“That was when they suspended the Constitution. They said it would be temporary.”””Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale My friend John Whitehead has written a compelling new article about the continuing erosion of freedoms in America.  From Supreme Court decisions that fly in the face of what should be constitutionally...Read More

We have so many great holiday choices. Go to www.thelisburnpress.com.  Happy Holidays!Read More

Everyone in Louisiana is familiar with the proliferation of gambling throughout the state. We gamble on about everything here in the Bayou State.  But what about the limits? The legislature, rightly so, has pass laws requiring that you must be twenty one to gamble in Louisiana. But does the law have any teeth, and is...Read More

Most Americans come out their daily lives without any understanding or even concern about what is happening halfway around the world to keep all of us free. Serving our country by volunteering for military service seems to be the last thing any young man or woman wants to do. I volunteered to serve my country...Read More

This lovely young lady plays the violin like an angel. She is stunning, and and she would be at any age. I would still like to hear her live in concert. But for now, I’ll just have to settle for many songs on Youtube. karolina Protsenko lives in California and is certainly child prodigy. Take...Read More

On this week’s Dateline Louisiana podcast, Rannah Gray and I talk about the difficult issue of affirmative action as it relates to college and university admissions. What will the Supreme Court decide? You can listen by Clicking Here. Read More

Mass shootings continue across the US with more of these deranged  gunman opening fire on innocent people. And often, prosecutors bring charges against the killers for committing hate crimes. So what’s a hate crime? If you shoot someone and they’re dead, do you pile on more charges against the killer? Do we get mixed up...Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. “” The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to rein in the government’s power to indiscriminately pick and choose the laws by which it will abide, especially as it relates to the Sixth Amendment rights of the accused in criminal cases.  “We now live in a society in which a person can be accused...Read More

                To order, go to www.thelisburnpress.com.Read More

I can’t remember another year when the National Book Awards ceremony delivered such a powerful, unified message as it did Wednesday night in New York. Even before the presentation of the annual prizes that would enshrine a few titles in literary history, one inspiring speaker after another rose to defend our literary freedom. The theme...Read More

Thank goodness, elections are all over and we can get back to some normality. Unfortunately, for all of us in Louisiana, we’re the only state in the nation that has its gubernatorial elections in 2023. So we will take a break for the holidays, then get back to all the politics again.  What do you...Read More

“The votes are in. No matter who runs for office, no matter who controls the White House, Senate or the House of Representatives now or in the future, “we the people” have already lost.”  These are the chilling words of John Whitehead, one of the most vocal advocates against government abuse, and the taking of many...Read More

Are you ready for more electioneering and more politicians, asking us for your vote? I’m sure not. For goodness sakes, let’s take a break from all the political rhetoric. I write about this in my new column. The question I raise is, what difference to did all this campaigning make? Are we still not in...Read More

I’ve written several columns over the past few weeks about my first legal client, Jerry Lee Lewis.  If you’re interested in learning a lot more details about Jerry Lee’s life, and my relationship with him, I recorded a podcast recently that gives a great deal of information. You can listen to it at the link...Read More

This week, Rannah Gray and I talk about the role of local newspapers in our communities and why they need to survive. You can listen now: Go to https://datelinelouisiana.buzzsprout.com.   This week, Rannah Gray and I talk about the role of local newspapers in our communities and why they need to survive. You can listen...Read More

Jerry Lee Lewis went a long way from Ferriday Louisiana, traveling worldwide, and became the King of rock and roll music. But when it came to pick his final resting place, he told his wife he wanted to come back home to Ferriday.  I traveled this past Saturday to my old home of Ferriday, and...Read More

A huge hit on the FBI.  Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee in Washington  say in a report just released that the FBI is “rotted at its core,” has a “systemic culture of unaccountability” and is full of “rampant corruption, manipulation, and abuse.” The report is over 1000 pages long.  To read news reports...Read More

