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.

Thank goodness it’s starting to warm up. Springtime means lots of things. And one of the big items for me is the kickoff of the baseball season. I’m a regular at spring training down in Tampa Florida. And I’m a diehard Yankees fan. I’ll tell you why in my new column that is now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

The FBI is under attack by news media and public officials all over the country for failing to aggressively take action to stop the riots against the Capitol in Washington,DC on January 6. There were any number of warnings that riots against the nation’s  Capitol would take place.  Although there was much material out there showing the certainty of an attack, one FBI office only in Virginia routinely sent a short email that virtually no one in authority ever saw. It’s tragic that people lost their lives, and so much violence and damage took place because of the incompetence of the FBI. To see just a typical new story, you can read a typical press report by NPR by Clicking Here. And this from The New York Times.”The officials testified that the F.B.I. and the intelligence community had failed to provide adequate warnings that rioters planned to seize the Capitol.”  To read more,  Click Here.

I agree with many Louisianans feel like our former president, Donald Trump, did some positive things during his four years in public office. But his downfall was his big mouth. He just couldn’t help but criticizing those who’s stars shine as brighter brighter than him. One example are the military heroes, particularly from Louisiana. Trump, for all practical purposes,  was a draft dodger. Yet he continues to take pot shots at those who served our country. This certainly will taint his legacy. I write about Trump’s big mouth in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

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

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

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

Like most Americans, I’m concerned about domestic terrorism that’s been taking place throughout the country. It’s happening by groups on both the right and the left.  But I’m also concerned about the loss of our personal freedoms. The so-called Patriot Act is now allowing the government to spy on more and more Americans, and take away their constitutional protections. I write about it in this week’s column. You could read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

I always loved the crowd singing, with me joining in, a great song YMCA. It’s a song that gets the crowds going at sporting events, and any other type of large gathering. I get a little confused taking my arms to form out the letters, but I always enjoy trying. Here’s a group called the Quiddlers from Las Vegas, performing a really funny adaption of the song on America’s Got Talent. Take a look and see if you agree that it’s great entertainment.

Every yearly Mardi Gras weekend, I join a crowd of old friends, particularly a number of former elected officials. Governors, judges, other state wide officials and legislators all gather in the New Orleans French Quarter on one of the balconies shown to the left. A great gathering to renew all friendships. Unfortunately, because of the virus, we won’t be getting together this year. It’s really a shame not to be able to enjoy longtime  relationships. We will just have to wait until next year.

I am an unabashed huge fan of Mardi Gras. I’ve been going to the annual Fat Tuesday, celebration for almost 60 years. And for those of you that haven’t followed the Mardi Gras tradition, it’s not just one day. It’s a whole season lasting over a month. The feeling of Mardi Gras is captured, in my opinion, best by Professor Longhair. Check out his rendition of going to the Mardi Gras below. I’m really sorry we’re going to miss Mardi Gras this year because of the pandemic. But  I’m already gearing up for next year.
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There supposedly is about to be a major push by the Biden administration to put a civil rights activist, one Harriet Tubman, on the $20 bill. In doing so, Louisiana hero Andrew Jackson will be sent out to pasture. One of the knocks on Jackson by current critics is that he was a slaveholder. Well, so were Washington (one dollar bill), Jefferson (two dollar bill), Grant (Fifty Dollar bill), and Madison (five thousand dollar bill).  Louisiana would not be a stay today if we’re not for Andrew Jackson. I set up my arguments to leave the $20 bill as it is in my new column now posted. You could read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

If there was an ever a life full of laughter, gracious, caring and just to an all around good guy, it was my brother-in-law former state representative Steve Carter. Steve unfortunately passed away last week having contracted the Covid virus. He was a young 77 years old. Accolades from people all over the state have come in from throughout the country and the praise and sympathy has been overwhelming.  There is a great review of Steve’s  many accomplishments by Baton Rouge Business Report Editor JR Ball.  He does a first rate job of putting Steve’s life in perspective. To read his moving article, Click Here.

My longtime friend of many years, former state Senate president Michael O’Keefe, passed away this past week. He was 89 years old. Mike was my mentor when I was elected to the Louisiana State Senate back in 1972. He put me on key committees, and looked after me as a young lawmaker in the early days of the Edwards Administration

The Keystone pipeline has become an issue  now President Joe Biden has canceled any further construction. The oil industry in Louisiana is pleading how important a Keystone 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.

Here’s a great parody of Donald Trump’s final day in office.Late Show host James Corden arrives at work in a good mood knowing there’s only One Day More of monologue jokes with Donald Trump serving as President of the United States. Glad we are able to  laugh at this weird and unsettling ending.

I always wanted to be a good fiddle player. Yes, I bought several fiddles, I have instructional books, and I even went over to Tom’s Fiddle and Bow,  a fiddle shop located in the small south Louisiana community of Arnaudville.  The trash I made, I just couldn’t learn the chords at my age. I wish I would’ve started much younger. If you want to see an outstanding little performance, check out Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper performing “Lee Highway Blues.”  This  guy is an exceptional fiddle player. 

