A number of legislatures in the south are dealing with high automobile insurance rates. Louisiana is at the very top. But our these legislatures on the right track in finding ways to lower the cost of insurance? Some areas they could make a difference or being ignored. I write about money and politics in this weeks column. Take a look. You can read this week’s call by Clicking Here or going to the Red Flashing Box above.

If you live in Louisiana, you are either Catholic or surrounded by many Catholic friends. There are so many wonderful things about the Catholic Church, and such a large number of Catholic priests and Catholic laymen  who have given their lives in bringing? The spirit of the Lord in their influencing of so many church lives. Unfortunately, there is a cloud hanging over certain parts of the Catholic Church because of the pedophiles.  The beginnings of so much of what took place emanated from Louisiana. I hope the worst is over for the church, and that’s the focus of this week’s column. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

We so often fail to recognize real commitment and special talents when it comes to public officials. They leave office, pass on, we only hope that those who take their place show the same abilities. United States Senator Bennett Johnson was a very special case. He had the ability to work with elected officials from either party, and often was able to reach compromises, regardless of political persuasion,  My column this week is about Bennett as he passed away just last week. You can read the column by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

To listen to latest podcast, go to www.datelinelouisiana.com.

The death penalty was rendered operative  recently.  Louisian’s current governor is pushing aggressively for a number of new death penalty sentences to be imposed. I was in public life in Louisiana for 28 years, but I never witnessed a death penalty decree, even though I was invited to witness such a punishment on a number of occasions I did witness the death penalty sentence, and I write about it in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Every year, Louisiana voters seem to be facing new constitutional amendments. Yes, our current constitution is 50 years old and needs some updating. But take it to the voters? Most voters don’t even know what they’re voting on. And our current constitution gets bigger and bigger. How about a new one? That’s the focus of my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box  above or by Clicking Here.

A nice turn out for my talk on my latest book Jesus, Jews, Jihad  and Me last week at the Country Club of Louisiana. Also picture below with me is Missy Couhig, owner of the Cundrum bookstore  in Saint Francisville, who who coordinated my talk to this group.

The president has called for English to be the official language of America. Many people assume it already is. So how does the country deal with so many immigrants coming into the country, and what is the obligation of both the nation and each state to supply governmental materials in languages other than English? I write about this issue in my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Springtime means books festivals across the country, and The Lisburn Press is generally in attendance to show its numerous publications. We plan to be in attendance in New York next month for the New York International Book Fair. A number of book fair stops are planned for the summer months and in to the fall. To see all the publications of the Lisburn Press, Click Here.

So the President want to change every reference to the Gulf Coast from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of Louisiana. And it has stirred up a hornet’s nest. A question is, will a name change really berelevant to people’s views of the Gulf on the East Coast or the West Coast? What about something more relevant? I write all this in my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Fashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Remember when you were a kid, iƒ by chance a swear word came out of your mouth, your mama would wash your mouth out with soap?  Soap bars would fly off the grocery store if such a practice took place today. It seems like every conversation I have, the use of vulgar swearwords are unfortunately all part of the mix of questionable words.  And this is not local. From the President on down, and in practically all walks of life, cuss words are in our mix of conversations. I personally don’t like it. If you want to read my take on the changing language language throughout America, click on the Red Flashing Box above or Click Here.

WOW, was it ever a fun show this past Saturday night as old friend Steve Judice was honored in Baton Rouge at the Red Dragon musical listening room. Steve is one of the best country and folk singers and songwriters in the deep South. A dozen artists played their favorite songs written by Steve and it was a heck of an evening. A full house honoring STEVE JUDICE and the evening was a massive success!!!

Looks like our new Prez has an opinion on just about everything.  Recently, he weighed in on the Civil War. Quite frankly, he may have a point about whether or not the war should have taken place. Could cooler heads have worked out a solution without having over 1 million people be killed? I write about all this in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Fashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Now look folks. You cannot expect me to work all the time. Below is the picture from my recent visit to St. John in the Virgin Islands with my college roommate, Bill Weinberg, and his wife Lois.  If you want to just “chill out, what better place than in  these laid  back Islands. I’ll see you next year old  friends.

