I started out in Louisiana political life back in 1972. There sure have been a lot of the changes in our priorities, how we live, our moral values, and what we think is important. And it’s not all good. There’s been a proliferation of gambling in numerous forms, loosening of drug laws, and a whole changing attitude of our personal priorities. Personally, I miss some of the good things about the old days. I write about these concerns in this weeks column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Hey, it’s Mardi Gras Time down here in the Bayou State. If you haven’t made it down to the deepest of the deep southern states, you sure have missed “passing a good time.” Laissez les bons temps rouler.

All of a sudden, we seem to be going through an uncertain time in America were books are bring banned that have been on the shelves for many years. “To Kill A Mocking Bird?” Mark Twain’s novels? What are we turning in to as a nation? Certainly scary tinmes. Readers and protectors of free speech must stand up!

What a year for former LSU football great Joe Burrow. He’s destined to be one of the best in the NFL. LSU fans have another great player they look back on with awe. Billy Cannon was LSU’s first Heisman trophy winner before Burrow, and left quite a legacy, the highest being an All American and Heisman Trophy winner, the low of going to prison, and the high of coming back in heroic fashion to LSU fans. I write about the Canon-Burrow combination in this week’s column. You could read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

How about the spectacular full moon that appeared over Manhattan last week? You can’t much  closer than this.

OK, regular readers of this website. Here is your test. Let’s see just how talented you are.

via GIPHY

That’s right! This virus is still off around and affecting a great number of people. Sure, we’re all anxious to get back to normal. Rushing to fast is going to put us right back where we were a year ago. So keep your guard up friends.

If you live in Louisiana, a homeowner pays the highest property insurance rates in the nation. By a lot. And now some other news. Rates could will go up over 129% in the next 10 years. Yes, rates will continue to rise. Why is this happening, and what can be done about it? I take a look at this critical issue for Louisiana homeowners in this weeks column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

It’s always dangerous when the Louisiana legislature is in session. It’s even more so this week with the members take up reapportionment. Under federal law, every 10 years, various political districts have to be redrawn. The problem is that legislators are drawing their own districts. Is this fair? I don’t think so. Instead of voters choosing their legislators, what we have in Louisiana is legislators choosing their voters. It doesn’t pass the smell test. Take a look at my new column and see if you agree. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Ok, I’ll admit.

I’m a huge Tom Brady fan. I signed up for his TB three program, and he’s gotton me off dead weights, and I went to band stretching. I’m approaching 82, and cannot be in better shape, thanks to Tom Brady. I sure would like for him to play another season or two, but I understand why he’s retiring. You can’t blame him. He’s older than most of the coaches in the NFL. He sure was the greatest.The GOAT! Few things as special as watching Tom Brady’s comebacks.

Well gun owners were given quite a bit to consider this week. In San Jose, California, gun owners will be required to buy insurance if they own a gun. And it won’t be cheap. Will we see a political wave of more insurance requirements across the country? And we have the President saying that a shotgun and a couple of shells is all you need to protect yourself. What does all this mean? I take a look at these possible new gun requirements in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Remember all the talk in the Bayou State legislature just two years ago about a dramatic plan to lower the cost of your automobile insurance rates? It was given the name of so-called “tort reform.”  And the insurance commissioner said rates would plummet by 25% in no time. So what happened? What’s today’s status? Surprise, Surprise, Surprise. Nothing happened. Well, that’s not right. Rates did not go down. They actually took a big increase up!  I take a look at this thorny problem for legislators in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Former state representative Steve Carter passed away one year ago this week. He was a leading voice in the legislature for early childhood development, and was highly respected by legislators as well as the educational community. He is deeply missed by his family, so many friends, and those who appreciated the good work he did for Baton Raton Rouge and Louisiana. You can read all about Steve’s many accomplishments by going to his memorial website at www.stevecarterla.com.

What are the best movie performances I’ve ever seen was Anthony Quinn starring in Zorba the Greek. If you seen the movie, you’ll never forget the great dance for Quinn performs. Take a look at André Rieu & His Johann Strauss Orchestra performing Zorba’s Dance (Sirtaki) live in Maastricht.

