The national anthem and flags – what gives?
Local columnist T.J. Ray takes a look at how the national anthem is often performed before major sporting events and the way the U.S. flag is treated, wondering why people seem willing to disrespect both. (February 2, 2012, Page 4)
Who’s Colored?
Local columnist Jimmy Reed recalls some wise words from his mentor, Jaybird, and American writer Thomas Dreier as they taught him about equality and color. (January 31, 2012, Page 4)
Recent wreck not a normal one
What usually happens following a fender-bender? Trouble with insurance companies and body shops? Local columnist T.J. Ray tells the story of a recent wreck that went about as well as anyone could hope for – for a change. (January 26, 2012, Page 4)
Justice Will Be Served
Local columnist Jimmy Reed sees a comparison between some of today’s politicians and Old Testament king Rehoboam, noting that sometimes their actions are rejected and justice is served in the end. (January 24, 2012, Page 4)
Consolidation can be part of school management
Local columnist T.J. Ray takes on the subject of education funding and one answer that’s been suggested often but not always taken: consolidation. (January 20, 2012, Page 4A)
Historical ‘shames’ should be shared, not censored
With Martin Luther King Jr. Day this week, local columnist Deidra Jackson takes a look at her feelings about that history, the iconic Lorraine Motel in Memphis and how some schools are glossing over parts of our past that should not be forgotten or overlooked. (January 19, 2012, Page 4)
Neither Should He Eat
An initial assignment in one of local columnist Jimmy Reed’s classes eventually led to Reed being a mediator as his students discussed Occupy Wall Street. In the end, Reed added his own thoughts about hard work and production. (January 17, 2012, Page 4)
Ablation!
Local columnist Jimmy Reed takes a look at some of God’s creations (good food, fish, salads, et cetera) and Satan’s responses (sugary snacks, pastries, salad dressing, et cetera) after a recent visit to his doctor discussing another of God’s wonderful creations – doctors who can perform ablation. (January 10, 2012, Page 4)
Getting into the store is often half the challenge
Local columnist T.J. Ray writes about a pre-Christmas shopping trip, pointing out problems that some folks seem to have with reading handicap parking signs, driving with cell phones to their ears and getting in the wrong lines to check out. (January 10, 2012, Page 4)
The antidote to bullying is strong on policy
Remember those kids or groups of classmates you’d just as soon not have to pass by when you were growing up. What they were doing – bullying, whether we called it that or not – is as bad, if not worse, these days. Local columnist Deidra Jackson takes on bullying to show that it’s something we have to tackle head on. (January 5, 2012, Page 4)
