The legislature is coming into session this week, and here we go again. All this talk about insurance, and nothing substantive happening. All the proposals so far are nothing more than legislators putting their fingers into the insurance dike that’s about to collapse. I write about some of the questionable ideas put forth so far, and how nothing has been proposed to give protections for policyholders. You can read my column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
In Louisiana, it’s always something. The Bayou State either stirs up a hornet’s nest, makes a mess, creates a mess, or actually causes the mess. Causing the mess is the focus of news all across the country as a Baton Rouge gal, porn star Stormy Daniels, has caused former President Donald Trump to be indicted. Of all the controversy is stirred up by the ex-president, it’s hard to imagine, but a dalliance with a porn star could bring Trump into a courtroom to face state charges in New York City. This, of course, is the focus of my column this week. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
What on earth is going on in Washington DC? Can you believe that Republican members of Congress are supporting legislation that will give federal control over our local school boards? I’m stunned! What on earth is happening in our country? And what’s even more shocking is that the lead author on the legislation is from Louisiana. Now yes, we know that there are problems with local school boards, and great controversies over library books, and other ways to teach. But do we want the federal government, including the US Department of education and the Justice Department meddling in how we run our schools in Louisiana? I hope not. I write about all of this in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to theRed flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.
Take a look at the video of former football great Peyton Manning, who decides to check into a retirement home. The Manning family lives in New Orleans and are the the first family of football. I think you’ll get a kick out of the video.
Here we go again. The second and third largest bank collapses in America took place last week. The banks were negligent in their lending practices, and did not have enough reserves in place. But why worry about it. After all, the federal government is there to bail them out, like they always seem to do. These banks are supposedly too big to fail, yet when they do, they are the first in line to ask for a government bail out. Billions of dollars paid by, guess who? You and me. I write about poor bank practices and the poor government regulation in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
It’s been 55 years since one of the great American war tragedies took place. It continues to be a stain on America’s image of being honorable and not being vindictive in the time of war. It was the My Lia massacre, and a tragedy of which America should not be proud. But like so often when tragedies happen, some special person rise to the occasion and put a stop to wrongdoing. Such a hero was Colonel Hugh Thompson from Lafayette. I write about his bravery in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
From the Wall Street Journal. (Letters to the Editor)
“I always believed that the Covid virus leaked from a Wuhan lab, but now that the FBI has confirmed it, I have my doubts.” Ken Matthew-Long Beach , Miss.
Jim Brown, former Louisiana Secretary of State, Insurance Commissioner and State Senator makes a return visit to the podcast and for good reason. He always has a lot of stories to tell. Brown joins Errol Laborde, Executive Editor of Louisiana Life, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot to tell tales from his latest book, “My Louisiana Odyssey: A Memoir,” including a late night phone call from Bill Clinton and flying with Edwin Edwards. Oh yes, we will also hear about visiting a saint’s relic and why.
Recent reports list Louisiana as one of the top gambling spots worldwide. And when it comes to choices of how you gamble, you just cannot find a state or country with so many options. Yes, there are big casinos in other locations, but no one has the wide variety of various ways to gamble. You might be surprised at the list I have compiled. All this information is found in my new column now posted. To read it, go to the Red Flashing Box above or Click Here.
Can’t we just make it one more day without some new scandal brewing inside the FBI? Check out this headline of this week’s New York post: ” 30 years ago, the FBI might have had its biggest bomb: the World Trade Center attack. The story went on to say:
Thirty years ago Sunday, the largest terrorist attack then in American history occurred when a 1,200-pound bomb exploded beneath the World Trade Center in New York City.It was sheer luck that the explosion did not topple the entire skyscraper and kill thousands of people. Politicians solemnly marked the anniversary, but dignitaries made no mention of the FBI’s role in that disaster.” Read on to see the bubbling, and how ineffective the FBI was in the whole terrible mess.