I’ve had a knee replacement but no one suggested this solution for my sore knees.

You’ve got to be kidding me!  The Bayou State has the worst drivers in America? Why it can’t be. Unfortunately, the comparisons prove otherwise. In virtually every category, Louisiana is close to the bottom of the barrel. What’s the problem? Is it one thing or a whole variety of bad driving habits? Take a look at my new column now posted where I talk about this serious problem. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Way down yonder in the Bayou State, it’s all about the football coach. That certainly is obvious with the recent hiring a new coach Brian Kelly, who will be paid over $100 million. That’s big bucks!  And in a state that is at the bottom of the barrel on most national quality of life lists. Was Louisiana’s flagship university justified in paying such a huge amount of money for a northern guy to come down here and coach a football team? Take a look at my new column and see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Louisiana is fighting a tough fight as it tries to get off the bottom of most major quality of life lists throughout the country. Some northern columnists are expressing their disgust by calling for Louisiana to become a protectorate. A protectorate? Stand by and let the federal government take over? Hey, now to think of it, it may not be a bad idea. Take a look at my new column now posted that analyzes this idea. Is it crazy? See what you think by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

As you  can see, I am getting off to a good start for the New Year.

It’s been another difficult year in Louisiana and throughout the country as we continue to deal with the Covid virus. 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.

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!”

My friend John Whitehead has written a chilling commentary on the new tools of the surveillance state for his column at The Rutherford Institute. John was often a guest on my national syndicated radio show.  His column is well worth a read, and you can do so by Clicking Here.

As some of you who read this blog regularly know, I’m a frustrated banjo player. In fact, I used to play my banjo on Bourbon Street in New Orleans at a place called Your Fathers Mustache. Helped pay my way through to Tulane Law School. But really, I was not all that good. Here at the holiday season, you can watch a great rendition of a Navy banjo player in dueling Christmas string music. Hope you enjoy.

Happy holidays, merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and a pleasant time of year for all my friends, readers, to all those who agree with my commentaries and to those of you who disagree.  I hope we can put our political beliefs aside, and enjoy this special time of year. I write about the holiday season in my new column this week, and just why it is such a special time of year. I hope you will take a look at it, and blessings to you and to all your family. To read my new column, go to the Red Flashing Box above or Click Here.

A recent visit to the Garden District Book Shop with owner Chris Tidmore. There is a whole section of books published by The Lisburn Press there. Well worth a visit.

Over 1000 singers and musicians gathered to perform a stunning rendering of the magical song Angels We have Heard on High.  It’s a marvelous tribute on the special time of year, and well worth listening to over the next few minutes.

Below is a link the interview I did with the publisher of BayouBuzz, Steve Sablubodsky, on just how political decisions affect private business decisions. Take a look!

A new ranking of states with supposedly poor Judicial climates was released this week by the American Association for tort reform.  Louisiana was named in the top few states by the American Tort Reform Association of America.  So just how bad is the judicial climate in Louisiana, and are there any viable alternatives for the Louisiana legislature to consider? Maybe so, and maybe not. I take a look at some of these alternatives that are being proposed in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Many of us are big basketball fans down here in Louisiana. I have held front row tickets for LSU basketball games over the past 40 years. This week, it was a special treat to go to New Orleans with my son James to see the New Orleans Pelicans. Again we were able to sit in the front row. Unfortunately, it was a bad night for the Pelicans as they were beaten by the Dallas Mavericks. But it still was an enjoyable evening.

It’s the holiday season, and time again to visit with our old friend Ray Stephens. I’ve been a fan of his for many years. He keeps us amused with his new version of the Christmas story as he talks and sings  about his nightmare before Christmas. Take a look below.

Politics is serious business. But there has to be a relationship between members of both parties. To create an effective government, there has to be some camaraderie, friendship, and a commitment to make a good working relationship. Simply put, politics needs to have some fun in it. So what happened? Political life in Louisiana as well as the rest of the country just isn’t fun anymore. Why not? I’ll take a look at the reasons in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

In Louisiana, apparently gambling is the answer to all the state problems. There is no other state in America where the different types of gambling are so prevalent. But then, why is the state at the bottom most quality of life lists?  We even have former slaves quarterback Drew Brees expanding on all the value of gambling. What’s going on here? I take a look at this problem in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

A moving luncheon for several World War II vets, all around 95 years old, at Antoine’s in New Orleans last week. A fine celebration of distinguished Americans who served the country well.

