Local Opinion

A scene from the 2003 movie “The Last Samurai” has stuck with me for all of these years.

Last time, we began looking at the first of four decisions that pave the way toward reconciliation.

On the 246th anniversary of our founding, many Americans will find reason for pessimism about the nation’s future. There are many difficult challenges before us, which I will list shortly. Still, we are also possessed with deep wells of strength from which to craft a free and prosperous future.

There was recently another horrible tragedy of a school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two staff members were killed.

Many years ago, I was in the audience when the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the legendary civil rights activist, election mobilizer and presidential candidate gave a speech. He often used the catchphrase, “Keep hope alive!” when he spoke, and he did so that time. The audience picked it up as a chant. “Keep hope alive!” they called. “Keep hope alive!” It was a memorable bit of political showmanship.

Summer camp was an important feature of my younger years.

The Community Foundation of Jackson County is seeing more charitable gifts made through donors’ retirement funds, whether they be from IRAs or 401(k) plans. They might be a good giving tool for you, too.

If I claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ, reassembling a broken relationship must begin with me.

Today begins a four-article series on recovery in Jackson County.

There is a John Prine song called “When I Get to Heaven,” which foreshadows John’s untimely demise in 2020 where he sings the lyrics “And I always will remember these words my daddy said.”