Home Update News Sports Classifieds Opinion Obituaries Lifestyle Photos & Video Community OPINION Opinion Columns More Columns Columns RSS Feed Letters to the Editor More Letters Letters RSS Feed Submit Letters to Editor Update News Weather Feature Stories Election Results Sports Opinion Obituaries Lifestyle Submit News Classifieds Advertising Department Photos & Video Community Blogs Business Directory Church Directory Medical Directory About WCMessenger Contact WCMessenger Subscribe       All Opinion Columns JusPhoPhun - sometimes that's what it's all about Sunday, October 12, 2008 There's more on the ballot than the presidential race Sunday, October 12, 2008 Shining the light on government meetings Thursday, October 9, 2008 Police repression can get costly Thursday, October 9, 2008 Four tips for college seekers Sunday, October 5, 2008 Libertarians could help Democratic candidates Sunday, October 5, 2008 A bailout that sacrifices freedom for dependency Sunday, October 5, 2008 LaHood is rare example of true bipartisanship Thursday, October 2, 2008 Sorry, no resting after the election Thursday, October 2, 2008 For would-be U.S. senator, Texas a big state Sunday, September 28, 2008 Three energy steps for a new president Sunday, September 28, 2008 Remembering the voice of Panthers football Thursday, September 25, 2008 Support programs for youth Thursday, September 25, 2008 Texas transparency and the growth of government Thursday, September 25, 2008 Electoral College causes Texans to miss lots of presidential campaign Sunday, September 21, 2008 People lose homes, banks live richly Sunday, September 21, 2008 Introducing the next generation of journalism Thursday, September 18, 2008 What kind of lessons are we teaching? Thursday, September 18, 2008 The wait for educational options continues Thursday, September 18, 2008 You want change? Make three circles. Sunday, September 14, 2008 Can they bring us together? Sunday, September 14, 2008 Can we put civility back into public policy debates? Thursday, September 11, 2008 It's time to put voting in the constitution Thursday, September 11, 2008 McCain earns salute, but not my vote Sunday, September 7, 2008 Sarah Palin and John McCain: A heartbeat away Sunday, September 7, 2008 Troops deployed abroad give 6 to 1 to Obama Sunday, September 7, 2008 Six rules of shopping courtesy Thursday, September 4, 2008 Child care shortages leave parents in the dark Thursday, September 4, 2008 Can Obama turn red western states blue? Sunday, August 31, 2008 Gore's challenge puts the heat on Sunday, August 31, 2008 The harrowing ride of the cat named 'Lucky' Thursday, August 28, 2008 The changing trends of attire and coffee Thursday, August 28, 2008 Domestic and agricultural wells will benefit most from district Sunday, August 24, 2008 I support Harrold ISD Sunday, August 24, 2008 Could the Hillary healing process be a Trojan Horse? Sunday, August 24, 2008 It's election time, and that means mudslinging Thursday, August 21, 2008 Throwing our troops to the sharks Thursday, August 21, 2008 Edwards affair and Democrats Sunday, August 17, 2008 We can all relate to this non-traditional vampire tale Sunday, August 17, 2008 The greatest football player you've never heard of Thursday, August 14, 2008 Lawmakers cash in as lobbyists Thursday, August 14, 2008 Keeping Texas ahead in an increasingly global economy Thursday, August 14, 2008 A running mate is more than a ticket-balancer Sunday, August 10, 2008 Minimum wage raise must be quicker, beefier Sunday, August 10, 2008 The latest Newseum Thursday, August 7, 2008 FEMA - Emergencies aren't us Thursday, August 7, 2008 The bedfellows, they are strange Sunday, August 3, 2008 Education system should focus on learning, not testing Sunday, August 3, 2008 Wise County Reunion gains another fan Thursday, July 31, 2008 Let's talk about why we used 'those words' Thursday, July 31, 2008 All choked up over this Mansion mess Thursday, July 31, 2008 Kansas a U.S. Senate bargain compared to Texas Sunday, July 27, 2008 So it was about oil after all Sunday, July 27, 2008 About that e-mail you sent last week... Thursday, July 