Former Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards passed away this week. He was the state’s longest serving governor, having been elected four times to the state’s highest position. He was both loved and criticized, but no one can doubt he left an indelible mark on the state’s political history. I had a 50 year relationship with Governor...Read More

Remembering Governor Edwin Edwards People say a lot of things about me.  But if you’re not being criticized or having them jeer at you, you’re not doing something right. Edwin Edwards Edwin Edwards, Louisiana’s longest serving governor, passed away this week at the ripe old age of 93.  He lived a full and controversial life....Read More

It’s turning into a national scandal. Louisiana continues to have the highest insurance rates in the country. Year in and Year out. It doesn’t change. All the surrounding states have rates that are much lower. What’s going on? Why does the Bayou State, that has so many great attractions, continue to drop the ball and...Read More

Thursday, July 8th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana SCANDALOUS LOUISIANA INSURANCE RATES!  Can you put lipstick on a pig? Well, business leaders are certainly giving it their best shot in an effort to counteract the fact that Louisiana’s outrageously expensive insurance rates make the Bayou State an environment hostile to the attraction of new businesses.  But,...Read More

My longtime mentor and friend Jimmie Fitzmorris passed away this week. He was 99 years young.  Jimmy Fitz and my father started off as ticket sellers with the Kansas City Southern railroad back in the 1930s. They both went on to be vice presidents.  When I was elected to the state Senate in 1972, Jimmy Fitz took...Read More

Ever heard of the fourth amendment? Most people have heard of it, but  have no idea what it says. It’s the basic protection that you are secure in your own home. That’s been the law for centuries. Going all the way back to the Magna Carta. But the United States Supreme Court doesn’t seem to...Read More

Thursday, July 1st, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana HAS THE FOURTH AMENDMENT BEEN ROUTED? Everyone knows a man’s home is his castle ““ Agreed? The basic right of privacy in one’s place of residence has been a fundamental founding principle in any Democratic system, going back to England in the 1600s. William Pitt expressed this concept...Read More

Murder rates are going up all over the country. But few cities have the numbers you find way down yonder in the Crescent City. New Orleans has some of the most appalling murders on record. The first attempted murder might have been encouraged by the good Lord himself. I write about the comparison of New...Read More

Thursday, June 24th, 2021 New Orleans, Louisiana BOB DYLAN AND THE MURDERS IN NEW ORLEANS! New Orleans is off to a fast start in this New Year to maintain its perennial title of being the murder capital of America.  A day doesn’t seem to pass by when there are reports of more murders in the...Read More

Isn’t this a chilling headline? It’s part of the publication by my friend John Whitehead, who runs the Rutherford Foundation.  The importance of this organization is to point out widespread governmental abuse. John was my guest on my national radio show on several occasions, and he does a first rate job of pointing out the...Read More

Happy Father’s Day to all you dads. My father and my namesake, James Harvey Brown, Sr., would have been 106 years old this year. Here’s a small cute vignette about Dad. He threw the morning paper through high school to help make ends meet during the Depression. Dad was portrayed well in the Flatt and...Read More

Alan Stanford and his investment group put up quite a front as they raised billions of dollars. The Stanford group sponsored all types of special nonprofit events in the Baton Rouge area. He promised solid returns to thousands of retirees, many of them located in Louisiana.  And what a deal. Send your money to the...Read More

Thursday, June 17th, 2021, Baton Rouge, Louisiana LOUISIANA TAXPAYERS ON HOOK FOR MILLIONS OVER STANFORD MESS! A new ruling by the Fifth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals has dampened the chances of numerous Louisiana investors from ever receiving millions of dollars swindled from them by Alan Stanford and his various investment companies.  As reported in...Read More

Fishing in the North Carolina mountains with grandson Ruger Brown. He caught 15 fish. I wonder how excited my wife Gladys will be to cook them for supper?  Read More

Eating good food is way of life down in the deepest of the deep southern states-my home Louisiana. And if you follow Louisiana cooking, you will find that we eat just about everything. And make it taste pretty good while we’re at it.  Now most everyone has heard about the fact that we eat alligator...Read More

June 10th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana RACCOONS AND LOUISIANA POLITICS! U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has stirred up a hornet’s nest back in the Bayou State over his Facebook comments of eating a Louisiana delicacy.  The Senator had this to say: “Found this raccoon in my backyard.  We ate him for breakfast.” He even included a...Read More

Hangin’ out at the Mast General Store in Valle Crusis, North Carolina. 70 degrees here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. How about that? have no worries. The staff The Lisburn Press is moving forward and publishing a number of new books, and we will keep you posted.  In the meantime, I’m just gonna sit back...Read More