The FBI again is facing heavy criticism for their failure to adequately anticipate the violence that took place in Washington DC last week. Their local office in Virginia had expressed some ‘concerns,”  but the agency failed to assess and predict the level of the mayhem and violence that took place. Blunderings by the FBI are nothing new. Check out the post this week about the terrible tragedy that took place in Louisiana, involving  respected LSU professor.  You can read it now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above water by Clicking Here.

If you’re a college football fan, it’s time to fess up and call it just like it is. There are some great coaches in college football, but hands-down, Alabama coach Nick Sabin is the best. Numero Uno.  His Crimson Tide team absolutely demolished Ohio State in this past Monday night’s national championship game.  Oh I know it’s tough for LSU fans to except. But he won a national championship when he was in Baton Rouge. I write about Sabin’s success, and I add some personal stories of my own. Check out my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

My law school roommate, Bill Weinberg who lives up in eastern Kentucky, has written a perceptive Op Ed article on the changing nature of US Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell. You will be fascinated to read that Bill’s wife Lois ran against McConnell some years back, and the Weinberg’s have certainly been critical of McConnell in recent years. Bill’s article shows a real understanding of political figures in Washington, and the change in McConnell’s stature. It’s well worth the read. You can review the article now by Clicking Here.

For those of you who have read my new book, My Louisiana Odyssey, you know that I wrote about rock and roller Jerry Lee Lewis, who was my first client when I started practicing law up in the little town of Ferriday, Louisiana. Jerry lee is 85 now, and slowing down a bit, but still has lots of fans all over the world. Here’s a great tribute to Jerry Lee by a young rock and roller, Jacob Tolliver. I wish I’d been there for the concert.

Should trials in America be televised? Particularly when there is great public interest? This would seem to be a no brainer. Of course they should. But many courts, particularly in the federal system, do not allow cameras in the quart room. The Supreme Court of the United States specifically for bids and he said cameras. What kind of a democratic system is that? Check out my new column and see my thoughts on this important issue. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Hopefully, we all are kicking off the New Year on a positive note.  It’s an understatement to say that 2020 wasn’t much of a year for any of us. But I am hopeful, as I’m sure you are, of a much better prognosis for all of us in 2021. Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I always do.  Take a look at my New Year’s column and my thoughts about 2020. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or By Clicking Here.

I hope you’re ready for the many holiday events that will take place in the coming days. In this week’s column, I write about this special time of year. It begins at Thanksgiving when the pilgrims came to America and were looking for a second chance. Then on to Christmas, when we were given a second chance through the birth of Jesus Christ. Soon it will be New Year’s. A new beginning. So take a look at my Christmas column now posted. Maybe it’s time for all of us to have a second chance. And to you and your family, a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.   You can read the column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

During this holiday season, we all know that lots of social drinking takes place. Often, it’s not responsible. Louisiana has as one of the highest percentages of drunk drivers and accidents involving drunk drivers in the nation. We pay through higher insurance rates. But we also pay in loss of lives in serious injury. What could be done to stop the outrageous Numbers of drunk drivers? I take it look at some of the solutions in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

OK, I’ll admit it. I’m a big pumpkin pie a guy. I can eat pumpkin pie all year long but I save it up for the holidays. Not the healthiest thing to eat, but it sure taste good. Here’s my group of pumpkins for the year. Good eating to take place.

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You’ve heard of the domino effect haven’t you? Well it could be about to take place in Louisiana. With the retirement of New Orleans congressman Cedric Richmond, there’s an opportunity for a number of things to happen. Who else from Louisiana could be considered to receive an appointment by the president? Is our present Louisiana governor in the mix? And if he is, what happens next? I raise a number of these questions in my new column. You could read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

My friend of many years Julia Reed passed away recently from cancer at the age of 59. She was certainly one of the most interesting, entertaining, and full of life people I ever met.  She was a marvelous writer of southern life, and her columns appeared in newspapers and magazines all over the nation. Julia was simply a larger than life personality, and so much fun to be around. She was a Mississippi girl, born in Greenville and spent much of her time between her long time at home there and down in New Orleans. I sure will miss my dear friend.

Celebrity Chef John Besh was in town for a special cooking event this week.  The Chef always calls me for a few cooking tips when he’s in town.  (Yeah, right!)

We thought the election was over on November 3rd. But there’s a flurry of lawsuits challenging the results in a few key states. Voter fraud is being alleged, and many states are reviewing the way they run their elections. The good news is that down here in the Bayou State, things went pretty well. We have a good system in place, and there were very few complaints. I’ll review some post-election thoughts in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

The video above gives a moving and poignant reminder of the horrors of war. But so few Americans rarely acknowledge those who serve in the military.I felt an obligation to continue the service to my country. Yes, I’m a patriot and I make no bones about it. I’m a past judge advocate for the American Legion in Louisiana. The American flag flies outside my home 365 days a year. I wear my military dog tags while I broadcast my syndicated radio program each week (NG25520050). This is not an effort to pat myself on my patriotic back. Like so many other young men who love their country, it was something I felt a strong obligation to do. So despite the fact that I was draft exempt, I signed up for service in the Army, then stayed for ten additional years in the Louisiana National Guard. So I’m proud to hor those who still see and keep us free.