Well our new president, Donald Trump, is decorating his new office. And who is the main portrait you see as you walk in? It’s our seventh president, “Old Hickory” himself, Andrew Jackson. Why does Trump love Jackson so much? It’s all in my new column. And Louisiana is quite in the mix of the story. You can read it now but going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Are you really excited like me? Many of us got that way when we heard the big news. I mean really big. Our old favorite, duck dynasty, is going to be back on television again. Happy day!  If you have never watched Duck Dynasty a few years ago, it was big hit until the leader of the group, Phil Robertson, put out a slew of controversial comments that got him kicked off the air.  But the A&E television network saw dollar signs for the future, and he’s back on again. Check out my new column about the  highs and lows of this offbeat TV show. You can read all about it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Salaries of public officials often are quite high. But are we getting results and should we adjust the salaries? Some high and some low? You may have heard of the Misery Index, that pays such salaries based on  performance. Should we instituted such a concept in  Louisiana other states? I write about this concept in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

It’s unheard of for us here in the deepest to the deep southern stage to ever get any snow. I remember such maybe 10 years ago, barely covering the ground. I don’t know if it’s global warming or what the cause, but this  week  it snowed and snowed and snowed. 10 inches in New Orleans. About the same here in Baton Rouge. Check out the pictures below. I hope it’s a regular occurrence.  And would you believe, check out the couple on Bourbon Street in New Orleans right in front of Gaatoire’s rRstaurant.

To read the entire story, Click Here.

It’s going to be cold over the next few days. I mean really, really cold. So how does one pass the time? A good suggestion is to curl up with a good book. I know something about good books being a publisher. And I write about the special joy of reading in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Life sure is fleeting. It seemed just a few years ago I was meeting with a number of retired state leaders that have made a major impact on the Bayou State.  In the center of the photo is forward governor Edwin Edwards and former lieutenant governor Jimmie Fitzmorris. You’ll see in the photo Judge Moon Landrieu, Senator Michael O’Keefe, yours truly, and other well-known state figures. Everyone in the picture except me has one thing in common now. They’ve all passed away. Make the best of your life, because it sure can go by fast.

What a week it was when it came to incompetence of numerous public facials. And it did not happen just locally. There were questionable decisions that took place in cities from coast to coast. First New Orleans, then on to California for the wildfires, and then range things happening in New York courtrooms. Not a good way to start off the new year. That’s the focus of my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

It’s wonderful to look back on special people in your family. My Father was my special hero that I looked up to all my life. This week, if he were still living, he would reap the right the right old age of 110. And he certainly lived a full and active life. I just thought it was time to look back, and write down the special feelings I had for him. We all have extraordinary people in our lives, and my Dad was at the top of the list. I write about him this week’s column. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Time to try to live up to my New Year’s resolutions. Mine are simple and the same as millions of others. I want to get my health program in better shape. I want to get in better shape. I’m laying up new menus to eat, getting regular check ups, and of course, working out. I’m trying to get a good start below. So Happy New Year to you. Hope you feel better too.

Is President Donald Trump throwing out another one of his wacko ideas? He just wants to go out by the nation of Greenland hey, why not go by Canada and Mexico to while he’s at it. Actually, buying Greenland is not that bad an idea. The mostly barren country could be a strong barrier for America’s national offense. I take a look at the feasibility of buying Greenland in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

It’s the holiday season and time for reflection as we move towards a new year. Many changes in politics, what’s happening throughout the world, and for many of us personally. I look at the holiday season beginning in Thanksgiving and going through the new year. That’s the focus of this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

We at The Lisburn Press so pleased that Jim Brown’s new book,” Jesus, Jews, Jihad and Me”, is doing quite well over the Christmas season.  You can still order your copy by going to www.thelisburnpress.com, or by going to Amazon.

