Partisanship, bipartisanship must coexist
Editor Don Whitten takes a look at partisanship and bipartisanship in politics, particularly at the state and national level, and notes how the two must coexist if our governments are to get anything done. (March 8, 2013, Page 4A)
First lady’s obesity campaign not political
Politics comes into play when people like and approve the president and first lady. However, there are times when politics shouldn’t be a part of it, and Editor Don Whitten writes that one of those times is when first lady Michelle Obama pushes her campaign to end childhood obesity. (March 4, 2013, Page 4A)
Sequestration – finding some middle ground
Webster’s definition of sequestration seems a bit different than what’s being talked about these days. Editor Don Whitten takes a look at a “political economy” definition and the wide range – depending on who you believe – of possible effects of sequestration. (February 27, 2013, Page 4)
Making an unpleasant job more unpleasant
Editor Don Whitten takes note of some of the occupations people have that most of us really don’t like and centers in on one in the news lately – Transportation Security agents at airports. (February 25, 2013, Page 4A)
Is ‘budgeting’ not a word in Washington?
You have to live within a budget. Schools have to go by a budget. Cities and counties have budgets. But what about Congress? So wonder Editor Don Whitten as he writes about the lack of budgeting talks and progress in Washington, D.C. (February 21, 2013, Page 4)
2013 Oxford Film Fest offers lots for locals
The 2013 Oxford Film Festival set for this weekend will offers all types of films, but two areas – music and local films – will probably be of special interest to many of those attending the festival screenings. Editor Don Whitten takes a closer look at some of the offerings, including this year’s community film project. (February 20, 2013, Page 4)
Would you prefer more money or more time off?
Perks and benefits are often the reasons we take, and keep, some of the jobs we have. Editor Don Whitten poses a thought-provoking question in relation to benefits: would you rather have a pay raise or more paid leave? (February 18, 2013, Page 4)
Run for Hope 5K, half marathon next weekend
The days are counting down until the fourth annual Run for Hope Half Marathon and 5K set for Saturday, Feb. 23, in Oxford, and Race Co-Directors Lynn Sloan and Melinda Valliant are busy making last-minute preparations for the competition and all that surrounds the event.
Wage hikes and recessions – related or not?
Editor Don Whitten’s research shows that, since the mid-1970s, most mandatory federal minimum wage increases came before, during or right after recessions in the United States, and he wonders what, if any, relation there might be between the two in light of President Obama’s call to raise the minimum wage to $9 per hour by 2015. (February 15, 2013, Page 4A)
Looking at speeding cops, lawmakers and taxes
Editor Don Whitten offers some answers and opinions about recent questions he’s received, touching on subjects such as why cops seem to speed a lot, why so many laws are introduced but not passed each year, how taxes are collected on lotteries and Ole Miss football recruiting. (February 11, 2013, Page 4)