A presidential candidate says candidates over 75 years old should take a competency test. Is old age a disqualification in running for public office? What about understanding public issues to begin with? Does being young automatically qualify one to understand just had to run any public office? I take a look at these questions in my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
WASHINGTON, DC “” The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear the appeal of an Ohio man who was arrested, jailed, had his apartment searched, and had his phone and laptop seized by police in retaliation for mocking the police department through a parody Facebook page. Thumbs down for a bad decision. To see the full story, Click Here.
Check out our new podcast just posted on the ridiculous cost of all forms of insurance in Louisiana. You can listen now by going to www.datelinelouisiana.com.
In recent months, the FBI has come under continuing attack. In fact, the Wall Street Journal has called for the abolishment of what what is supposed to be the nations premier, law-enforcement organization. And for many good reasons. Let us tell you hell out of control the FBI has become. He said internal memo was released, saying that Americans who believe in the Latin traditional Catholic Mass terrorists and should be investigated. That’s exactly what the memo says. I kid you not. Take a look at my new column that lays out the facts. They may shock you. To read it, go to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
So many families today are forced to deal with dementia and Alzheimer’s that affect their loved ones. The toll is not only devastating to the individual who comes down with such terrible diseases, but family members and particularly the caregivers are also deeply affected. Is there any answer on the horizon? I talk about several experiences in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
Yes it’s Mardi Gras time with people all over Louisiana celebrating the days before the Lenten season. Parades are taking place right now in the cities all over the state. And we you come to Mardi Gras, we all love the great music. My favorite is Professor Long Hair and you can listen below.
What’s all this stuff about we don’t need another hero? The naysayers in this day and age seem to undermine anyone who succeeds, and the criticism in politics is just overwhelming. I started out with my first hero when I was 11 years old. If you go to read my new column, you will see who it is. Tina Turner has a song that sings “We don’t need another Hero.” Tina, you’re wrong. Hey, check out my new column about my thoughts on why we need heroes. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
An FBI agent stops at a farm to see a local rancher.
He tells the rancher, “I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs.”
The rancher says, “Okay, but do not go in that field over there,” as he points out the location.
The FBI agent verbally explodes saying, “Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me.”
Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher.
“See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish… On any land. No questions asked or answer given. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand? “
The rancher nods politely, apologizes, and goes about his chores.
A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and sees the FBI agent running for his life chased by the rancher’s big Santa Gertrudis Bull…
With every step, the bull is gaining ground on the officer, and it seems likely that he’ll get gored before he reaches safety.
The agent is clearly terrified.
The rancher, in a slow southern drawl, rambles casually over to the fence before cupping his hands and shouting:
“Your badge… Show him your badge!”
Two old guys are pushing their carts around Wal*Mart when they collide:
The first old guy says to the second guy. “Sorry about that. I’m looking for my wife and I guess I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”
The second old guy says. “That’s OK. It’s a coincidence. I’m looking for my wife, too. I can’t find her and I’m getting a little desperate.”
The first says. “Well, maybe we can help each other. What does your wife look like?”
The second old guy says. “Well, she is 27 yrs old, tall, with red hair, blue eyes, long legs, big busted and is wearing short shorts. What does your wife look like?”
The first old guy says. “Doesn’t matter, let’s look for yours.”
Students arrived in some Florida public school classrooms this month to find their teachers’ bookshelves wrapped in paper “” or entirely barren of books “” after district officials launched a review of the texts’ appropriateness under a new state law. Do you read the whole story about a new wave of book censors, Click Here.
A Baton Rouge killing with worldwide interest related to the drug cartel trade was back in the news this week. Barry Seal at one time was by far the largest drug smuggler in America. He worked for the Colombian drug cartel that was headed up by Pueblo Escobar. The fellow who orchestrated the assassination of Seal is in Louisiana prison, and he asked Governor Edwards for a pardon. No ways said the Governor. In this week’s column, I write about Seal, his Baton Rouge connections, and just how he got assassinated. There’s also questionable federal judicial conduct involved. Take a look and see what you think. You can read the column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
I really love this song, “Born to be an Eagle.” It’s produced by my long time friend, Jimmy Carr out of Winnsboro, Louisiana. I hope I was born to be an eagle and that my life accentuated such a highflying commitment to a good life. Take a listen.