There’s a sadness that is taking over the world of rock ‘n’ roll this week. One of the all-time greats, the Killer himself, has passed away at 87. That’s right! Jerry Lee Lewis, from my hometown of Ferriday, Louisiana, is no longer with us.  Jerry Lee was my first client when I was a young...Read More

I don’t know about you, but I love flash mobs. Large groups  dancing in public places that seem spontaneous, but obviously are well planned. Remember the movie Grease?More than 250 people participated in a “˜feelgood’ stunt this morning during rush hour at the Central Station in Antwerp, Belgium. Grease is definitely still the word! What...Read More

The Ukrainian War has received strong support from a number of American allies at the strong urging by the Biden Administration. But as the war has drug gone, some of the support is starting to weaken.  Italy’s new Prime Minister has been buddying up to Vladimir Putin, and India is trying to stay neutral. Great...Read More

On the latest Dateline Louisiana podcast, Rannah Gray and I are talking about the Katrina story we can’t forget — portrayed in the Apple TV mini-series, Five Days @ Memorial. Lives tragically lost, questions unanswered. What would you do? You can listen here now: by Clicking Here.  Read More

Do you want to see how arbitrary and shortsighted our federal court system is? Take a look at this article involving a and effort by St. Louis minister to distribute a few sandwiches to the homeless.The city of St. Louis did not violate the First Amendment rights of a Christian pastor and his assistant by...Read More

A jury last week in Parkland, Florida recommended Nikolas Cruz get life in prison for killing 17 people, sparing Cruz from a death sentence after his lawyers argued he had a troubled upbringing.  I read a great deal about this case and I wasn’t impressed with his “upbringing” argument.  Hey, life growing up can be tough,...Read More

Rita Gardner passed away recently. This name may not be recognizable to you, but she’s someone that I have followed her for a long, long time, and her involvement in the longest running musical in American history could’ve influenced my life. In 1960, she originated the lone female role in an Off Broadway show that...Read More

Charles Cook a well-known writer for the National Review, a publication with conservative leanings, but well respected with their  unbiased articles.  Cook’s article this month is titled: “The Case for Dismantling the FBI.”  Cook’s conclusion is that there have been a long list of abuses by the FBI, and that the agency should be completely...Read More

Life and death.  Two different stories in this week’s column about one popular Louisiana official who survived cancer. And a serial killer who was to be put to death before he died in prison.  Eighteen years ago this week, Derrick Todd Lee received the death penalty in Louisiana. He was the state’s most notorious and...Read More

Washington DC is full of phony supposed leaders who pushed for more military involvement around the world but never served a day in the military. These blowhards are called chicken hawks. And there are lots of them around. I was exempt from the military draft back in the 1960s, but I still joined the army...Read More

It’s a new week and that means the latest episode of Dateline Louisiana just dropped! This week, Rannah Gray and I have a laugh or two about Louisiana’s unique brand of humor. You can listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/…/11358896-episode-15-the…Read More

Insurance rates for both homeowners and businesses in Louisiana are going through the roof. Companies are going broke, and the state run program, supposedly put together to help policyholders, wants a 63% increase. What? That’s just outrageous. Has the legislature done enough to curtail these high insurance rates and should Louisiana have an elected insurance...Read More

Every week, Dateline Louisiana takes on topics Rannah Gray and I hear talked about in Louisiana. You can catch any episode at www.datelinelouisiana.com or the latest one by Clicking Here.Read More

  The Government’s War on Political Freedom! Check out the column below by our friend John whitehead with tTe Rutherford Institute.  John makes the point that the FBI never stops and Sheffers to invade itself in our personal freedoms. You can readers complete column by Clicking Here. “In so many of the little places of...Read More

It was 132 years ago this week. That’s the birthdate of one of Louisiana’s most powerful United States senators whoever served representing the Bayou state.  Senator Allen Ellender was a legend in the U.S. Senate serving for 35 years until his death in 1972.  I had quite an initial meeting with Ellender at a rural...Read More

Every week, Dateline Louisiana takes on topics Rannah Gray and I hear talked about in Louisiana. You can catch any episode at www.datelinelouisiana.com or the latest one by Clicking  Here: Read More