What’s up with that with the supposed sleuths that work for the FBI? They’re supposed to be the nations finest law-enforcement agency. But week after week, there’s either some kind of a specific screwup, or there’s a calculated effort to undermine the rule of law. The Wall Street Journal has even called for the FBI to be disbanded, and let Congress start all over again. Is that the answer? Why can’t the Justice Department, that supposedly oversees the FBI, get it right? That’s the focus of my new column for this week. Take a look and see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above all by Clicking Here.

The Lisburn Press has just released our new publication, a book of inspiration called “Reasonably Happy” by Dr. Terry Ellis. Terry is well known throughout the strate and has a large following, so we anticipating brisk sales. It’s available on our website at www.thelisburnpress.com.

A special day honoring veterans all over America on November 11th.  No, it’s not a holiday. No hotdogs and picnics. Just a time to take a moment and honor  thousands of veterans who kept us free for so many years. It’s so easy for the younger generation to forget.  Yes so many live off the valor all those young men and women who chose to serve their country. Should everyone pitch in and help? That’s the focus of my new column now posted. You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking here.

This week, unfortunately, marks the  20th anniversary of the passing by Congress of the so-called Patriot Act.  It was a law passed and actively supported by the Bush Administration following 911, in a paranoid effort to search out so-called terrorist activities, and in the process, dramatically curtailed the individual freedoms of every American.  This invasion of personal rights was the wrong move when the law was passed in 2001, and it’s the wrong move today. I take a look at the Patriot Act in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Like many of you, I’m an old Elvis fan, and always loved his song “I can’t help falling in love with you.” But I came across this recent addition by young lady named Claire Crosby. She’s six. That’s right, six years old. See if you enjoy her reputation as much as I did.

It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago. But it’s been 59 years. That’s when our nation was almost at the break of nuclear war against the Russians. It was the Cuban missile crisis, and I was living in England at the time. I vividly remember getting up in the middle of the night to hear the president declare that we could be going to war. I talk about this crisis in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

So here is the Halloween pumpkin I finally picked out. What do you think?

I’m picking out my pumpkin for Halloween. I’ll be at home in Baton Rouge with plenty of treats.  Hope you look out for the kids in your neighborhood.

Well it is that messy time of the election cycle when legislators are called on to reapportion themselves.  Don’t think they have their own self interest in mind? Good luck with that. The question is should legislators be reapportioning themselves in the first place?  Is this fair to the voters?  I talk about this issue in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

I always liked the song Bohemian Rhapsody by the musical group Queen. But then someone sent me this somewhat different version. Cats singing Bohemian Rhapsody? Take a look and see a different view.

The reputation of the United States Supreme Court has plummeted, with the overwhelming majority of Americans losing faith in their ability to be fair. One of the reasons is, they don’t work very hard. They take the whole summer off, and don’t work that hard in the winter. And they consider very few cases which is  appalling, particularly when you consider how important their work is. Check out my new column where I  discuss this troubling issue. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Good news! Emeril’s restaurant in New Orleans has opened back up. And of course Emerald will be consulting me on all his new menu choices. I’m giving him some suggestions below. (Yeah, right!)

I’ve always wanted to play the piano well but never took the time. I have a new piano, and I’m just beginning to learn and some basic cords. I wish I would have begun my lessons when I was very young. Now if you really want to be intimidated, take a look at this accomplished young lady below. She’s five years old. And she plays as well as any accomplished pianist. And she’s five. Simply unbelievable.

Here we go again. Another scandal of ineptitude and outright criminal wrongdoing on the part of the FBI. If you’ve not been following the malfeasance of FBI agents  who did nothing while numerous young female gymnasts were sexually abused, you missed a stomach churning story. The nation’s supposed top law enforcement agency stood by as young female gymnasts were abused for years. It’s a chilling story, that raises questions about incompetence, and why no charges have been brought against numerous FBI agents. You can read my full column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Check out the  stumper below. Can you figure out why the rabbit says what he says?