Memorial day is very special time. I’m not referring to the three day holiday, or the beginning of summer. No, I’m suggesting a special day because it’s supposed to be a time to honor those who gave their lives in the service of and defending their country. Most Americans don’t really relate anymore, unfortunately, few...Read More

June 3rd, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana WE NEED TO DO MORE TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY! I hope everyone enjoyed their recent Memorial Day weekend. Many Louisianans were vacationing over the long holiday or enjoying a cookout with family and friends. Many stores held sales advertising for us to have a “Happy Memorial Day.” All well...Read More

Just part of our family gathering at our recent reunion in the North Carolina mountains. Nice to get together again after Covid. We plan many more.Read More

Prosecutorial misconduct continues to be rampant, both in Louisiana and throughout the nation. Just this last week, Texas newspapers reported that Dallas prosecutor Richard Jackson has been disbarred from practicing law in Texas, in a rare example of severe punishment for misconduct in a wrongful conviction case.  There’s not much good good news about holding...Read More

Thursday, May 27th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana ARE PROSECUTORS ABOVE THE LAW IN LOUISIANA! Has prosecutorial misconduct become an epidemic in Louisiana? A number of national publications seem to think so. Nary a week goes by when there is not a story of some Louisiana prosecutor supposedly pursuing justice by breaking the law. Just recently,...Read More

We (The Lisburn Press) have a new book out by my friend Oscar Shoenfelt, Baton Rouge attorney, about his experiences of being a sports agent. The book is off to a great start, with sports fans around the country placing an order. Oscar by the way is at Duke university, waiting to receive a new...Read More

Former Louisiana governor buddy Roemer passed away this week. We were both political rivals and good friends. I have fond memories of working with Buddy, and also running against him. I write about his career in public life in my new column this week. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing...Read More

Being the Governor, is this a great job or what? Buddy Roemer Louisiana’s 52nd governor died this week at the young age of 77.  Our political ambitions crossed on several occasions over the years, but we always remained good friends. This was particularly true as we each grew older. Buddy Roemer had, in my opinion,...Read More

I had the honor of being the speaker last week at the dedication of a special memorial for former governor Jimmie Davis at Louisiana College in Pineville. It was nice to renew acquaintances with many old friends. I’m pictured with some of the ladies who were active in organizing and supporting the program.  You can...Read More

What happens to a major state university that has fallen from grace, is dramatically underfunded, and has plummeted in national rankings of first-rate colleges throughout the country? You bring in new leadership don’t you?  That’s what my home state university, LSU, has done as it tries to recoup, and re-obtain the national standing it held...Read More

Thursday, May 13th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana A NEW PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE: DEALING WITH THE RISE AND FALL OF LSU Louisiana State University, located in my hometown of Baton Rouge, takes on a new president in the coming weeks. And to say that he has a big job ahead of him is an understatement. Educationally, the...Read More

I guess, as I look back over my 81 years, I would pursue many more hobbies and fun activities. One would be dancing more. I wish I were a better dancer, and always wanted to take some dancing lessons. Never did, but enjoyed seeing those great performers in the past who danced so well. Take...Read More

The day of my weekly column is posted this week, May 6, is my 81st birthday. Yes I’m getting older, but at least I’m around, still alive, and taking up a storm. I’m 81, still on the run, and having fun. It’s been a full and satisfying 81 years. Sure there were highs and lows,...Read More

Thursday, May 6th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana THE CHALLENGES AND CHARMS OF GETTING OLDER! I woke up earlier this week, followed my normal routine of walking the dogs, picking up the morning papers, pouring my large glass of orange juice half filled with water to dilute the sugar, checked my emails, walked out on the...Read More

A special day over the weekend remembering our mothers.  My mother, Helen May Gentry Brown, would’ve been 104. She lived till she was 93, and really led a full life.  On the day she passed away, she talked to all three of her children, attended her bridge club and her financial group. I was blessed...Read More

Long Life of Books! I find it  pleasant surprise now and then when older books that have been published by The Lisburn Press turn up. A friend of mine was checking out a flea market over theLafayette  area recently, and look what he found. My first book, printed back in 2005, is still making the...Read More

Jimmy Davis was the singing governor of Louisiana, who made motion pictures, wrote many songs, and serve two terms as governor. He is best known for singing what is considered one of the most popular American songs throughout the world. You know!  Yes its You are my Sunshine!  The Governor use to come by my...Read More

Thursday, April 30th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana GOVERNOR JIMMIE DAVIS BROUGHT US SUNSHINE! I am honored to travel to Alexandria Louisiana next Saturday to visit Louisiana College for the dedication of a special memorial honoring former Louisiana Governor Jimmy Davis. I’ll be the guest speaker, and will have lots of interesting stories about the governor...Read More

