Opinions

If we all were not so personally involved, the ebbs and flows of reports on the state of the economy would be fascinating theater. Today on reports of manufacturing activity, the Dow Jones Industrials are down 68 points; tomorrow the results of retail sales in July will bring it up 70. We’re “out” of the recession, but the jobless rate inches up; housing sales improve, but housing starts are down. How do we take all the data and reach a reasonable conclusion as to where the economy is heading? [Full Story »] 

By Susan Harper

A friend of mine liked to say that he came from a long line of old people. I come from a long line of storytellers and aphorists, among whom I include both of my parents.

You needed a tough hide to live in our house, so we developed one, growing up. For example, my mother used to say that parenting was so challenging that you needed a child you could practice on and throw away. I always figured that would have been me, since I was the oldest — and I expect there were many times when they would’ve loved to be able to throw me away, as I was given to operatic tantrums. My indulgent aunts once spent the better part of a day letting me ride up and down the escalator at Bloomingdale’s. Apparently that was easier for them than persuading me to get off the escalator. [Full Story »] 

By Mark Beardsley

More Americans are allegedly becoming concerned about the federal deficit. That’s among the reasons cited as President Obama’s approval ratings hit a new low of 41 percent.

The budget deficit and the federal debt should be huge concerns. Should have been during the Bush administration and should be now. [Full Story »] 

By Mark Beardsley

Not many voters believe everything a candidate says on the campaign trail, but when one reverses her philosophy in 24 hours it leaves a bad taste.

After a campaign of calling Nathan Deal unethical, corrupt and telling him to put on his “big boy pants” for months, last Wednesday morning Karen Handel had a new best friend — Nathan Deal. [Full Story »] 

If you’re ever looking at the perfect example of how schools get away from teaching basic education, there’s no better example than sex education.

Right now, the Jackson County Board of Health is considering a resolution requesting the county school system to change its sex education policy to teach not just the benefit of abstinence, but also about birth control and sexually transmitted disease. [Full Story »] 

Jackson County’s lawsuit against the Upper Oconee Basin Group over the capacity of the Bear Creek Reservoir has yet to yield results, but it is proving to be a moneymaker for legal and engineering concerns. The suit has yet to get to trial, but the two parties have paid close to $400,000 to pursue the fight so far.
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By Mark Beardsley

The political equivalent of the Division Playoffs is over. Now it’s time for the World Series.

Truthfully, with the Atlanta Braves in first place as of this writing, having a vested interest in the actual 2010 World Series seems possible, but I speak of the political World Series — the Nov. 2 general election. [Full Story »] 

By Tricia Massey

As president and CEO of the Massey household, I have taken great pride in keeping our family organized with our activities, maintaining the house, grocery shopping, ironing, cooking, etc. But one area I do not participate in is the family finances. So, recently, the treasurer of the Massey household, Jon, called a family meeting. [Full Story »] 

Here’s a flash for parents of children going back to school: If your child is not successful, it’s probably your fault.
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