Louisiana has the dubious distinction of being aligned in a federal district court of appeals that is bizarre, incompetent, controversial, and that often rules in direct contradiction to the constitution of the United States., Every other federal district court rules one-way, and the fifth circuit rules another way. It is wrong, it’s an embarrassment, and it’s a sad state of affairs that the state has to suffer over incompetent judges. This is the subject of my new column which is now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Do you remember where you were 20 years ago when this terrible event happened in our lives? I can remember it like it was yesterday. The initial news I received was chilling, but unbelievable. I stayed glued to the TV set our after hour watching the unbelievable events unfold. You can read my thoughts about 911 in my new column now posted. Check it out now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

It seems like another year, another major hurricane. This one had two parts. A sprint and a marathon. The storm itself didn’t do as much damage as past hurricanes have. But the aftermath, connecting power and utilities, will take a long period of time. I look back on the worst hurricane in recent memory ““ Hurricane Katrina. Take a look at my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Can you really get healthy by drinking more Coke? The people at the world’s largest beverage Company apparently thinks you can. And it looks like they may have the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in their corner.  The folks at Pennington seem to have a delusional opinion that sugar does not play any significant role in obesity. Pretty weird thinking don’t you think? Take a look at my new column now posted. I write about this very strange conclusion. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

What a delightful place for a Sunday church service. The All Saints Episcopal Mission is located in Linville North Carolina. No air-conditioning needed because the temperature Sunday morning was 70°. The visiting minister this past Sunday was the Reverend Dr. Leigh Spruill from St. John the Devine Episcopal Church in Houston. A pleasant way to commiserate with the Lord.

60 years ago this week, the east Germans build the Berlin wall. It was put up to keep citizens on that side of the border from flying to the west. It stayed up for 29 years.  I had a personal experience of traveling from West Berlin to East Berlin back in 1962. It was the first major event that had political ramifications for me. I write 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.

New Orleans lost a very special person this week. My long time friend, Louie Sahuc past away. Louie was called the mayor of Jackson Square, and a dear friend for many years. For number of years, I had an apartment right above his studio in Jackson Square. We had many long visits, enjoyed a number of meals at Tujaque’s , and he was the source of all my gossip from the French Quarter. And what a talented photographer. His black and white photographs were especially memorizing. His photographs of Galatoire’s restaurant are quite exceptional. He lived a full life, and died too soon. We will miss him, but I will make a special pilgrimage now to see his studio and keep fond memories.

After 20 years of frustration, the US is hightailing it out of Afghanistan, as the country plunges into civil war and continuing turmoil. American policies in the Middle East have been a failure for decades. Why did we get involved in the first place? These are questions I raise in my new column that is now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

In my later years, I’ve taken up painting. No, I’m not very good. I’ll play around with acrylics and sometimes even putter in oils. I have a hard time drawing a circle, so you can understand my level of knowledge. But I’ve grown to love art, and I’m really impressed by some talented artists.  Take a look below at this marvelous evolution of a painting by Lena Danya. It’s unbelievable how she pulls all her work together in another water mode. I hope you enjoyed much as I did.

My grandkids cannot join me in Florida for a few days next week because they’re about to go back to school. School starting early in August? What ever happened to the long vacations over the summer months? School used to start in September but no more.  Everyone seems to be so busy, and the best we often take a few days off to supposedly “get away.”  I write about my vacation thoughts on this weeks column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Today is Ramblin’ Jack Elliot’s birthday. The compelling storyteller and country music singer is 90 years old. I sure hope I can see him perform one more time. Here’s a link to his website so Click Here. Happy Birthday Ramblin’ Jack.