This week, September 18th through September 24th, is Banned Book Week all over Louisiana and all over the nation.  The week has been recognized for over 40 years. So why is there such a rage in banning books today? National groups are coming into states like Louisiana to push for banning books that have been...Read More

  “We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.“ “” Abraham Lincoln It continually amazes me as to how the federal government ignores these specific requirements in the constitutional amendments that are part of our basic...Read More

Here’s a statistic that will surprise you. A national website has named New Orleans as the top city in America to retire. What are these people smoking? New Orleans is in a state of meltdown right now with murder and overall crime out of control. The leadership there is dysfunctional, and the locals feel unsafe...Read More

Don’t mess with JB when he’s working out. One tough guy at 82.Read More

This month marks the 30th year anniversary of the FBI massacre at Ruby Ridge. It was simply an example of Militarized Central State Versus Individual Life and Liberty.  A chilling story of an FBI sniper who shot Vicki Weaver in the head as she held her ten-month-old baby at her home in Ruby Ridge, Idaho. The sniper...Read More

Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson.  Both are iconic figures in American political history. They also are, in my opinion, the two most important figures in Louisiana history. Without the intervention activities of both Jefferson in Jackson, Louisiana could well not be a state today. But are they getting the respect they deserve? I write about...Read More

John Whitehead heads up the Rutherford Institute, a think tank that is trying it’s best to protect our basic freedoms.  Here’s what he says about the FBI. “The government’s henchmen have become the embodiment of how power, once acquired, can be so easily corrupted and abused. Indeed, far from being tough on crime, FBI agents...Read More

It’s pretty obvious that President Biden does not read my weekly columns. He went ahead last week and forgave billions of dollars in student loans.  Both Republicans and Democrats were highly critical of the President’s action.  There are so many unanswered questions. How much is this forgiveness going to cost the taxpayers? Will loans be...Read More

One of best websites that works towards protecting our basic freedoms is The Rutherford Institute headed up by John Whitehead.  John has been a guest on my nationally syndicated radio program on several occasions. He is tireless worker pointing out government abuse and undermining the basic freedoms of all of Americans.  Here is what John...Read More

This week’s Dateline Louisiana podcast is a subject dear to my heart. I know everyone has a story to tell and if you’d like to write yours, join Rannah Gray and me as we share some tips to get you started. We’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts…or just click here: www.datelinelouisiana.com.Read More

Former representatives Steve Carter was a champion for early learning programs in our schools throughout Louisiana. He unfortunately died of Covid related problems almost 2 years ago. The Baton Rouge Morning Advocate has a story of how this program is slowly being funded, and praises Steve Carter for h efforts.  Steve was my brother-in-law, and...Read More

It’s hard to remember just when America was so divided as a nation. It seems like we’re split on so many issues. Trump- anti-Trump, Red State– Blue State, the list is long.  Can we learn anything by going back to the Civil War when Lincoln faced dealing with a divided nation? I think so. America...Read More

Here is a recent interview that I did concerning coming Louisiana elections, as well as the seizure recently of boxes of records located at the home of former president Donald Trump in Florida. Check it out and see if you agree.Read More

Do you have a garbage man that is this lively and enjoys his day to the fullest?  We all should have such a happy attitude.Read More

So just what’s up with this raid on the residence of past president Donald Trump? Is he hiding secret government documents for some  nefarious reason to undermine democracy? Or is all this just a public records dispute that should have been handled directly between the current and past presidents? What about all this FBI overreach?...Read More

 I spent 8 years managing orderly elections when I was Secretary of State. This week on Dateline Louisiana, Rannah Gray and I talk about the current state of voting in Louisiana and throughout the country. It’s Dateline Friday and you can listen to Episode 7 by going to https://www.buzzsprout.com/…/10892725-episode-7-voting…Read More

How much was that lottery amount? $1.3 billion.  Come on, that’s the loft wall. What an earth would you do if you won over $1 billion?  I suppose we all dream every now and then about riches. But this is out of the ballpark. So just what would you do if you won? What would...Read More