A vigilante shooter brings the outrageous cost of healthcare to the front burner. Ironic that it took a tragedy like this to make Americans realize how bad our healthcare problems are. Insurance companies seem to want to deny, deny, deny. Just how bad is the problem?? I write about this complicated crisis in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

It looks like President Donald Trump has a new hero and special person that he admires. He regularly sends praise towards the famous outlaw, Jesse James. And you will be surprised  that I have a relationshipship through relatives with the notorious gunslinger’s past. My grandmother, Sweetie Pearl, Brown, visited with Jesse James on several occasions. I write about my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

&

To listen, Click Here.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 33 years ago when we witnessed the political race from Hell. Edwin edwards versus David Duke. It was an election that captivated not only America, but to concerned people in countries all over the world. The head of the Ku Klux Klan versus the controversial four term governor.  And check out the Picture above of a float in one of the largest New Orleans parades. You see Duke, Edwards, and off to the left is yours truly. Some honor! In any event, to read the column, go to the Red Flashing Box above or Click Here.

To listen to this week’s podcast, Click Here.

I wrote a column recently about Robert F Kennedy, and doing things that are a bit weird. I still think I was right on with that opinion. But President Trump has selected Kennedy to be the new head of the Department of Health and Human Services. And in looking over his proposals, Kennedy suggest some deep concerns that is affecting all of us, particularly our children. Our kids are flat out being damaged by our approach to nutrition. That’s the focus of my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

It’s all Trump, and millions of Americans are cheering him on. But has Trump changed America or has America experienced changes that Trump bought into? That’s my big question in this week’s column. America has changed dramatically. Exactly what role did Donald Trump having these changes? I write about what’s happening throughout America in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

OK, the election is over, so let’s get back to leading our lives. It’s a Life we can live with freedom. And that’s because of all the veterans who served this country to be sure we had these freedoms. November 11th is Veterans Day. It’s a time to reflect and honor those who did serve our country and many who gave their lives for these freedoms. I write about volunteering to serve our country in this week’s column. You could read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

If you are like me, you’ll be glad all the politicking is over and we will determine who the next president of the country will be. Let’s hope it won’t last in making a decision for weeks since the election is so close.  I have some final thoughts to share with you as we move forward in the days ahead. I have some opinions about voting on election day, how do you get your information about voting, and a few anecdotes about what I went through to vote over 40 years ago. I write it all in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

We are winding down to our major presidential election. Are you ready to project the winner? I have looked at both candidates, and included that possibly neither one of them can win. I know that’s strange, but you might find my reasoning. Interesting. It’s all set out in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

A big celebration for Italian-Americans last week. It was, of course a Columbus Day  celebration. What? You’re saying oh no, it was  Indigenous Peoples Day, right?  I say wrong, and you’ll be surprised how this whole controversy originated. I suggest that Columbus was only a minor footnote in picking the special day to honor Italian-Americans. You can read it all in my new column now posted. To read it, go to the Red Flashing Box above or Click On Here. 

Insurance rates continue to go up and policyholders continue to complain. And rightly so.  It used to be a problem along the Gulf Coast. But not anymore. The whole country is complaining about high insurance rates. Why is this? I’ll take a look at this sore subject in my new column. You could read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

LSU, located in my hometown of Baton Rouge, what a big victory Saturday night over the Ole Miss rebels. Ole Miss was favored, but blew some great opportunities to score. LSU snuck up on them at the end and won the the game. Good for them. But look at what took place by fans who were tailgating outside Tiger Stadium.  What a huge mess.  And although they were lots of trash cans around, it was just too much trouble for these fans to throw the trash away. About how to track should already been picked up about half the trash has already been picked up. Shame on those who just throw out the trash on the ground.  Just one reason as to why Louisiana is one of the filthiest states in the nation. And one reason why many outsiders just don’t want to move down here. So unfortunate.

We know a lot about flooding down here in Louisiana. The storms come regularly. But in my second home up in the North Carolina mountains, they rarely have weather problems. May be too much snow in the winter. But it all changed this summer. The ground was wet to begin with. Then it rained, and rained, and rained. I ride all about my personal experience with the storm, and how to affected both North Carolina and Louisiana.  Then it rained, and rained, and rained. I write all about my personal experience with the storm, and how to affected both North Carolina and Louisiana. You can read the column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

My longtime friend Jim Engster received the 2024 Founders Award given annually by public radio in Baton Rouge. Jim has been on the air doing a public affairs show as long as I can remember. He is one of the most knowledgeable person people about Louisiana politics in the state.  A well-deserved honor for Jim.