Did you know that former Louisiana Governor Edward Edwards gave some thoughts of running for president. That’s right. Against sitting president Jimmy Carter. He was one of several Louisiana Governors who had similar ambitions. In my final column about Edwin Edwards, I pass on a personal experience that  led me to believe Edwards was seriously considering running for president. You can read my thoughts in my new column now posted. To read it, go to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

It’s been almost 50 years ago since I graduated from the University of North Carolina. I was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and still stay in touch with old friends.  I had a nice visit with former fraternity brother Jim Reston, who is gone on to write 17 books, and had a distinguished career in both private and public sector. His latest book, The 19th Hijacker, a book about 911, has gotten rave reviews and is selling quite well. You can find out more about his new novel by Clicking Here.

Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards and the chief executive who preceded him, John McKeithen, had an interesting and controversial relationship.  McKeithen had actively supported Edwin Edwards in his race for Congress, and quietly let his supporters know that Edwards was the best choice for governor. But things went sour in their relationship right at the time that Governor Edwards took his oath of office.  I give some personal background of the controversy and just what happened in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

In 1977, Governor Edwin Edwards presided over a huge Mardi Gras celebration in Beverly Hills, California. He is pictured with well-known actress Gloria Swanson who served as queen of the Mardi Gras. The king, on the right, is my father-in-law, Teddy Solomon. TG, as he is known by all his friends, was a major presence in the movie theater business, both in the south as well as Hollywood. All in the picture passed away, and I sure wish they were still here to entertain us all.

Former Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards passed away this week. He was the state’s longest serving governor, having been elected four times to the state’s highest position. He was both loved and criticized, but no one can doubt he left an indelible mark on the state’s political history. I had a 50 year relationship with Governor Edwards, where we both worked together and ran against each other. But we remained friends throughout these many years. This weeks column is a long remembrance of the former Governor. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

It’s turning into a national scandal. Louisiana continues to have the highest insurance rates in the country. Year in and Year out. It doesn’t change. All the surrounding states have rates that are much lower. What’s going on? Why does the Bayou State, that has so many great attractions, continue to drop the ball and do a terrible job with it comes to regulating and keeping insurance rates down?  I talk about these problems in this weeks column. You could read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

My longtime mentor and friend Jimmie Fitzmorris passed away this week. He was 99 years young.  Jimmy Fitz and my father started off as ticket sellers with the Kansas City Southern railroad back in the 1930s. They both went on to be vice presidents.  When I was elected to the state Senate in 1972, Jimmy Fitz took me under his wing as he was serving as president of the Senate. Through my whole political career, he was always there for counsel and advice. He served Louisiana well as an outstanding Lt. Governor. Our state is much better off because of the contributions of this distinguished Louisianian.  Our condolences to his daughter Lisa and the whole Fitzmorris Family.

Ever heard of the fourth amendment? Most people have heard of it, but  have no idea what it says. It’s the basic protection that you are secure in your own home. That’s been the law for centuries. Going all the way back to the Magna Carta. But the United States Supreme Court doesn’t seem to be paying much mind to it.  Recent rulings show the Court is carving away at what should be a basic American right.  And this should not be happening. Take a look at my new column, and my evaluation of why the court is wrong. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Murder rates are going up all over the country. But few cities have the numbers you find way down yonder in the Crescent City. New Orleans has some of the most appalling murders on record. The first attempted murder might have been encouraged by the good Lord himself. I write about the comparison of New Orleans, Abraham in the book of Genesis, and a number of atrocious murders all in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

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

Here’s what John says and I agree. “Almost every tyranny being perpetrated by the U.S. government against the citizenry””purportedly to keep us safe and the nation secure””has come about as a result of some threat manufactured in one way or another by our own government.  In almost every instance, the U.S. government (often spearheaded by the FBI) has in its typical Machiavellian fashion sown the seeds of terror domestically and internationally in order to expand its own totalitarian powers.”

To read more about the Rutherford foundation, go to www.ruthford.org.  And let me end with this important quote, something that many working for the FBI has forgotten.