It’s Friday and this week Rannah Gray and I going global on #datelinelouisiana! You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music…or just click here: www.datelinelouisiana.com. Thanks, everyone!Read More

A nice visit and a presentation about books this week to the Good Old Boys Club at the Kenner Knights of Columbus Hall. I was invited by Dr. Gary Arnold, and it was certainly a lively group. “My Louisiana Odyssey” was purchased by a number of members. It’s good to be back out on the...Read More

We are in the midst of baseball season, and the season of politics is just a few months away as we approach congressional elections. So do you have a favorite? What rings more true to you- baseball or politics?  And are there similarities between this grand sporting event and our national elections? You might be...Read More

You might want to take in our new podcast that is has been posted. My colleague Rannah Gray and I talk about what to do about gun violence in America today. We normally talk about Louisiana issues, but so many killings in recent months need all of our attention. You can listen to the podcast...Read More

With all the serious matters we talking right about today, every now and then we need to include a little humor in our lives. Check out below some of the complaints by travelers to their travel agents. A few examples are 1. “They should not allow topless sunbathing on the beach. It was very distracting...Read More

You never know what Rannah Gray and I will be talking about on the Dateline Louisiana podcast! You can listen to Episode 4 wherever you get your podcasts…or right here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/…/10892700-episode-04…  Read More

Is there a happier place to live than in Louisiana? A recent survey by the U. S. National Bureau of Economic Research, Louisiana found that the Bayou State  is by far the happiest state in the nation.  Have you heard about the five Fs?  They best describe what’s happening here in the deepest of the deep...Read More

Rannah Gray and I have a new podcast out about the strange and interesting world of Louisiana politics. You can listen to it now on any podcast site by just plugging in www.datelinelouisiana.com. You can also check out all of our recent podcasts by Clicking Here.  Hope you will give it a listen.Read More

Here’s interview that was created a number of radio stations by the sounds of the show, my friends Chris Tidmore and Hi McEnery.  The show runs on stations throughout Louisiana, it’s always been lighthearted program with the two hosts.  My friend Rannah Gray also joined the show, as we’ve started a new podcast to together....Read More

We live in a different world today then when I grow up. Going and coming from school, and daily safety were just not an issue. Today, protecting your children is often the only issue. What should we do as parents to see the schools protect our children more? There certainly have been failings  as we...Read More

If you haven’t listened yet, the new dateline Louisiana podcast is gaining a number of new listeners.  Several new episodes have now been posted, including great discussions on  all the interesting and exquisite food you can find in Louisiana.  So be sure and check out all these new episodes. You can listen to all the...Read More

All we’re hearing in the press are several high profile decisions from the US Supreme Court. But quietly, other decisions have eroded your basic constitutional rights. Something the Supreme Court Has done a lot recently.Although the Supreme Court stopped short of overturning its 1966 ruling in Miranda v. Arizona, the conservative majority declared that individuals...Read More

There’s a major effort in Washington, both by the president and key members of Congress, to pass legislation forgiving current student loans. The amount of these loans currently exceed $1.7 trillion. And that ain’t chump change.  So is this something that Congress and the president should do? Is it fair to the those who earlier...Read More

The Keystone pipeline has become an issue that now dominates criticism of the President by  pleading how important the pipeline  is to the economic future of Louisiana. My reaction? Hogwash! The issue will not mean diddlysquat to the Bayou State. No new jobs will be created and not a dime of economic development. Read my...Read More

I’m excited to tell you about a new podcast that is taking off this week with my cohost Rannah Gray. For years, Rannah and I broadcast a nationally syndicated radio program that you could listen to right here on this site.  We have started a new podcast called Dateline Louisiana, where we discuss the various...Read More

Fifty years ago this month, the Watergate break-in took place in Washington. It seemed like a minor event at the time, but the whole political mess continued to  unwind  and led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Like most of the rest of the country, I was an avid observer of the whole process....Read More