24, 2008 Human rights gone sour at Olympics Thursday, July 24, 2008 Will irked voters wander? Sunday, July 20, 2008 Video game economics Sunday, July 20, 2008 Dealing with loneliness Sunday, July 20, 2008 Small towns afford professional relationships Thursday, July 17, 2008 Gender, not race, will be decisive Thursday, July 17, 2008 Party-switcher hopes to unseat buddy Sunday, July 13, 2008 Texas-sized transparency Sunday, July 13, 2008 The first assignment Sunday, July 13, 2008 You don't have to finish first to display heart of a champion Thursday, July 10, 2008 More health care requires more choices Thursday, July 10, 2008 Little-known rules for July 4th fireworks Sunday, July 6, 2008 Obama team to help in Texas Sunday, July 6, 2008 First day of internship a little overwhelming Sunday, July 6, 2008 Home of the brave Thursday, July 3, 2008 Healthy small town growth requries cooperation Thursday, July 3, 2008 The last fight of Curtis Enis Sunday, June 29, 2008 Bob Bullock would think business tax unrest a hoot Sunday, June 29, 2008 A Cuban perspective Thursday, June 26, 2008 Are we denying school dropouts a second chance? Thursday, June 26, 2008 Hutchison ramping up for governor race? Sunday, June 22, 2008 Driving was sure fun while it lasted Sunday, June 22, 2008 Rehabilitation key to prison system Thursday, June 19, 2008 Partisans continue assault on voting rights Thursday, June 19, 2008 Celebrating the man who gives his all Sunday, June 15, 2008 Democrats and Republicans seek party unity Sunday, June 15, 2008 Technology is changing the way we read Thursday, June 12, 2008 Goofy on Baghdad Thursday, June 12, 2008 Democrats hope for unity Sunday, June 8, 2008 Making less crime pay Sunday, June 8, 2008 Remembering the murder of James Byrd Jr. Thursday, June 5, 2008 Wealth carried to an extreme Thursday, June 5, 2008 Hispanics' try for more Democratic delegates nixed Sunday, June 1, 2008 Tap water is cheaper and better than bottled water Sunday, June 1, 2008 Guess what's America's terrorist target Thursday, May 29, 2008 Bullying in the 21st Century Thursday, May 29, 2008 The Texas Ambition Tube Sunday, May 25, 2008 Dependency mindset limits health care choices Sunday, May 25, 2008 Telecom taxes on the decline Thursday, May 22, 2008 Can we fence off America? Thursday, May 22, 2008 Kinder and gentler in Washington? Sunday, May 18, 2008 Seeking the promised land Sunday, May 18, 2008 Teaching the Bible in public schools Thursday, May 15, 2008 Iraq 'cops' crack down on outlaws Thursday, May 15, 2008 Waste not, Wise County, for everyone's sake Sunday, May 11, 2008 High court allows requiring picture IDs to vote Sunday, May 11, 2008 For Texans, a "Proposition 13" moment Thursday, May 8, 2008 Politics often hinder solutions to problems Thursday, May 8, 2008 Obama/Clinton ticket? Not likely. Sunday, May 4, 2008 The emerging water crisis in the U.S. Sunday, May 4, 2008 Wind power whips through Texas Thursday, May 1, 2008 Austin makes the terrorist list Thursday, May 1, 2008 Citizens deserve better from Rhome leaders Sunday, April 27, 2008 Hanging up on unwanted phone calls Thursday, April 24, 2008 The deliberate deceit of drug ads Thursday, April 24, 2008 No child left behind at Mormon sect's ranch Sunday, April 20, 2008 An early lesson in private property rights Sunday, April 20, 2008 It's time to ponder presidential legacies Thursday, April 17, 2008 Forest service caters to mining company Thursday, April 17, 2008 What freedom means to me Sunday, April 13, 2008 When leadership is needed for Texas kids Sunday, April 13, 2008 Living by the 'Cowboy Code' Thursday, April 10, 2008 One salary doesn't fit all Thursday, April 10, 2008 Texas Democrats overwhelmed, enthused, by turnout Sunday, April 6, 2008 Payday loans are legalized usury Sunday, April 6, 2008 Missing the big picture in insurance debate Thursday, April 3, 2008 To err is human, and sometimes quite humorous Thursday, April 3, 2008 Bob Bullock, the last of the Texas political gunslingers Sunday, March 30, 2008 Here's a better stimulus plan Sunday, March 30, 2008 Should Texas bureaucrats police roses and tacos? Thursday, March 