Pete Rose, certainly one of the greatest baseball players that ever played the game for the Cincinnati Reds, died on Monday. He tried for years to clear his name from gambling on baseball games, but never could. This kept him out of the baseball Hall of Fame. I visited with Pete at length on several occasions. Once in Biloxi at the Beau Rivage, and another time in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace. He was a rough edged athlete, but one heck of a baseball player.

Did you know that Louisiana Governor Edward Edwards seriously considered running for president?  Yep, I have personal knowledge of his thoughts on why he considered such a raise, and what changed his mind not to run. I take you back to 1978, and it’s a fascinating story. You can read all about it in my new column that is now posted. To read it, click on the Red Flashing Box above or Click Here.

Goodness gracious! What the heck is going on in this country? Former President Donald Trump says illegals are eating our dogs and cats. What? My dog and cat are under attack? What else can they be eating? Donald Duck? Mickey Mouse? Bambi? Mr. Ed? The list goes on and on. I write about this massive controversy (yeah right!) In my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

September 26th-St. LaRose political group-Noon

October 2nd-Denham Springs Book Club-noon

October 3rd-Baton Rouge Lions Club-noon

The election for president is close at hand, and there continues to be numerous allegations of past and future voter fraud. Is there any truth to such charges? I know something about the elections process, as I was Louisiana’s chief elections officer for eight years. So I give you my evaluation as to what truth there is in such allegations on both the national and international level. It’s all laid out in my new column that you can read now. To see it, go to the Red Flashing Box above or Click Here.

Several major state comparisons were released this past week ranking states across the nation from best to worst. Do you want to guess where Louisiana ended up? Dead last on both of the lists. How can that be you say. Best food and best music in the nation, and a host of appealing sites to see in the event to take on. But in comparison after  comparison, the state comes across as, well,  let’s just say it, LOUSY! I write about all the problems in my new column. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Thursday-September 12th-noon-CCL Book Club-at Country club of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.

Monday – September 16th-7:00 PM – Jubilee Pioneers-Serop’s restaurant in Baton Rouge on Corporate Boulevard

Now wait a minute. Why on earth am I wishing everyone a Happy New Year. That’s all, fall is just arriving. Well, let me tell you something. For me, the fall brings on a whole new year.  I’ll bet you’ll agree with me once you read my new column. I give a number of reasons why the new year should begin now. Go ahead and take a gander. You can read my new column by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Listen to our new podcast at ww.datelinelouisiana.com.

We apparently have a bunch of “weird” politicians running for national office this fall. Both Democrats and Republicans are painting the other party with the name tag “weird.” Where did all this start? Who is the weirdest of them all? I write about our “weird” politicians, both nationally and in Louisiana, in my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

The “Jesus, Jews, Jihad and Me” Book  tour is taking place all over Louisiana. Jim has been on a host of Louisiana radio stations, talking about the book, and Billboard in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area. Take a look at the typical billboard that you’ll see driving across the state.  You could also find Jim’s books for sale at a number of retail establishments, particularly in Baton Rouge.  Just a few of the locations available to buy his book or Phil’s Oyster Bar, Calvin’s supermarket, Strop’s Lebanese Restaurant on Corporate Blvd., Bergeron’s City Market on Jefferson Highway, and Cavalier Book Store in Denham Springs.  You can order from Cavalier bookstore over the Internet by  Clicking Here.

Well, there’s some good news coming out of Washington DC. It looks like the Supreme Court, at least one member, is waking up to the fact that we’ve got way too many federal and state laws on the books. Supreme Court Justice Justice Neil Gorsuch has has come to this conclusion in his new book entitled“Over Ruled.”  This is not just in Washington. There are way too many laws coming out of the state capital in Louisiana. I write all about this in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

JESUS, JEWS,JIHAD AND ME!

 My Jerusalem Journey

(And Then the Missiles Came!)

ISBN 979-8-218-35707-8

Jim Brown’s NEW Book

Jim Brown had this premonition.  As he turned 84 years old, he felt it was time to explore his faith and spirituality. He certainly has lived a full life. In fact, one of Louisiana’s newspapers editorialized that “Jim Brown ain’t led no humdrum life.”