One of the important issues missing from the whole gun debate is the violence that takes place at the movies, on TV and in video games.  Yet we see time and time again the fist kind of violence influences potential mass murderers. Check out daughter Campbell Brown’s article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal...Read More

All things considered, Jupiter seems like a pretty scary place. More than 300 times bigger than Earth (and twice the size of all the rest of our solar system’s planets combined), the King of Planets has double the strength of our gravity and an exceptionally dense, dry atmosphere. And you know that Big Red Dot on...Read More

Kudos to my colleague John Whitehead for his  continuing to stand up for our freedoms. He writes  regular columns on his website The Rutherford Institute. Here’s what he insightfully says this week: “In a closed society where everybody’s guilty, the only crime is getting caught.”””Hunter S. Thompson “The groundwork has been laid for a new...Read More

The recent legislative session at the state capital of Louisiana provided an excellent chance for legislators to deal directly with the nation’s highest automobile  insurance rates. There were a number of positive suggestions that were offered to legislators. But with all was said and done, nothing of any consequence happened. So policyholders in the state...Read More

How about my two good-looking and quite athletic grandsons, Eli and Asher Senor? In New York City for Asher’s bar mitzvah. And watching these two guys play lots of great tennisRead More

So what do you choose? Exercise or reading a good book. I say you can do both. I’m at my local health club 5 to 6 days a week, and always bring a book along. If it’s time to ride on my recumbent bike, I can both ride and read. My rule of thumb is...Read More

All across America, the voting process is under siege.  And much of the criticism is directed at secretaries of state who are the top election officials in most states.  A number of groups, many tied to the past president, say there is widespread voter fraud, and the whole system needs to be revamped. So is...Read More

Two of Louisiana’s most colorful governors certainly are Edwin Edwards and John McKeithen.  They were political allies when McKeithen  was governor and Edwards served as a congressman from southwest Louisiana. Then Edwards was elected, and the relationship between them became strained. I was a first hand observer to the highs and lows of their relationship,...Read More

Sad to say, but another week- another school shooting. It seems like these deranged killers are popping up way too often. And the police response in Uvalde, Texas has been absolutely appalling. Domestic terrorism in America continues to rise. What if anything that we do about it? I express my thoughts about the terrible shooting...Read More

A nice evening visiting with my friend Charlie Cole overlooking the Mississippi River. Charlie has been working for a number of years on his wonderful project of restoring Como plantation outside of Saint Francisville as a wonderful getaway. The Como Plantation Retreat has been in the works for several years””a vision that has transformed this...Read More

This week, I want to tell you all about me and the Killer. Well, not that kind of killer. I’m talking about one of the great country music and rock ‘n roll singers of all time. He’s from my hometown in Ferriday, Louisiana and he was just inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame....Read More

  So how long will he wait? In Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot”, a revolutionary creation, the symbolic Godot never comes. Will he show up for this guy?  Some say Godot represents death, unless the only thing that comes.  Hummmmm!  I don’t know about that. But I did like the play.Read More

Randy Weaver has passed away.  Three decades ago, he was entrapped by an ATF agent.  Federal agents subsequently killed his son and wife. The Justice Department denied that anyone’s rights were violated but still paid a multi-million dollar settlement for the Weaver family’s wrongful death lawsuit.  Federal abuses at Ruby Ridge, the subsequent FBI coverup,...Read More

What’s going on in my home state of Louisiana and across the nation? A crime wave of violence from coast to coast. Political leaders in both parties who  scream for attention, but offer few solutions. We as Americans deserve better. Much better! I take on the thorny subject in my new column now posted. Where...Read More

I would be remiss not to comment on the passing of my longtime friend Mickey Gilley. He was one of my first clients when I started my law practice in the small town of Ferriday in Northeast Louisiana. Mickey was a  country music star whose Texas nightclub served as the inspiration for the 1980 film Urban...Read More

I’m sure you recognize actor James Cromwell. He’s played major character actors in any number of movies. In the popular series the crown, he played Prince Philip and did an excellent job. Well now he’s created a really sticky situation.  Incensed by the “senseless upcharge” at Starbucks for nondairy milk, the “Succession” and “Babe” actor...Read More