“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster.””” Friedrich Nietzsche

Alan Stanford and his investment group put up quite a front as they raised billions of dollars. The Stanford group sponsored all types of special nonprofit events in the Baton Rouge area. He promised solid returns to thousands of retirees, many of them located in Louisiana.  And what a deal. Send your money to the Caribbean, and get great returns. Yeah, right!  It was a huge Ponzi scheme. One of the biggest ever. And a new ruling by a federal court of appeals has dampened the chances of many investors to get their money back. So what options do they have? Read my new column that give us some suggestions. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

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

Eating good food is way of life down in the deepest of the deep southern states-my home Louisiana. And if you follow Louisiana cooking, you will find that we eat just about everything. And make it taste pretty good while we’re at it.  Now most everyone has heard about the fact that we eat alligator and frog legs. But how about some of the more exotic dishes? Can you say raccoon? That’s right!  Oh I know some people think and wonder how good a raccoon could taste that good. You might be surprised. Take a look at my new column now posted. You’ll learn a little bit more about the Louisiana way of life. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above her by Clicking Here.

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

Memorial day is very special time. I’m not referring to the three day holiday, or the beginning of summer. No, I’m suggesting a special day because it’s supposed to be a time to honor those who gave their lives in the service of and defending their country. Most Americans don’t really relate anymore, unfortunately, few serve in the military today, and many do not even volunteer for their communities. I write about this misnomer in today’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

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

Prosecutorial misconduct continues to be rampant, both in Louisiana and throughout the nation. Just this last week, Texas newspapers reported that Dallas prosecutor Richard Jackson has been disbarred from practicing law in Texas, in a rare example of severe punishment for misconduct in a wrongful conviction case.  There’s not much good good news about holding prosecutors accountable in Louisiana, but former federal prosecutor Sal Perricone  from New Orleans has also been disbarred.  When will judges and State Bar Associations crack down on so much deviant behavior? I write about this misconduct in my column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

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

I had the honor of being the speaker last week at the dedication of a special memorial for former governor Jimmie Davis at Louisiana College in Pineville. It was nice to renew acquaintances with many old friends. I’m pictured with some of the ladies who were active in organizing and supporting the program.  You can read about my relationship with Governor Davis and his song, You are My Sunshine, by Clicking Here.

What happens to a major state university that has fallen from grace, is dramatically underfunded, and has plummeted in national rankings of first-rate colleges throughout the country? You bring in new leadership don’t you?  That’s what my home state university, LSU, has done as it tries to recoup, and re-obtain the national standing it held some 50 years ago. But it’s going to be a long climb up.  Just what happened to the university  that was one called the “Pride of the South?”  And how does it get back in the mix of first-rate landmarks of higher education?  That’s the new challenge for incoming President Dr. William Tate.  And as you can well imagine, I’m quite free with my advice.  So check out my new column on what steps he should take to get LSU to pull himself up by the bootstraps. You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

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

The day of my weekly column is posted this week, May 6, is my 81st birthday. Yes I’m getting older, but at least I’m around, still alive, and taking up a storm. I’m 81, still on the run, and having fun. It’s been a full and satisfying 81 years. Sure there were highs and lows, but all in all I wouldn’t change much. Or maybe a thing or two. I write about being 81 in my new column that is now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

A special day over the weekend remembering our mothers.  My mother, Helen May Gentry Brown, would’ve been 104. She lived till she was 93, and really led a full life.  On the day she passed away, she talked to all three of her children, attended her bridge club and her financial group. I was blessed and that I spent the last few hours of her life with her.  I regret not spending more time with her in her later years. She was an inspiration, and  always encouraged me in any endeavor I undertook. I sure miss her. Happy Mother’s Day Mom.

Jimmy Davis was the singing governor of Louisiana, who made motion pictures, wrote many songs, and serve two terms as governor. He is best known for singing what is considered one of the most popular American songs throughout the world. You know!  Yes its You are my Sunshine!  The Governor use to come by my office in Ferriday, Louisiana to pay a visit on his way back-and-forth to the state capital. I have many great stories about my relationship with him. You can read them all by going to this weeks column. Read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

The Louisiana legislature is considering a large number of new laws that supposedly bring more integrity to the election process. The same effort is being made in states across the country. Most of this comes from the allegations of election fraud in the past presidential election, espoused with a little proof, by then president Donald Trump.  So are these laws really needed? I know something about how to present system works.  I wrote the present Louisiana election code back when I service Secretary of State in the 1980s. I have some thoughts on election fraud in the Bayou State. You could read my views now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