From 28 years as a Louisiana elected official, a soul practitioner lawyer in one of Louisiana’s smallest towns representing the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis and Rev. Jimmy Swaggart, a world class athlete on the US Track team, a director in one of Texas’ largest law firms, and the author of 1000 syndicated newspaper columns and seven books. He seemed to have done it all.

But something was missing.  He remembered the song by the Beatles’ George Harrison. “I really want to know you, but it takes so long, my Lord.”  So how to begin a search for the Holy Spirit? Jim began by traveling to the Holy Land.  His story tells how he went to Jerusalem to follow the path of Jesus Christ, and then he ends up by escaping incoming Hamas missiles by the skin of his teeth. Along the way, Jim researches and reimagines both Jewish and Christian history that should prove to be fascinating to both believers and skeptic select.

The author helps us understand the history of antisemitism that seems to be growing around the world today.  All in all, there are crisps insights, amusing, antidotes, and poignant stories that are both elegant and persuasive. This book is quite anaccomplishment by a longtime author, but a first time Christian writer. A read well worth undertaking.

This is Jim Brown’s seventh book.  *All his books are available at www.TheLisburnPress.com. Full information about the author can be found on his media website at JimBrownla.com.  He is the father of four children, seven grandchildren, and lives in Baton Rouge with his wife Gladys.

For additional  information, , contact Jim  at jb@jimbrownla.com, or (225) 229-5549.

Also available at Cavalier Books by CLICKING  HERE.

We are getting close to the national election and so what can we expect? Distorted charges out right lies? This always seems to happen you’re in national  elections. This time around, both candidates for  vice president are being swift boated. I had the same thing happen to me. If you’re not sure what it is, check out my new column now posted. You can find it by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Or check out at www.datelinelouisiana.com.

Well, it’s about college football time.  Are you fired up and ready? I sure have been in the past. After all, our state school in Louisiana has won several national championships just in the past few years. But it’s completely different now. A bunch of hired guns has moved in from who knows where to play for the football team.  And I don’t like it. Take a look at my new column and see why. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

So we now have the two major party candidates that are ready to debate and talk about issues affecting the future of this country – right? So, so wrong. All Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are doing is attacking each other. And it looks like this is going to be the, focus of the campaign right up to election day. I write about this sad state of affairs in my new column. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

A huge controversy is taking place in Paris at the Olympic Games. At the opening ceremony, there was a profile put together of the last supper that many people, including myself, think made a mockery of this depiction. The latest illustration can be found in the absurd and offensive opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics, which involved a parody of the Last Supper, with transsexuals, drag queens, exposed testicles and a fat, blue-painted, semi-clad man apparently intended to represent Dionysus, the Greek god of wine.  See this offensive  picture from of Paris below.  Also below, you’ll see another picture by a Jewish photographer, showing Israeli female soldiers in a pose of the last supper. Again, I think this is in poor taste.

Well, it was quite a week for the Republicans at their convention in Milwaukee. No real decisions to make as Donald Trump was the obvious nominee. But it was arousing gathering. Next to the Democrats. Will they stay united? Will the President run for reelection? Will some bright candidate emerge that can beat Trump? So many unanswered questions.  I look at them all in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Affordable insurance, and not finding any, continues to be a major problem here in the Bayou state. A Louisiana legislative committee met last week to see what new laws could be passed to help the critical situation. Hey legislators! We don’t need any new laws. What we need is aggressive enforcement of the laws on the books right now. I talk about all this in my new column that is ready for you to read. You can do so by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Everyone seems to be talking about the Supreme Court giving former President Donald Trump all kinds of immunity. But is he really immune from any private act he undertakes? I have some personal experience with private versus public actions, and you would be surprised to know that I’ve been sued on many occasions as a public official. Check out my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

My friend Kinky Friedman, one of the real Texas musical outlaws, died a few weeks ago. I called him my friend. I heard him perform on any number on occasions, and he’d like to talk about Louisiana politics. If you haven’t followed Kinky, he and his band, the Texas Jewboys, won acclaim for their satirical takes on American culture. He later wrote detective novels and ran for governor of Texas. He was the Will Rogers of Outlaw Country Music. I sure will miss his humor.