It was 60 years ago, yet the speculation of who actually killed former President John F Kennedy continues to be discussed. Was there more than one shooter? When did the plot begin? Did Lee Harvey Oswald act alone? Or was there an actual conspiracy. I have my own theory, and I write about it in this week’s column. In fact, I almost got to the bottom of it; well, at least from my perspective. And by the way, above is a picture of Kennedy rarely seen wearing a hat, and that’s former Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards to his right.You can read all my thoughts in my new column now posted. Go to the Red Flashing Box above or Click On Here.
Oh, and here is an afterthought. In the Oliver Stone movie, JFK, District attorney Jim Garrison is played by Kevin Costner. I had a chance to talk to Koster about his role a few years back as you can see below.
It would seem that the attacks and criticisms of the FBI never cease. A week does not go by when we don’t see more news articles plummeting the reputation and the confidence of what is supposed to be the nations premier, law-enforcement agency. How wrong this is proven to be. Check out the various articles below to get a perspective of how bad things are for the FBI. Click on the article title to read it.
The FBI’s Attacks on MLK, Jr. Are Helpful Reminders for Today
Did J. Edgar Hoover Order the Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr
The FBI and Attacks on Personal Liberty
Are you sure what you are saying passes the politically correct test? In this day and age, you never know. Things I’ve been saying and writing for years, to some, just does not cut it in today’s world. But you know what? I’m just too old, or perhaps too bullheaded to change, and I don’t mind using phrases and words that I have been putting in columns for many years. That’s just the way I think but others may disagree. Look over my new column and see if you and I are on the same wavelength. To read it, click on the Red Flashing Box above or Click Here.
Remember the scene in Pretty Woman when Richard Gere tells Julia Roberts “People’s reactions to opera the first time they see it is very dramatic. They either love it or they hate it. If they love it, they will always love it. If they don’t, they may learn to appreciate it – but it will never become part of their soul.”
I’m not sure that opera is a part of my soul, but I really enjoy my few favorites. The Metropolitan Opera in New York broadcasts regular Saturday afternoon performances. For a number of years, I would go back to my clothes closet (we have a crowded household), curl up with some blankets on the floor, and listen to that week’s performance while dozing off and on. If I had to choose, I love listening to Verdi’s La Traviata, but Puccini’s Madame Butterfly would be my favorite. In Act Two, Butterfly sings what to me is the most beautiful aria in all opera, “Un bel dì.“ You can listen below.
The Rutherford Institutes hit right at home today with his column about overreach, particularly on the part of the Justice Department, and the FBI. His column points out that there are continuing violations of the US Constitution by a number of government agencies. Little by little, your basic constitutional rights are being stripped away. To read all of John’s article, Click Here.
Just when you thought the property insurance in Louisiana, could not get me worse, surprise, surprise, surprise. It does. Not just by a little bit. Can you believe that the state run company in Louisiana has increased their race by as much as 83% in New Orleans? Is there anything that can be done about it? Yes, but it’s going to take some backbone of the part of the legislature in the insurance department. Florida’s legislature just passed major reforms. So what can be done in Louisiana? Check out my new column right talk about this exasperating problem. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
Sorry to say (well, good news for us here at The Lisburn Press) that “The Jim Brown Reader” has completely sold out. If you have not received your copy, bear with us. A second printing is underway. Thanks for understanding. To purchase your 2nd edition copy, go to www.thelisburnpress.com.
Does the blistering criticism of the FBI ever stop? Day after day, the criticisms and attacks pile up on the incompetence of what is supposed to be the Premier law enforcement agency in America. Here’s what the latest article in the Wall Street Journal has to say: “quite simply, the problem ““ the rot within the FBI- festers in and proceeds from Washington.” To read the compelling, Wall Street Journal article, Click Here.