A new report from a Washington, D.C. think tank gives Louisiana an “F” grade for its insurance regulatory environment. Florida, that has a much greater Hurricane damage exposure, gets a “B” ranking. What’s going on? Why is Louisiana at the bottom of the barrel when it comes insurance regulation? I have a good bit of knowledge in this field, and take a look at the problem in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

It used to be a Louisiana problem. But now there are serious natural disasters happening all over the country. Louisiana is still at the top of the list when it comes to having higher insurance rates. So what do we do? There is an idea that has been out there for sometime, going back 25 years. We need a national catastrophic program, where all states participate. It’s simple, will not cost any federal money, and will help dramatically to lower homeowner’s property insurance rates in Louisiana. I explain it all my new column. Check it out now about going to the Red Flashing Box above, or Clicking Here.

Several recent articles have appeared recently by and concerning former Alabama governor Don Siegelman. Don and I became good friends we both served as secretary of state back in the 1980s. He was a dedicated public official who had his eyes set on becoming governor, and he finally did one day. An out of control and tainted US attorney in Alabama said his sights on bringing Siegelman down. Trumped up charges that have no basis led to Siegelman’s’s conviction and time in jail.  A story in the New Yorker magazine shout all that happened in detail. You can read it by Clicking Here. And there are new observations by Siegelman on himself in a. guest column  and he recently wrote, that is available by Clicking Here.  Anyone who thinks there’s any justice out of the Department of Justice is being naïve. When we talk about abuse is another countries, ought to   first look right here at home at questionable act by some US attorneys and a tainted Justice Department.

In recent months, there is been widespread discussion of creating crimes based on age. Is there a difference on what someone is thinking? If your loved one is murdered, doesn’t make any difference what the reason might be? Shouldn’t the punishment be the same based on the crime that is committed? Or should there be different categories in the same criminal act? I write about the problem of hate crimes in my new column. To read it, you can go to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

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

Many of you readers are too young to remember the massacre that took place in the Vietnam war and an isolated location called My Lai. It was some 33 years ago, and hundreds of innocent Vietnamese were slaughtered by US troops. It was certainly one of the low points in American military history.  More innocents would’ve been slaughtered if it were not for a Louisiana helicopter pilot named Hugh Thompson. History  shown him to be a real American hero, and he was f rom Lafayette, Louisiana.  You can read all about this tragedy in this week’s column now posted. Check it out here by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

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

March Madness is into his final competitive games to pick the top team in college basketball. Like many readers, I’m a diehard basketball fan. But what happened to college basketball? There’s been a number of scandals in recent years, and allegations of way too much money in the system. I say something needs to change. I write about my thoughts in my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

The insurance industry has a whole list of complaints and blames as to why the cost of insurance is so high. In my home state of Louisiana, it’s referred to, by some business interests, as a judicial hellhole. The reference is directed at the trial lawyers and those who want to give everyone access to the court system.  So just how bad is it when it comes to fair an open mind and judges? And other solutions to make justice for accessible, and be sure that there is fairness, particularly when judges are elected. I talk about the problem and possible solutions in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

There has been a lot of talk about reform in the criminal justice system. Hey, I’m not soft on crime. If you’re guilty, then you should be punished. Sometimes severely punished when a life is taken. But prosecutors can make mistakes or purposely hide evidence that can show that an accused is innocent.  That’s particularly the case here in my home state of Louisiana. Yes, there are some really first-rate prosecutors. But we’ve had our share of bad apples. Take a look at this week’s column, where I give one example of previous prosecutorial misconduct here in the Bayou State.  The prosecutors through this and other stark examples of misconduct should be severely punished. To read this week’s column, go to the Red Flashing box above or Click Here.

Allegations of sexually abusive clergy continue to dominate a good part of the news across the nation.  There were some legal deadlines approaching last week, so there was a rash of new lawsuits filed. And although this whole priest pedophile scandal has spread worldwide, you may be surprised to learn that the early signs of problems within the Catholic Church emanated right here in Louisiana. I write it this week in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

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