Our country is close to having a new national election, and the issue of voter fraud continues to permeate the discussion. Almost half of all Americans think there will be  voter fraud involved. So is there? And what can we do about it? I have a few suggestions. Take a look at my new column and see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Louisiana is back in the news, as it generally is across the country with something that happens down here, by requiring the posting of the Ten. Commandments in all public schools throughout the state. Good idea or bad? Lots of opinions about this. Are such requirement a violation of the constitutional requirement of separation of church and state? I write about this in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Take a listen   at the ups and downs, behind and lows, the good and bad at the recent Louisiana Leslie session. It’s all available on this week’s podcast. Go to www.datelinelouisiana.com.

Several recent polls show the United States Supreme Court has dipped to its lowest level of approval.  Only 41% of American motors think the Supreme Court is doing an adequate job. Americans are just losing confidence in the Supreme Court and all their antics. They don’t work very much, and there are any number of conflicts of interest. It’s a shame the nation’s highest court has dipped so low in public support. I write about this disgrace in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Well, we’re full blast into  the election season, and the national conventions for both the Republicans and the Democrats are close at hand. I’ve been to a few in the past. Seven to be exact. And I’ve got some interesting stories about the Louisiana connections between both Republicans and Democrats. You could read all about them in my new column now posted. Go to the Red Flashing Box above or Click Here.

Were you stunned by the conviction of formal President Donald Trump? I wasn’t. If you read over the charges, and  Trump’s responses, it was obvious from the get-go that Trump was going to be convicted. A combination of factors were involved. And uneven playing field, and quite frankly, a poor defense bvy Trump’s legal team. I analyze just what happened in my new column now posted. You can read it by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here

It’s Memorial Day weekend, and most Americans are enjoying a Long holiday weekend. Nothing wrong with that. But what about remembering just why we even have a Memorial Day? No, it’s not to remember our veterans. It’s to pause and look back over the many lives that have been lost so that our families can enjoy a special holiday weekend. Remembering those who have been killed in military duty. I write about this extremely important subject in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

What a pleasure it was to travel to Alexandria, Louisiana this past Thursday to make a presentation before the CenLa Writers Book Group. Many in attendance were first time writers working on their first publication. Enjoyed talking about my writing experience of seven books as well as many questions of how one gets a book published. I’m amazed at the number of potential writers who come from Louisiana.

Well, it’s graduation time for students at all levels. Kindergarten right up through doctorate degrees.  Do you remember any advice that was given to you by commencement speaker at your graduation? Few of us do. I take a stab at it and give my advice to students graduating this time of year.  Yes, I have given several commencement addresses in my day. To read my new column about advice to our young people, my new column is now available. Go to the Red Flashing Box above or Clicking Here.

Well, it’s that time again. Under federal law, legislature all over the nation have to reapportion congressional districts. And boy what a mess there is in Louisiana. It’s the heck with the voters.  The only priority seems to be protecting those in office. What a mess. I write about this “insider trading” in my new column is now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Another year, another birthday. Right? I’ve had a number of them, but it’s hard to believe that I’ve reached the hallmark of being 84. That really sounds like an old guy. I guess I should not be that concerned as long as my health holds up.  What’s the Toby Keith song? Don’t let the old Man in. That’s what I’m trying to do, and I write about it in this week’s column. Take a look and see if you relate. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

It’s my birthday this week. Hitting  the 84 year mark. So what do I do to celebrate? Simple. Gather a few family members and friends for a crawfish boil. How can you beat that!

It’s open season as the Louisiana Legislature tries to jam through a new constitution in a matter of days. How irresponsible. Take a listen to our new podcast to see what you think. You could get it by going to ww.datelinelouisiana.com.

The public’s right to know is under attack in Louisiana. The old saying certainly makes sense today. “Beware and keep your guard up when the legislature in session in the Bayou state is in session.”   There is a major effort to limit the public right to know, and keep public records and deliberations under seal. Louisiana used to be the pillar of open government. Not anymore. Take a look at my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.