Well like it or not, I’m moving on up. I’m talking about age. Eighty two years old this week. In the past, I would have assumed that this is really old. Not so says me. Yes, a lot of water has pasted under the bridge, but I’m convinced I still have a good ways to...Read More

Mega country music singing star Garth Brooks is certainly a national treasure. But it’s hard to top the thousands of fans that packed LSU tiger stadium this past Saturday night. It was a Garth Brooks weekend with diehard fans traveling from hundreds of miles just to see the king of country music. He wasn’t always...Read More

Did you know that some so-called celebrities go ahead and hire a book stylist? A book is recommended to carry around and let people think you are a real intellectual and regular reader. Hey I’ve got a good idea. Just sit down and read a book!Read More

  Now look all you guys and gals. Ain’t nobody messin’ with me. You can see below, I got friends. Remember “The Incredible Hulk” in the U.S. TV series that ran in the ’70s? Well,the Hulk came to Baton Rouge this week to hang out. With me-right? Well alright. He did open up a new health...Read More

It’s a simple fact with no disagreement. Violent crime is running rampant all over Louisiana. In fact, a number of the most violent crime ridden cities in America are right here in the Bayou state. So what can be done about it? Newspaper editorials and columns are calling for a new study commission. What? We...Read More

Being from Louisiana, and having spent a good part of my life in New Orleans, I really love the street performers take their music seriously, and give awesome performances. Here is one of the best performers. Every Breath You Take – The Police | Karolina Protsenko & Daniele Vitale SaxRead More

Former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is back on the political scene again. She is a candidate for the one congressional seat in Alaska. Over 50 candidates are qualified to run against Palin. So what do you think about this controversy and outspoken lady? I have my opinions. In fact, I almost...Read More

Sunrise church this Sunday Easter morning at the Flora-Bama service in Gulf Shores, Alabama. I’v been a regular down here on the Redneck Riviera for the past 56 years.Read More

Someone asked me what this was a picture of. I told them this was just a typical gas station down here in Louisiana.Read More

The Louisiana legislature is under the gun during its current regular 2002 session, and for good reason. Policyholders who own property  are livid about the cost of insurance, and the way insurance companies are failing to adequately adjust claims. And it’s because property insurance is by far the most expensive in the entire country. And...Read More

Well, we here at The Lisburn Press hope you feel the same way about happiness. If you live down in the deepest of the deep southern states, you know we have so many productive authors, and so many good books to read. I hope you go to our website and look at all the new...Read More

Baird Dodge, principal second violin of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, performs “Over the Rainbow” in the courtyard of his residence, as tenants gather on the fire escapes to enjoy the music.What a thoughtful musical gift from a gifted musician.Read More

We want to let all you folks who come to The Lisburn Press site know the new feature we will be beginning in the next several weeks. We will host weekly interviews with a cross-section of writers, many who pen their work with The Lisburn Press. We will also host a cross section of other...Read More

In this week’s column, I take a look at the question of jut how important is Ukraine to the interest of the United States. Should we be actively engaged in this country over 6000 miles away from our borders? Probably so, but with caveats.  Why is Vladimir Putin  so intense on invading Ukraine?  It is...Read More

A special day at the Garden District bookstore in uptown New Orleans with a presentation by popular author Karen White. She has written over 30 books, and tells great stories about New Orleans, the French quarter and the south. It was a treat to visit with her at the bookstore. Pictured below shows my visiting...Read More

In this week’s column now posted, I write about the importance of America’s relationship with Ukraine, and how far America  should go in protecting this country some 6000 miles away. Pictured below are some of the political commentary showing this relationship. And I hope you will read my column listed above.        Read More

A warning for my readers. There is a new strain of Covid that is lurking through some parts of the world, that could be quite dangerous back here in the U.S. A lot of us have been lulled into thinking that our lives are back to normal, and we are not really affected by any...Read More