“Shoot low boys-they’re riding Shetland ponies.”  This satirical retort authored by now-deceased columnist Lewis Grizzard, seems to be good advice as we prepared for a series of political “cat-fights,” the likes of which we’ve never seen!  The end result will be a budget crisis at all levels of government that trickles down from federal to state levels, eventually saddling local citizens with the brunt of the tax consequences.  Seeking solutions at state and federal level will prove mostly fruitless.  Tax payers must lower their sights and focus on local solutions. 

Now is the time to see if our elected officials in Baton Rouge and St. Tammany Parish are prepared to step up the pace and lead, or will they collectively sulk about in denial, displaying zero political courage while our local communities circle the drain. 

The preliminary bouts have begun with opening volleys fired.  State legislatures have already come to blows on leadership and committee assignments to determine who will...

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               On the playgrounds of our youth we perhaps heard the old rejoinder, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  I am reminded of this idiom when confronted by the puerile utterances of “progressive” ideologues as they attempt to demean the convictions of those opposed to their agenda.  One such disparaging term used by elitist, pundits and politicians alike to describe “Tea Party” advocates is the moniker “wing-nuts.”  This political epithet is used in referring to those they consider holders of extreme views.  Some of these elitists in their customary condescending manner even refer to the advocates as “tea-baggers” and “just a bunch of stupid cultists.”  These same progressives seem not to recognize their own skewed tenets and use these type terms to belittle those that do not subscribe to their venue.  They are, after all, the self-appointed intelligentsia. 

Personally, I’m proud to be called a “wing-nut” and wear this title with pride, and as a badge of honor. ...

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                Inscribed on posters, billboards, bumper stickers and summer outerwear, enshrined in song, and frequently used as patriotic rallying cries are slogans such as “Born in the U.S.A.” and “Proud to be an American,” to name just a few.  Citizenship is implied by these mottos and for most people citizenship is assumed to be a birthright.  This is simply not the case and is a misconception with consequences that continue to plague the Nation.  Citizenship is not necessarily or automatically achieved by virtue of birth.  A person’s place of birth within the territorial jurisdiction of the Nation does not and has never guaranteed citizenship. 

Article 1, Section 8, clause 4 of the United States Constitution expressly gives the Congress power to establish uniform rules concerning citizenship.  Since the ratification of our Constitution in 1787, numerous laws have been enacted to further amplify the definition to include the Fourteenth Amendment in1868.  Subsequent to this Amendment, the U.S. Supreme...

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                      Contrary to popular myth we do not live in a democracy, and hopefully we will never succumb to its false allure.  In their infinite wisdom, our “Founding Fathers” created a most unique bicameral form of government, best described as a representative republic.  As one of our most esteemed founders, John Adams, warned, “Remember, democracy never lasts long.  It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself.  There never was a democracy that did not commit suicide.”  In our founders’ view, democracy is majority rule that is ultimately destructive of liberty because there are no laws and other safeguards to prevent a simple majority from trampling on the rights of the disenfranchised.  

The term democracy is not found in our Nation’s Constitution and for good reason.  We are not a democracy, we are a republic, as specifically stated in Article IV of the Constitution which “guarantee(s) to every State in the Union a Republican form of Government.”  The Federal Government was established under...

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The great American humorist and social commentator Will Rogers once quipped, “thank heavens, we don’t get the government we pay for.”  His insightful message has been somewhat eroded by the changing times in which we live.  Today we can’t afford the government we have and if ever we needed “our money’s worth,” it is now as ominous economic clouds foretell serious consequences for governmental and civic organizations at all levels.  Over the past few decades we have witnessed phenomenal growth in the number and scope of government.  While much attention has been focused on federal issues, the impending impact is at state and local levels where government officials are already scurrying around desperate to find solutions to the crisis caused by a declining revenue base.  Local government and its often overlooked partners, non-governmental organizations, to include charities, are beginning to join hands to tackle problems that may very well defy solutions within the established political system.  Traditionally these same agencies have at times resorted either by cutting services or increasing taxes.  These options will not be palatable to the majority of citizens.  Having grown accustomed to a level of services that will not be surrendered willingly, the electorate expects bold innovative thought in finding alternatives to this economic and political dilemma.   

...

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While rifling through papers strewn across my desk I chanced upon an article I had penned over two year ago.  I maintain copies of previous articles and from time to time review them to refresh my memory on past topics and to avoid redundancy.  This article is an exception.  It is a topic still relevant today and a message well worth repeating.  I have updated the content but the message remains the same.

At civic gatherings, organizational reunions and most of all at military remembrances and ceremonies, where old warriors tend to gather, I quite often share company with new generations of Americans donned in military dress proudly representing their branches of service.  There is a swell of personal pride that always accompanies these encounters along with the haunting words from a mostly forgotten Army ballad.  The words reflect the solemn expressions on their faces, as tattoos are sounded, flags are raised and salutes are rendered.

“When we were needed, we were there

              Well,...

