the national level it appears to me my father was correct when he said, “Do you know what the first job is for a politician? I thoughtfully considered numerous options. He replied, “To get re-elected!” I’m 67 & that was passed on to me at least 40 years ago. My father was correct! More Baby Boomer ramblings in the works…

In the Lion King, there’s a memorable scene where Mufasa, king of the Pride Lands, stands with his son, Simba, overlooking Pride Rock. Speaking of the future, Mufasa explains that at some point, his time in the circle of life will end, and it will be Simba’s time to rule.