opinions
For Me And My House — By John Reed
As For Me And My House This wonderful scripture in Joshua chapter 24 comes in the middle of a longer passage about choices. Well worth a read, even in modern editions…the King James Version, translation errors aside, is still my preference. I thought of this phrase after getting into a flame war online. I’m embarrassed…
Read MoreOur Winter’s Discontent — By John Reed
Our Winter’s Discontent The thin green rime on my windshield is yet another reminder that Spring is nearly here. Soon my sinus cavities will confirm the avalanche of pollen that’s on the way. I think most folks will agree this has been one of the toughest winters in decades, and I don’t mean the weather.…
Read MoreTime To Catch Up With The Rest Of The World — By Tommy Purser
When I came to Hazlehurst in 1973, I was surprised to find the county had no county-wide building code, no code enforcer, no land use plans, no zoning, etc. When I suggested such things would be a good, progressive idea, I was met with skepticism. For many years I advocated for the county to adopt…
Read MoreWhat’s So Bad About Expanding GOP Base? — By Tommy Purser
No sooner did the Georgia Legislature enter the 2021 session than Republican lawmakers began working on legislation to address “election integrity” — which is code for “let’s look at ways to limit who gets to vote.” Republican State Sen. Blake Tillery says he expects at least a dozen more “election” bills to be introduced after…
Read MoreWe’ll Be OK — By John Reed
We’ll Be OK Regular readers know I’m an optimist. Even as current events seek to turn our eyes downward, I remain convinced things will be ok in the long term. I believe the virus-related efforts at cleanliness and antiseptic procedures will help with other infectious diseases too. Maybe the flu and the common cold will…
Read More2020: A Tragic Year — By Tommy Purser
The year 2020 will be looked back on for decades to come as perhaps the worst year in the history of the country …. and in Jeff Davis County. The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed the way we lived our lives as it raged and spread with millions of Americans facilitating the spread, as they viewed…
Read MoreRehab — By Tommy Purser
While I have not yet decided what, if any, New Year’s resolutions I will make, if I had to make a list, at the top of it would be to continue at home what I have learned so far from seven rehab sessions over the last few weeks. I am rehabbing from a table saw…
Read MoreMake Me Smile — By Tommy Purser
An update from a decades old column I wrote: Things that would make me smile on Christmas day: A blanket of snow on the ground outside my window. A hot cup of coffee to cut the winter chill. The sight of flames dancing in the warmth of a roaring fire. Out of control laughter from…
Read MoreChristmas Wishes — By John Reed
Christmas Wishes There was a time when kids would behave for a least a few days or weeks so they would stay on Santa’s “good” list. The concept of certain behaviors meriting certain outcomes was learned early. Now apparently all you need to do is inhale to merit free college or $20 an hour burger…
Read MoreElections of the past
The 2020 election has had me thinking a lot about how elections in Jeff Davis County were conducted 30, 40, 50 years ago, although my experience only goes back 47 years to 1973. In the 70s, 80s and 90s in Jeff Davis County, election tabulations were an event of great interest and significance among the…
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