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“On the good ship lollipop, it’s a trip to the candy shop.”  While Shirley Temple’s famous lyrics were never adopted as our official state song, if you listen carefully its rhythmic echo can still be heard in the chambers and halls of our state capitol building.  “Those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end,” but they did.  For decades on end the state bureaucracy, entitlement programs and special dedicated funds have been allowed to burgeon unbridled and unchecked.  “The good ship lollipop” our “ship of state” has now found itself in uncharted waters facing unprecedented navigational hazards.  Those select few who once dined at the captain’s table are being replaced by a new generation of public servants focused on the well being of our citizens and the reinventing of state government.  It is left to a new captain and crew to right our “ship of state” in the middle of a “perfect storm.”

Louisiana and its people are confronted with a set of economic circumstances unique in our history. ...

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“Button, button, who’s got the button?”  is an out-moded children’s game involving concealment and chicanery much like the current “hot-button” issue of health care reform.  The difference of course is that this issue isn’t child’s play, but in an ironical way, it is about children.  While political pundits, special interest groups and the majority of concerned citizens are involved in heated debate on this topic, it is critical that we consider the impact of our decisions on those who are without voice in the controversy.  Misinformation, disinformation and no information clouds what is already a very murky issue.  Children must rely on the wisdom and mature judgment of adults, especially children who currently depend on society for much needed medical and dental assistance.  They are a vulnerable population who would suffer the most if we as a nation don’t get health care reform right.  This is far more than the very real and valid arguments concerning spiraling long-term health care cost projections associated...

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              “We’ve been snookered,” decried the legislators when confronted with the numerous gaffs that occurred during the recently adjourned state legislative session. Doesn’t that strike a familiar chord? “I didn’t have time to read it” or “I didn’t know anything about it.” The responses were all too familiar and disappointing.

 Sandwiched between the proclamation that designated May 13th as Planned Parenthood Day and the lurid vocals of “Hurricane Chris” giving us a taste of his musical talents, was a series of “rookie-dos” and “fugaboos” coupled with an inordinate amount of ill-advised legislation. Time was found to debate a helmet law, cell phone usage and many special interest items but what about fiscal issues? Wasn’t that the intent of the session? Wasn’t this session to lay the foundation for long-term changes to the way government operates? State Senator Rob Marionneaux got it right! ...”this was not a pretty session.”

 

Perhaps my expectations were a bit lofty, idealistic or...

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Recently while rummaging through an assortment of my personal military memorabilia I came across a box containing various flags and banners. After three decades of service perhaps it’s not surprising that I’ve collected a rather eclectic assemblage of regimental standards, guidons and national colors. Most of these flags were presented to me at command ceremonies and related events but one stands out among the collection. Its history is somewhat different from the rest. It’s an old, worn and tattered flag that should have been ceremoniously cashiered many years ago. To most observers it’s just an old frayed flag that has obviously endured its share of hardships, but to me it’s a reminder of a superb band of soldiers with which I was once privileged to serve. It now lies carefully folded and tucked away, as it has been for many years, but finding it rekindled memories I had not thought of for quite some time. It is amazing the level of sentiment that can be tied to a flag. This old standard is to me much...

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I was raised in what I consider to be a fairly typical southern family. Together we attended a small rustic Methodist Church located on the outskirts of town. All of the elders, to include my parents, have since passed away, but the belief and value system they collectively imparted to me has remained as part of their legacy. I cherish the fond memories of that church and its people.

 

It was a very patriotic congregation, filled with many veterans and their families. Both our National Flag and Christian Standard were given prominent places on each side of the pulpit. On special commemorative occasions our church’s Boy Scout Troop would “post the colors” and we would join in singing many patriotic songs from an old Cokesbury hymnal. We don’t seem to sing as many of these anthems anymore. With the exception of our National Anthem, many of these musical expressions, such as the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “God Bless America” and “My Country Tis of Thee” seem to receive less and less popularity. Let’s...

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You could see it in their eyes and you could sense the passion that this communal concourse of patriots had in their hearts. Their placards displayed both witticism and originality but it was their united voice that melded the message.

 

April 15th was “Tax Day” and we were gathered together to participate in a nationally held “Tea Party.” It was a day to remember. I’ll not soon forget the emotion of the crowd and the fever pitch the participants exuded. It was an honor to mingle among them and to address the concerns of this spirited group. The voice of the people was heard.

 

In recognition of this celebration of freedom I decided to present a synopsis of the thoughts I shared with the assembled group. It is not verbatim. I spoke from fragmented notes and from the heart, but it is an accurate expression of my comments. Here is what I had to say in my address:

 

“It is an honor to be with you today. This gathering reinforces my abiding faith in our great Nation...

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It’s been said that “the best throw of the dice is to throw them away.” My sentiments exactly! A recent proposal to create a local “entertainment district,” replete with casino gambling is an interesting but not compelling concept. Some may view this as a means to enhance our declining tax base and an economic catalyst while others see it as a social and perhaps even religious affront to the values of the community. I, on the other hand, tend to assess the issue with a purely economic argument.