As I was contemplating writing a column pleading for more mature and measured bipartisan efforts in the face of our nation’s presumed forthcoming fiscal disaster, I recalled the column I wrote exactly four years ago about a “purple coalition” and what the Volunteer State could offer America’s new president early on in his administration. Though [...]
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Longtime public servant dies at 59
Edwards worked on World Fair, 2000 Gore staff and Sports Authority, among others Emmett A. Edwards, a businessman and public servant for more than three decades, died Monday at Vanderbilt University Medical Center due to complications from lung cancer. He was 59. Born in Covington, Tenn., in May of 1953, Edwards graduated in his high [...]
Metro “sugar” makes the tax medicine go down easier
Most of us are familiar with the lyrics from the famed ‘60s Disney musical film, Mary Poppins: “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, the medicine go down…” The “medicine” I’m referring to is the current proposed property tax increase in our fair city while “the sugar” is something I have enjoyed [...]
Democrats playing lethal game with guns
As this final (allegedly) legislative week unfolds, my fellow Democrats (the remaining few left in the General Assembly) brought shame to our party. Playing political games can be entertaining, but to play games with guns is no laughing or recreational matter. The overall story is the battle over guns in parking lots. Tennessee has been [...]
Seatbelt program spreads a good idea statewide
“Give me a Big O,” the team of energetic fifth-grade cheerleaders shouted out. “O” was the resounding answer from more than 1,000 first, second and third-graders at a Tennessee elementary school recently. The cheerleaders and their enthusiastic responders continued to spell out: “O-L-L-I-E,” until they reached the finale: “What have you got?” “OLLIE, OLLIE!” the [...]
Possible Way to Stop the English Only Madness
During the current session of the state legislature, I have found it embarrassing to watch the asinine attempts of a dozen lawmakers as they have worked, once more, to sully the reputation of the Volunteer State. I am referring to the proposed driver’s license tests in English-only legislation (SB0063/HB0262). This bill is not only insulting, [...]
Correct choice, right time
The proverbial statement from the Book of Ecclesiastes,” To everything there is a season,” always circles back to remind us of its wisdom. Such is the case with the recent action taken by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). Last month, the TBR tapped John Morgan, the state’s current deputy governor, as chancellor of the [...]
Nashville Eye Higher Ed Feels Hit
When does enough finally become too much? Tennessee may be reaching that point in one significantly critical area as the state budget belt tightens in response to an economic downturn. That area: Higher education. As one who has been privileged to work in higher education (University of Tennessee) and to consult with the nation’s sixth [...]