27, 2008 East Texas boxer found success in and out of ring Thursday, March 27, 2008 Obama meets race issue head-on Sunday, March 23, 2008 Flouting the law while flying the flag Sunday, March 23, 2008 Dem convention needs Florida and Michigan Thursday, March 20, 2008 Small papers reveal some unusual stories Thursday, March 20, 2008 Wise County weathers political blizzard Sunday, March 16, 2008 A record primary turnout for Democrats Sunday, March 16, 2008 Odd couple leads to a little investigative work Thursday, March 13, 2008 The war budget could buy a lot Thursday, March 13, 2008 Hillary survives perfect storm - for now Sunday, March 9, 2008 Preventing the fires of abuse Sunday, March 9, 2008 Reaching across the centuries Thursday, March 6, 2008 Surrendering to the terrorists Thursday, March 6, 2008 Recycling - it's time for Decatur to pitch in Sunday, March 2, 2008 Clinton-Obama debate buzz stirs Texas Sunday, March 2, 2008 The economic trepidations of the rich Thursday, February 28, 2008 Texas no longer repeat offender on prisons Thursday, February 28, 2008 Big Democratic Primary turnout could affect House races Sunday, February 24, 2008 We need to break the chain of inaccurate e-mails Sunday, February 24, 2008 Subsidizing manure lagoons Thursday, February 21, 2008 Publishers Note Thursday, February 21, 2008 Will King lose his golden touch with voters? Sunday, February 17, 2008 In health care, government is the problem Thursday, February 14, 2008 The Olympics: Let the spying begin Jim Hightower Movie reminds us of those who fought for equality Sunday, February 10, 2008 Bush's economic plan worked Sunday, February 10, 2008 Money for nothing, rings for free Thursday, February 6, 2008 Don't blame China for taxes - blame us Thursday, February 6, 2008 Rescue workers respond to fire, even if technology doesn't Sunday, February 3, 2008 Travis County Democrats will pick new ethics enforcer Sunday, February 3, 2008 2008 presidential ad wars hatched in Austin? Sunday, January 27, 2008 Cleaner energy means cleaner air Thursday, January 24, 2008 The cost of living extremely well Thursday, January 24, 2008 Health care for all should be part of the general welfare Sunday, January 20, 2008 Rick Noriega would be smart to debate Sunday, January 20, 2008 I buy, therefore I am Thursday, January 17, 2008 Lawsuit could be key to limiting gov't growth, new tax Thursday, January 17, 2008 Ric the toll road warrior dies Sunday, January 13, 2008 Why not healthcare for all? Sunday, January 13, 2008 The E. coli loophole Thursday, January 10, 2008 A new year brings new hope Thursday, January 10, 2008 Might Texas be a presidential primary player after all? Sunday, January 6, 2008 More Texas sunshine in Washington Sunday, January 6, 2008 Wise and Otherwise Thursday, January 3, 2008 Thanks for the perspective Thursday, January 3, 2008 Courthouse problems reached biblical proportions in '07 Sunday, December 30, 2007 Man's best friend Sunday, December 30, 2007 Small acts of kindness are appreciated Thursday, December 27, 2007 Craddick gets challengers Thursday, December 27, 2007 Search for missing cow reveals reason for season Sunday, December 23, 2007 Rick Perry underlines W's lame-duckness Sunday, December 23, 2007 Washington's answer to energy problems doesn't add up Thursday, December 20, 2007 Keep your chip out of my arm Thursday, December 20, 2007 Gov Perry: TEA needs reorganization Sunday, December 16, 2007 TEA monkeying with science education Sunday, December 16, 2007 Think outside the bottle Thursday, December 13, 2007 Football Follies 2007 Thursday, December 13, 2007 It's no picnic being rich Sunday, December 9, 2007 Continuing agriculture policies that work Thursday, December 6, 2007 Subsidizing nuclear disaster Thursday, December 6, 2007 It's not rocket science: Teaching kids math and science Sunday, December 2, 2007 Keeping a child healthy shouldn't be this hard Thursday, November 29, 2007 Should the state license human beings? Thursday, November 29, 2007 Texas public schools: A critical need Sunday, November 25, 2007 Busy Bush has time to run the real world Sunday, November 25, 2007 