It’s been another topsy turvy year in Louisiana and throughout the country as we continue to deal with the Covid virus, political upheaval, and an uncertain economy. I’ll be receiving my booster shot next week, but still do not feel all that safe. In spite of this challenge, we have a lot to be thankful for. I review the new year, and think back over past happier times, in my new column that is now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here. And Happy New Year to you.
Here is a new and chilling article from The Libertarian Institute.”Elon Musk has opened the floodgates to expose the FBI’s latest war on Americans’ freedom of speech. The FBI massively intervened to pressure Twitter to suppress accounts and tweets from individuals the FBI disapproved of, including parody accounts. The FBI and other federal agencies also browbeat Facebook, Instagram, and many other social media companies.” To read this informative article, Click Here.
What’s so special about living in the country, practically down in the deepest of the deep, southern states, Louisiana? One would think they would be many more opportunities in a metropolitan area. Depends on what you mean by opportunities. There’s a special flavor to country life that many folks, including myself, feel is extremely appealing. Yes, I’m living in Baton Rouge now, but I write this week about my special time living in Northeast Louisiana, and how I might even consider going back again one day. You can read my new column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
I have the great honor of attending the university of North Carolina track scholarship. I was a high and low hurdler, and did pretty fair for a guy back in the 1960s becoming ACC Champion in both the hurdle events. I never once thought about hitting my head on the track and getting a concussion, even though I fell a number of times. Now there is new evidence that athletes like me could have faced serious injury. I detailed story the New York Times this week about track athletes in the dangers of falling. I found it interesting, and perhaps you will, too. To read it, Click Here.
Independent former congressman, Ron Paul has always been a bellwether of fresh ideas involving the federal government. His new column gives chilling information about how the FBI works to impede free-speech. Paul writes this week that” “As we learn more and more from the “Twitter Files,” it is becoming all too obvious that Federal agencies such as the FBI viewed the First Amendment of our Constitution as an annoyance and an impediment. Congressman Paul goes on to say: “So now we have proof that the FBI (along with US intelligence agencies and the Department of Homeland Security) have been acting through “private” social media companies to manipulate what Americans are allowed to say when they communicate with each other. Is there anything more un-American than that? Personally, I find it sickening.
We do not need the FBI and CIA and other federal agencies viewing us as the enemy and attacking our Constitution. End the Fed”¦and End the Federal Bureau of Investigation!” To read his full commentary, Click Here.
What a special time over this holiday season. This week, I post my annual holiday column of giving all of us a second chance. It takes us from Thanksgiving to Christmas and into the New Year’s. It is certainly one of those popular columns I’ve ever written, and I’m glad to share it with all of my readers. I wish you the happiest of holidays, and look forward to a lively 2023 with lots of commentary, fresh ideas, general observations about what we can do to make our state and country better. See you next year. To click on this weeks column, go to the Red Flashing Box above or Click Here.
He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake
He knows when you’ve been bad or good
So be good for goodness’ sake!You’d better watch out””you’d better not pout””you’d better not cry”””˜cos I’m telling you why: this Christmas, it’s the Surveillance State that’s making a list and checking it twice, and it won’t matter whether you’ve been bad or good. You’ll be on this list whether you like it or not. Read The Future of Freedom Foundation founder John Whitehead’s chilling comments about the all seeing federal government. Click Here to read.
Did the Russians make up like a bandit in the recent prisoner swap? A druggie basketball player who won’t stand for the national anthem, and we give up the merchant of death. Some deal! There are a number of other American prisoners in the Soviet union who deserve to be brought home because of false charges against them. Take a look at some of the cartoon comments below, and see what you think. Personally, I think it was a bad deal.
There are a number of reasons why Louisiana has the highest insurance rates in all of America. I’ve listed many such reasons in previous columns I’ve written over the years. But the worst may not be over now. Just after the first of the year, the new Congress is considering tax options that may increase financial burdens on reinsurers. What does this have to do with Louisiana homeowners? When the reinsurers gets stuck for more taxes, they pass these increases along to the insurance companies, who then pass such increases on to homeowners like you and me. I’d write about this complicated and boring subject in this week’s column. Read what is important to us. To read the column, go to the Red Flashing Box above or Click On Here.
