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.
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 podcasts that have been posted so far by Clicking Here.
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 cannot hold police accountable for violating their Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. By shielding police from lawsuits arising from their failure to Mirandize suspects, the Supreme Court has sent a message to police that they no longer have to respect a suspect’s right to remain silent. In other words, concludes legal analyst Nick Sibilla, “the Supreme Court has effectively created a new legal immunity for cops accused of infringing on the Fifth Amendment’s protection against self-incrimination.” See full details by Clicking Here.
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 paid off all their student loans? And who’s going to pay all the bill? Lots of questions to ask, and I address these issues in this weeks column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 view in my now column now posted. You can read it by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.
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 attributes that make Louisiana, in our opinion, one of the most interesting states in the whole world. You can listen to our first episode right here on this website. Just Click Here to listen to Episode one.
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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. I had met Nixon on several occasions, and I talk about it in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 a few years back that is right on point. You can read it by Clicking Here.
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 its surface? Well, apparently that’s a storm that’s been raging for centuries. Truly terrifying stuff.
But some scientists now reckon that Jupiter could be even more beastly than we previously thought. An article in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics says that the planet may have become its ginormous, monstrous self by eating other planets. So I guess we better keep our guard up. We don’t want to be gobbled up by Jupiter. What a way to go!
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 kind of government where it won’t matter if you’re innocent or guilty, whether you’re a threat to the nation, or even if you’re a citizen. The burden of proof has been reversed. No longer are we presumed innocent. Now we’re presumed guilty unless we can prove our innocence beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Rarely, are we even given the opportunity to do so. Although the Constitution requires the government to provide solid proof of criminal activity before it can deprive a citizen of life or liberty, the government has turned that fundamental assurance of due process on its head. Each and every one of us is now seen as a potential suspect, terrorist and lawbreaker in the eyes of the government.”
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 will wallow in the outrageous costs of automobile insurance. Just what problems were ignored? I set out a detailed list in my new column that is now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 tennis
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 that if you have five or six minutes while you’re waiting, sitting, or even standing, it’s good to pull out a book. Just suggesting! And for some interesting reading, go to The Lisburn Press Bookstore at www.thelisburnpress.com.
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 there any truth in this? Are there any glitches in the system that compromise the integrity of the election process? I talk about this controversy in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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, and I talk about it in my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 it in Uvalde in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 historic property into a site for spiritual contemplation for Christians of all denominations. Take a look at http://comoplantationretreat.com
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. I’m talking about Jerry Lee Lewis. You’ll be surprised to learn that he was one of my first clients when I opened up my law practice in Ferriday. I’ve known him for many years. You can read all about my experiences with the king of rock ‘n’ roll in my new column now posted. To read it, go to the Red Flashing Box above or Click Here.
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, and the outrageous arguments that federal lawyers made in court to protect the FBI sniper helped awaken legions of Americans to the danger of boundless federal power. To read more of this tragic event and the continuing overreach of the FBI, Click Here.
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 is America’s leadership? And what can you and as average citizens do about it? You can read my column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 Cowboy, died in Branson, Mo. He was 86 and had just come off of the road, his favorite place, having played ten shows in April,” according to Farnum’s statement. “He passed peacefully with his family and close friends by his side.”
When I began my career in Louisiana politics, Nickie performed at several fundraisers in my behalf. We stayed in touch over many years, and I considered him a special friend. Across his career as a singer, Mickey garnered 17 No. 1 singles between the late 1960s and 1980s, including his 1974 cover of “Room Full of Roses.” His soulful renditions of early rock and roll hits and soul songs cemented him as a country artist who was able to cross genres. Mickey’s family included artist Jerry Lee Lewis and televangelist Jimmy Swaggart as cousins. God Bless Mickey Gilley.
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 where he serves as an honorary director, staged a protest Tuesday at a Midtown Manhattan location of the coffee chain. If anyone wanted him to leave, they were out of luck as he “” along with another protester “” superglued his hand to the counter in what can best be described as a “glue-in.” PETA live-streamed the protest, which quickly began trending on social media, where the stunt was met with a menagerie of praise and (mostly “Babe”) jokes.
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 go. We all have concerns about mortality, and I’m surely no different. Well, you play the cards you are delt, and make the most of it. I write about all these concerns in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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 so popular. I have a personal story to tell about the first time I heard Garth Brooks, and about being the only person to pay attention to her singing. It’s a special story for me, and I want to share it with you. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
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!
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 studied the problem for years. Give us specifics our citizens are calling out! So that’s exactly what I’ve done in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.
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 Sax
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 rubbed shoulders with Palin. Take a look at my new column where I talk about some of the highs and lows of her political career. You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above or by Clicking Here.
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.
Someone asked me what this was a picture of. I told them this was just a typical gas station down here in Louisiana.
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 its been that way for a number of years. So what’s the problem? Why can’t the insurance department and the legislature take aggressive action to address these high rates? And why does it take months to get a claim settled in the first place? I address these disturbing issues in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.
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 publications that are coming out of The Lisburn Press Bookstore. Take a look at www.TheLisburnPress.com, and see if you find something adventurous.