Thanksgiving: The expression of gratitude and generosity Thursday, November 22, 2007 The hedge-fund blues Thursday, November 22, 2007 Uncertain times, shifting alliances in Texas politics Sunday, November 18, 2007 Texas tort reform: Just what the doctor ordered Sunday, November 18, 2007 Smokers, try a breath of fresh air Thursday Thursday, November 15, 2007 Bush's silly summit on warming Thursday, November 15, 2007 God bless our heroes Sunday, November 11, 2007 Schools can't break addiction to higher taxes Thursday, November 8, 2007 When traveling, there's no place like home Thursday, November 8, 2007 Smashmouth politics: Will Obama take the bait? Sunday, November 4, 2007 The coalition goes home Sunday, November 4, 2007 Risky toys are shortcut to delicious profits Thursday, November 1, 2007 Romney falling victim to voters' religious discrimination Thursday, November 1, 2007 Perry endorsing Giuliani: Best VP shot? Sunday, October 28, 2007 Facts show electric deregulation is clearly a success Sunday, October 28, 2007 Correct competition in corrections Thursday, October 25, 2007 A brothel for agribusiness Thursday, October 25, 2007 Local groundwater protectiton is crucial Sunday, October 21, 2007 Sen. Hutchison to Gov. Hutchison? Sunday, October 21, 2007 Proposed constitutional ammendments Sunday, October 21, 2007 The hidden cost of remedial education Thursday, October 18, 2007 Oil? Gracious no! It's not about oil! Thursday, October 18, 2007 Proposed constitutional ammendments Thursday, October 18, 2007 Down with baggy pants; save our teenagers Sunday, October 14, 2007 Wall Street is busy selecting our president Sunday, October 14, 2007 Poynor stories were missing facts Thursday, October 11, 2007 Fire: Make it personal Thursday, October 11, 2007 NISD should communicate better with parents Sunday, October 7, 2007 Land Commissioner: Lump of coal in Texas' stocking? Sunday, October 7, 2007 Fugitives, please come forward Thursday, October 4, 2007 Congress making headway on earmarks Thursday, October 4, 2007 Rep. Kirk England jumps Republican ship Sunday, September 30, 2007 President venerates the emergency room Sunday, September 30, 2007 A personal World War II memory Thursday, September 27, 2007 House needs plan to replace members Thursday, September 27, 2007 Can you call it chocolate without any chocolate? Sunday, September 23, 2007 Now China is spying on U.S., too Thursday, September 20, 2007 Busy agenda may keep Congress in town during holiday season Thursday, September 20, 2007 John and Elizabeth Edwards: Texas on their minds Sunday, September 16, 2007 The good old days Sunday, September 16, 2007 Remembering Rep. Jennifer Dunn Thursday, September 13, 2007 Planes, trains and automobiles Thursday, September 13, 2007 Texas GOP straw poll and electoral college Sunday, September 9, 2007 Leisure can be tough, even on Labor Day Thursday, September 6, 2007 Iraq and Vietnam Thursday, September 6, 2007 Tragedy reminds us to love each other Sunday, September 2, 2007 Schoolmarm falls on the guv's sword Thursday, August 30, 2007 Journeys of a former Republican Thursday, August 30, 2007 Life is scary on Wise roads Sunday, August 26, 2007 Impeach Perry? Web site is set up Sunday, August 26, 2007 Why isn't Texas in the top 10? Sunday, August 26, 2007 Let s solve the county s animal shelter problem Thursday, August 23, 2007 Federal contractors who cheat us Thursday, August 23, 2007 Diapers are in; pencils are out Sunday, August 19, 2007 A time for self analysis: What would you do? Sunday, August 19, 2007 Craddick: I am, therefore, I am Sunday, August 19, 2007 Texas is raising bubble brains Thursday, August 16, 2007 Freedom through broadband Thursday, August 16, 2007 Journey of life leads to stumbles and successes Thursday, August 16, 2007 Beloved book imitates life for faithful reader Sunday, August 12, 2007 Volunteers give their time to serve Thursday, August 9, 2007 Child care is lacking in county Sunday, August 5, 2007 Ron Paul: Maverick Republican candidate for president Sunday, August 5, 2007 USFS not protecting LBJ Thursday, August 2, 2007 Apologies to all for misinformation