“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 protected, to FBI, another law enforcement agency, overreach, both the constitution and basic American values are under attack. Read John Whitehead’s compelling article. See it now by Clicking Here.
We have so many great holiday choices. Go to www.thelisburnpress.com. Happy Holidays!
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 it being enforced? Apparently, not at LSU. Take a look at my discovery in my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 back in the mid-1960s, the Vietnam war era, then stayed in the Louisiana National Guard for 12 years. We just except the fact that there are those willing to protect us at any cost. Take a look at the video below with the haunting music that shows the challenges are soldiers in the field face. A wonderful tribute.
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 a listen and see what you think.
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.
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 with what’s in someone’s head? I write about the justification, if there is one, for hate crimes in this weeks column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 of any number of crimes without knowing what exactly he has done. He might be apprehended in the middle of the night by a roving band of SWAT police. He might find himself on a no-fly list, unable to travel for reasons undisclosed. He might have his phones or internet tapped based upon a secret order handed down by a secret court, with no recourse to discover why he was targeted,” said constitutional attorney John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute. See full discussion by Clicking Here.
To order, go to www.thelisburnpress.com.
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 was clear: Stop banning books! To read the entire article, Click Here.
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 do? If you’re not happy with your choice of candidates for a particular office right now, it’s either not voting, or picking in the last of your two evils. Is there a third choice? Quite frankly, yes. It’s an idea that I proposed back in 1973 when I was a newly elected state senator. Now, 50 years later, can you believe that the Wall Street Journal is endorsing the idea? Take a look at my new column about this concept, and see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
“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 of our basic freedoms. John is a constitutional attorney, author, and founder and president of The Rutherford Institute. His new article is worth the read as the Justice Department and the FBI continue to erode freedoms in America. You can read John’s article now by Clicking Here.
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 the same politics and posturing that we were a few weeks ago? And are there really any reformers we can turn to? Check out my new column, read my thoughts and see what you think. You can read it all now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 below.
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 greeted hundreds of old friends who had turned out in the pouring rain to attend the Killer’s funeral. Fans came from all over the world to honor Jerry Lee. I write about this personal experience in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 of the ineptitude of theFBI, Click here.
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 lawyer starting out cold in Ferriday. He will certainly go down in music history as one of the all time greats. I wrote a new column about my memories of the Killer this week. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 did you think? Please leave a comment in the section below and remember to share the video.
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 Britain has been consumed in its own political and economic problems. So who is our strongest supporter who is pushing for continuing aid to Ukraine? Is it, could it be, who? France? That can’t be right. We’ve been jumping all over the French for years. But take a look at our history and their current support that I have written about in my new column. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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.
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 threatening to prosecute them for handing out bologna sandwiches to the homeless, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday. To res this ridiculous legal decision, Click Here.
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, but one isn’t excused for such unspeakable, horrific brutality that took place. I would have voted for the death penalty. The fact remains that the death penalty is rarely enforced throughout the United States today. And one reason is that innocent people are being convicted. I write about the LOUISIANA situation in this weeks column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 became part of theater history thanks to a record-setting run. It was called “The Fantasticks” and it ran off broadway in the historic Sullivan Theater. The opening song, made famous by Barbra Streisand, was called “Try to Remember.” I loved the show, and auditioned for the lead role as the bandit El Gallo when I was at Tulane University Law school in New Orleans. I sang this lead song, and a number of others in the show that got good reviews in the local press. The show’s producer, Lore Noto, called me to see I wanted to come to New York to audition for the lead role. I chose to stick with the law. Who knows what might’ve happened. But it’s nice to look back. And guess what? I still do a pretty good rendition of “Try to Remember.”
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 rebuilt and reorganized. A well written article that you can read now by Clicking Here.
