WCMessenger.com Opinion: Columnshttp://www.wcmessenger.com/opinionThe latest Opinion Columns from WCMessenger.comen-gb30 Jul 08 11:13 AMCopyright Opinion18 Nov 09 10:20 AM Government secrecy does not protect free speechhttp://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/columns/EkVlVylFuFxUKyLnIG.phpOpen government is fundamental to our democratic system and essential for elected officials to be responsible and accountable to the people they serve. Not fixing healthcare would be a moral failurehttp://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/columns/EkVlVylFEuNMSfinXX.phpSome say if Congress fails to pass meaningful health care reform, it will mean a defeat for President Obama. I'll let the pundits decide that. They love those discussions. Learning lessons on service from greatest generationhttp://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/columns/EkVlkkVZyVBHnZlCPP.phpWhat comes to mind when you think of service? The past week brought a couple of stark reminders, and a sinking feeling that it doesn't quite mean what it once did, at least for many citizens. 'Junk science' on trial before Senate committeehttp://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/columns/EkVlkkVZFyyaegSTtw.phpWith almost as much tension and drama as a death penalty court case, plus some politics, the Texas Senate's Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday grilled the new chairman of a state commission on forensic science. It is fun when good guy or gal winshttp://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/columns/EkVZAyFkkyyEahwBAl.phpMany of us see or hear things we think are funny, we wish would happen or maybe even wish we'd do. Voters have spoken, but what did they say?http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/columns/EkVZykkAuyQYZXDXNl.phpOne thing is clear after Tuesday's Decatur school bond election for districtwide maintenance improvements and stadium renovations: voters did not support the package presented to them. After that, it's a little less clear. Celebration is planned at Big Bend Ranchhttp://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/columns/EkVZykkAEugqnJXFay.phpThe Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is honoring Bob Armstrong and Andrew Sansom for their critical roles in Texas acquiring what is now the Big Bend Ranch State Park near Lajitas. Time for a middle class revolution?http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/columns/EkVZFVpFpZYLOEgSzJ.phpDisrespect and incivility have taken over our political/governmental landscape. One can point fingers in all directions to place blame. However, this turkey can be hung around the necks of the middle class. Visit the Shelf to share your love of a good storyhttp://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/columns/EkVZpEpEyVAzvIZofL.phpI'm the assistant editor of the Wise County Messenger, and when I'm not writing, I'm reading. And when I read a good book, I like to talk about it - with everyone. Texas Tribune: A new way for reporting Texas politicshttp://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/columns/EkVZpEpEEEuoojfYIN.phpAt a journalism conference a year ago at Harvard University, several panels discussed various aspects of the profession. But the underlying question among the crowd at each discussion was, "How do we get people to pay for the journalism?"