My good friend of many years, former Alabama insurance commissioner Mike Weaver, passed away this week. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was there to help anyone in need, and had one of the best insurance minds I ever met. He was a young 70 years old, and passed away way too soon. We...Read More

  The Louisiana legislature is considering a large number of new laws that supposedly bring more integrity to the election process. The same effort is being made in states across the country. Most of this comes from the allegations of election fraud in the past presidential election, espoused with a little proof, by then president...Read More

Thursday, April 22ed, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana IS THERE ELECTION FRAUD IN LOUISIANA? A number of members of the Louisiana legislature are on a quest to tighten Louisiana election laws. There are allegations all over the country about voter fraud being rampant, particularly following the recent presidential election.  Is there any truth to such charges? ...Read More

A new report from a Washington, D.C. think tank gives Louisiana an “F” grade for its insurance regulatory environment. Florida, that has a much greater Hurricane damage exposure, gets a “B” ranking. What’s going on? Why is Louisiana at the bottom of the barrel when it comes insurance regulation? I have a good bit of...Read More

Thursday, April 22ed, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana LOUISIANA INSURANCE ENVIRONMENT GETS AN “F” Louisiana has one of the worst insurance regulatory environments in the nation. That is according to Washington-based conservative think tank R Street Institute in its Insurance Regulation Report Card. And no, it’s not because of the trial lawyers or the big insurance...Read More

It used to be a Louisiana problem. But now there are serious natural disasters happening all over the country. Louisiana is still at the top of the list when it comes to having higher insurance rates. So what do we do? There is an idea that has been out there for sometime, going back 25...Read More

Thursday, April 15th, 2021  New Orleans, Louisiana HURRICANE SEASON “” DO YOU FEEL LUCKY?  WELL DO YA?  It’s the kickoff for hurricane season and forecasters are predicting as many as 17 named storms with anywhere from 3 to 6 of these storms growing into major hurricanes. Here on the Gulf Coast, we certainly perk up...Read More

Several recent articles have appeared recently by and concerning former Alabama governor Don Siegelman. Don and I became good friends we both served as secretary of state back in the 1980s. He was a dedicated public official who had his eyes set on becoming governor, and he finally did one day. An out of control...Read More

In recent months, there is been widespread discussion of creating crimes based on age. Is there a difference on what someone is thinking? If your loved one is murdered, doesn’t make any difference what the reason might be? Shouldn’t the punishment be the same based on the crime that is committed? Or should there be...Read More

There is renewed interest in hate crimes legislation in state legislatures as well as on the federal level in recent months. Much of this interest stems from attacks over gender, race, and other categories were primarily minority groups are involved. So, what’s a hate crime you ask?  If someone is premeditatedly shot and killed, that’s...Read More

From the first time I heard the song by Leonard Cohen, I loved “Hallelujah.” Many people have recorded it in various ways. Here’s a marvelous rendition by two talented musicians called the TwoCellos. It’s certainly worth a listen.Read More

Many of you readers are too young to remember the massacre that took place in the Vietnam war and an isolated location called My Lai. It was some 33 years ago, and hundreds of innocent Vietnamese were slaughtered by US troops. It was certainly one of the low points in American military history.  More innocents...Read More

There is a major effort going on today to change the name of Fort Rucker Alabama to Fort Hugh Thompson. You may have never heard of warrant officer Thompson, but history has shown that he played a crucial role in changing the perception of the Vietnam war. He was the Louisiana guy from Lafayette. It...Read More

Glad you’re checking out my website. I hope you and your family all have a safe and happy Easter weekend.Read More

March Madness is into his final competitive games to pick the top team in college basketball. Like many readers, I’m a diehard basketball fan. But what happened to college basketball? There’s been a number of scandals in recent years, and allegations of way too much money in the system. I say something needs to change....Read More

Thursday, March 25th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana SADNESS OVER MARCH MADNESS! March Madness has captivated millions of sports fans al over America. Let me begin right off by saying that I am a college basketball diehard through and through. Like most sports fans, I cheer on my favorite teams in a number of sports. But at...Read More

The insurance industry has a whole list of complaints and blames as to why the cost of insurance is so high. In my home state of Louisiana, it’s referred to, by some business interests, as a judicial hellhole. The reference is directed at the trial lawyers and those who want to give everyone access to...Read More

March 618h, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana  IS LOUISIANA A JUDICIAL HELLHOLE? According to several watchdog organizations, Louisiana has one of the worst judicial climates in the country.  The state has been given the dubious title of the nation’s judicial hellhole by several neutral watchdog groups. Campaign funds given to a judicial candidate are often cited as...Read More