Thursday, August 2, 2007 Rate regulation harms consumers and taxpayers Sunday, July 29, 2007 Don t hold your breath on Gov. Perry leaving Thursday, July 26, 2007 The Lord teacheth me to make beds Thursday, July 26, 2007 Noriega looking to be next Representative Sunday, July 22, 2007 Who will care for the caregivers? Sunday, July 22, 2007 In Texas, heroes need not apply Thursday, July 19, 2007 Texas must do more in fight against poverty Thursday, July 19, 2007 Family tragedies are unfathomable Sunday, July 15, 2007 Former Attorney General John Hill leaves legal legacy Sunday, July 15, 2007 Postmaster steers for mail drop solution Thursday, July 12, 2007 Sonic provides imaginative toy Thursday, July 12, 2007 Wise County Marine reminds us of stress of war Sunday, July 8, 2007 Baptists act Christian toward immigrants Sunday, July 8, 2007 Pappy Lee O Patrick: Shades of the Light Crust Doughboys Thursday, July 5, 2007 It s been the hardest and best year of my life Thursday, July 5, 2007 Hope brought sunshine to my life Christina Lane Perry s veto of community college funding stuns officials Sunday, July 1, 2007 Cooperation for college is Wise Thursday, June 28, 2007 Education changes help students be more competitive Thursday, June 28, 2007 Craddick s claim of power challenged Sunday, June 24, 2007 County must prepare for infestation Sunday, June 24, 2007 Early ed can provide a jump start for Texas Hispanic children Sunday, June 24, 2007 Secretary of State quits; has eyes on elected office Thursday, June 21, 2007 For taxpayers, legislators squandered opportunities Thursday, June 21, 2007 The unstoppable dad and daughter Sunday, June 17, 2007 A father s reflections Sunday, June 17, 2007 Superman? No, but he s my superhero Sunday, June 17, 2007 Cindy Sheehan was right, but overstayed Thursday, June 14, 2007 Can Texas Democrats win back a U.S. Senate seat? Sunday, June 10, 2007 Discouraging marriage, Texas style Sunday, June 10, 2007 Death for child rapists has a downside Thursday, June 7, 2007 Otto Craddick holds on to speakership Sunday, June 3, 2007 U.S. Representative should learn the value of silence Sunday, June 3, 2007 Texas schools must educate first, preach later Thursday, May 31, 2007 Speaker terms: How long is too long? Sunday, May 27, 2007 Kudos for Wise County commissioners Sunday, May 27, 2007 Memorial Day: Higher temps and higher gas prices Sunday, May 27, 2007 Examining the GOP Thursday, May 24, 2007 It s time to rethink school accountability Sunday, May 20, 2007 Am I the only one who thinks ... Sunday, May 20, 2007 Dewhurst may have lost battle and war over voter ID Sunday, May 20, 2007 Political posturing to blame for ed woes Thursday, May 17, 2007 Texas legislators showing some independence Thursday, May 17, 2007 Photographer expresses remorse Sunday, May 13, 2007 Mother s Day wish Sunday, May 13, 2007 Moms gently nudge us back to reality Sunday, May 13, 2007 Let s really value motherhood Thursday, May 10, 2007 Branding the candidates Thursday, May 10, 2007 Veterans office provides quality service Thursday, May 10, 2007 Teaching the Bible in public schools Sunday, May 6, 2007 Right-wing Christians see their base drifting Sunday, May 6, 2007 Overwhelming support brings heartfelt thanks Sunday, May 6, 2007 Stay-at-home moms face peril Thursday, May 3, 2007 Am I the only one who thinks ... Thursday, May 3, 2007 Give principals more control over schools Sunday, April 29, 2007 Independent redistricting commission proposed Sunday, April 29, 2007 Don t restrict the right to vote Thursday, April 26, 2007 Am I the only one who thinks ... Thursday, April 26, 2007 Move the primary? A danger to some Thursday, April 26, 2007 Shock of hair creates learning experience Sunday, April 22, 2007 New group hopes to applaud, help public schools Sunday, April 22, 2007 Victims Rights Week: Serving every victim, every time Sunday, April 22, 2007 King touts his legislative agenda Thursday, April 19, 2007 Farewell to a Princess Thursday, April 19, 2007 Investing in our youngest Texans makes financial sense Sunday, April 15, 2007 An important message: Living with cancer Sunday, April 15, 2007