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 prolific serial killer. I was there in the courtroom when the verdict was handed down. And a survivor, my friend former Congressman Billy Tauzin. Check out my new column filled with a little history. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing box above or by Clicking Here.
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 and served my country. So few of our leaders do so today. Here is an outstanding article by Future of Freedom Foundation founder Jeffery Hornberger about all these chickenhawks who want to get America in war after war. To read it, Click Here.
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…
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 commissioner? Most of the other states in the country bring the office under the governor. So what should be done? I set out several solutions in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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.
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.
Discredit, disrupt, and destroy.
That is how the government plans to get rid of activists and dissidents who stand in its way. This has always been the modus operandi of the FBI (more aptly referred to as the Federal Bureau of Intimidation): muzzle anti-government sentiment, harass activists, and terrorize Americans into compliance. Indeed, the FBI has a long history of persecuting, prosecuting and generally harassing activists, politicians, and cultural figures.
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 courthouse in North Louisiana. I tell of my experience and also about attending his funeral, all in my new column that is now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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:
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 classics for many years. What has cause they renewed efforts to undermine freedom of expression, a foundation of our American democracy? I write about this important and concerning issue in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
“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 law of the land. Unfortunately, although the Bill of Rights was adopted as a means of protecting the people against government tyranny, in America today, the government does whatever it wants, freedom be damned. My friend John Whitehead, who heads up the Rutherford Institute, was a guest on my national syndicated radio program on several occasions. He writes eloquently about the abdication of our Bill of Rights.To learn more of these abuses, Click Here.
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 to even go to the grocery store or fill up their car with gas. Carjackings by young thugs are happening all over the city. What in the heck is going on in what should be one of the great cities of America? I write about the Crescent City’s problems in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
Don’t mess with JB when he’s working out. One tough guy at 82.
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 also shot her husband Randy Weaver in the back, trying to kill him. Read this deeply troubling account by Clicking Here.
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 these two important figures, and how they are being negated by the Louisiana Democratic Party. Look over my new column and see what you think. You can read it by going to the Flashing Red Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 are also among the nation’s most notorious lawbreakers.” You can read this chilling article by Clicking Here.
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 forgiven for all incoming students and for years to come? Was it even legal for Biden to forgive these loans? These are all important questions that need to be answered. I write about this controversy in my new column now now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 writes in his new expose.’ “With every passing day, the United States government borrows yet another leaf from Nazi Germany’s playbook: Secret police. Secret courts. Secret government agencies. Surveillance. Censorship. Intimidation. Harassment. Torture. Brutality. Widespread corruption. Entrapment. Indoctrination. Indefinite detention.” You can read John’s full comments by Clicking Here.
“We want no Gestapo or Secret Police. FBI is tending in that direction.“””Harry Truman
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.
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 we all sure miss him. You can read the whole Morning Advocate story by Clicking Here.
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 has good times ahead, 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.
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.
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.
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? For justifiable reasons, the FBI has been blasted by legitimate news media outlets across the country. What can be done to straighten them out? I look at all these issues in my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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…
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 you spend your money on? I’m generally a practical, down to earth guy. But even I was enticed when that kind of money became involved. I write about what I would do if I won the lottery in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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!
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 speaking circuit again talking about the many books published by The Lisburn Press.
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 surprised at my old opinion and my own reasoning. Take a look and see what you think. You can read my new column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 now by Clicking Here.
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
You can see a lot more of such complaints by Clicking Here.
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…
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 southern states today. Take a look at my new column and see if you agree. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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.
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. Pictured above with me is Rannah Gray and Chris Tidmore. If you’ve not heard our podcast, take a listen my going wherever you listen to your podcast and pick up the show Dateline Louisiana. You can also access all of the past podcasts by going to DatelineLouisiana.com<iframe
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 saw in Uvalde, Texas. Nearly 400 local, state and federal law enforcement officers were at the scene on May 24, including 91 state troopers, the Texas House investigative report said, and none took initiative to lead the response. Most of us think that local police officers should do more. Much more in keeping your kids from harm. I write about these recent tragedies in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