There has been a lot of talk about reform in the criminal justice system. Hey, I’m not soft on crime. If you’re guilty, then you should be punished. Sometimes severely punished when a life is taken. But prosecutors can make mistakes or purposely hide evidence that can show that an accused is innocent.  That’s particularly...Read More

Thursday, March 11th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana  THE BETRAYAL ON JUSTICE IN LOUISIANA! There’s a lot of talk about judicial reform Both in Louisiana as well as the rest of the nation.  Unfortunately, there have been major abuses of innocent people being connected here in the Bayou state. You may not recognize the name of...Read More

Allegations of sexually abusive clergy continue to dominate a good part of the news across the nation.  There were some legal deadlines approaching last week, so there was a rash of new lawsuits filed. And although this whole priest pedophile scandal has spread worldwide, you may be surprised to learn that the early signs of...Read More

As most of you know, former NFL all star quarterback Peyton Manning is from down in Louisiana. Everyone claims to know the man and his famous family and follow all their exploits. I’m no exception. Paeton is now retired and doing some really creative commercials. And usually a funny one of him at a retirement...Read More

 LOUISIANA AND THE TURMOIL IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH! We all know that there is a crisis in the Catholic Church right now. Allegations of sexually abusive clergy are pouring in worldwide.  And numerous new allegations have been pouring in down here in Louisiana. Unfortunately, roots of this terrible tragedy engulfing the Catholic Church all over...Read More

Thank goodness it’s starting to warm up. Springtime means lots of things. And one of the big items for me is the kickoff of the baseball season. I’m a regular at spring training down in Tampa Florida. And I’m a diehard Yankees fan. I’ll tell you why in my new column that is now posted....Read More

Thursday, February 25th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana SPRING FEVER AND BASEBALL! Despite the recent cold weather, springtime is right around the corner and my favorite time of year. The weather warms up without a lot of humidity.  Flowers bloom at their very best. It’s the season of my birthday.  If you live in Louisiana, we...Read More

The FBI is under attack by news media and public officials all over the country for failing to aggressively take action to stop the riots against the Capitol in Washington,DC on January 6. There were any number of warnings that riots against the nation’s  Capitol would take place.  Although there was much material out there...Read More

February 18th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana TRUMP DISPARAGES LOUISIANA HEROES! Whatever one things of former President Donald Trump, there are certainly some things accomplished, particularly as regards to the economy. I’ll give him credit for this. But I am highly critical of how his mouth got in the way when it came to honoring those...Read More

I agree with many Louisianans feel like our former president, Donald Trump, did some positive things during his four years in public office. But his downfall was his big mouth. He just couldn’t help but criticizing those who’s stars shine as brighter brighter than him. One example are the military heroes, particularly from Louisiana. Trump,...Read More

As most of you know, former NFL super quarterback Peyton Manning is from my home state Louisiana. One of the greatest football players of all time. But he hasn’t left the public eye. He’s produced a lot of comic videos and advertisements. Check out his retirement home below.Read More

Mardi Gras this year was a deserted day.  Take a look at Bourbon Street.  Hoping for a return to normal next year.Read More

Wish we were parading and catching beads. We will just have to wait it out until next year.Read More

Like most Americans, I’m concerned about domestic terrorism that’s been taking place throughout the country. It’s happening by groups on both the right and the left.  But I’m also concerned about the loss of our personal freedoms. The so-called Patriot Act is now allowing the government to spy on more and more Americans, and take...Read More

Thursday,  February 11th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana WHAT’S HAPPENED TO FREEDOMS IN AMERICA? Most Americans agree on the importance of safeguarding basic freedoms protected by the constitution.  But here’s where it gets a little murky.  Do we have to give up certain of these freedoms to be safe and secure? The current and past presidents,...Read More

I always loved the crowd singing, with me joining in, a great song YMCA. It’s a song that gets the crowds going at sporting events, and any other type of large gathering. I get a little confused taking my arms to form out the letters, but I always enjoy trying. Here’s a group called the...Read More

Every yearly Mardi Gras weekend, I join a crowd of old friends, particularly a number of former elected officials. Governors, judges, other state wide officials and legislators all gather in the New Orleans French Quarter on one of the balconies shown to the left. A great gathering to renew all friendships. Unfortunately, because of the...Read More

I am an unabashed huge fan of Mardi Gras. I’ve been going to the annual Fat Tuesday, celebration for almost 60 years. And for those of you that haven’t followed the Mardi Gras tradition, it’s not just one day. It’s a whole season lasting over a month. The feeling of Mardi Gras is captured, in...Read More