As the presidential vote counting continues, there have been numerous accusations about vote fraud in a number of states throughout the country. Is voter fraud that rampant? Sure, there are occasional efforts for elections to be tainted, particularly in some of the more rural counties and parishes around the nation. And if you live in Louisiana, there’s been a long history of such allegations. Anything to all these rumors? I review my experience as the state’s chief elections officer and political participant in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

We lost another really great Texas outlaw singer and songwriter this week. Billy Joe Shaver for years has been always one of my favorites. Any number of great singers recorded his music. The likes of Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash to list just a few.  Two of my favorite Billy Joe songs are “Honky-Tonk Heroes “and “Old Chunk of Coal.”  (I’m just an old chunk of coal, but I’m going to be a diamond someday.)  But his best song was a tribute to his son who died of a drug overdose.   I listen regularly to Billy Joe singing “I’m Gonna Live Forever.”  I had a long visit with him when he played at the Red Dragon Listening Room some years back.  A singer’s songwriter, we will sure miss Billy Joe Shaver.

Putting aside all the campaign advertising that’s going on constantly each day on TV, I’m having my fill of many of the ads related to insurance. Sure it’s the trial lawyers, but it’s also the goofy insurance ads. How about that guy with the ostrich who seems completely spaced out walking around in a daze? And what is saying about “buy only by the amount of insurance you actually need.” What does that mean? How much automobile insurance do you really need? Particularly in the state of Louisiana that has the highest insurance rates in the nation. I take a look at this important issue in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

I wanted to let my friends and family know that we lost  one of my favorite performers last week.  Jerry Jeff Walker passed away at 78 years old. You don’t know this but I was the President of the Louisiana chapter of the Jerry Jeff fan club.  Jerry Jeff was a Texas country outlaw singer who began his musical career as a New Yorker, but gravitated to Texas and teamed up with the likes of Waylon Jennings, David Allan Coe, Billy Joe Shaver, and Kinky Friedman. Remember “Mr. Bojangles” about an old street performer in New Orleans?  My first Jerry Jeff concert was in 1982 at Armadillo World in Austin, a country music venue that held concerts nightly with an atmosphere something like the Flora-Bama beach bar in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  There was a sign-up sheet to receive Jerry Jeff’s newsletter and become a member of his fan club. Of course, I joined up. 

A few days later, his assistant called to say Jerry Jeff was looking for a president of his fan club in Louisiana.  I was secretary of state at the time, but I could always find a few moments to perform my fan club duties for a musical favorite.  How could I turn down the author and singer of “To read his obituary in tT New York Times, Click Here. We will miss Jerry Jeff.

With the election for president only a few days away, the negative campaigning doesn’t really educate us very much as to what important issues are facing our country today. If you had the chance, what questions would you put to do to  the major candidates running? The economy, obviously the virus, public safety, education, healthcare: there are a whole range of concerns. And in this week’s column, I list a few of the issues I would specifically ask each major presidential candidate. Take a look and see what you think. You can read the new call him now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

I’m a big Ray Stevens fan, and he has a great way of satirizing so many issues we face in this country today. Take a look at his new video, “The Quarantine Song.”

The supreme court hearings taking place right now show a great division between Republicans and Democrats, reflected throughout the country. It used to be that picking supreme court judges was based on a strong legal background and scholarly accomplishments. Not so anymore. It all comes down to ideology. And these judges are now appointed for life. Should that be the case? Should judges be allowed to stay on the bench clear up in to their 90s?  No other public employee at any level has a lifetime appointment. See what you think. My new column is now up, and you can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

I had planned on being up in Marksville Louisiana this week, speaking to the Louisiana State Retired Employees Association. I made the commitment to attend  over a year ago, and I was really looking forward to getting to know old friends again. I was a state employee up until 2002, and have enjoyed staying in touch with many retired employees over these last 18 years. Since I couldn’t be there in person because of the virus, the association leadership asked me to do a remote video reminiscing over my time in public life, and about my new book, My Louisiana Odyssey. My speech is below on video. I hope you will enjoy it.

I suppose fall is my favorite time of year. Way too hot in the summertime, particularly down here in Louisiana. And we don’t get much of a winter. Our family has had a home up in the North Carolina mountains for many years. It’s really a treat this time of year to go up and see all the leaves change. The colors are breathtaking. We are looking forward to going out that way in the coming weeks. Take a look at this video below showing the gorgeous fall colors will come out. I tried to pay the bed, and I cannot come close to expressing these vibrant colors. Thought you’d like the video below.

Mike Foster was quite a guy. The Louisiana governor did not fit the mold of those who seek the state’s highest office. He was a multimillionaire from Franklin Louisiana, a small town located down in Cajun country. He loved to fish, and I had the opportunity to hang out at his camp with him on a number of occasions. He also was a pretty good politician. I reminisce about the Governor in my new column that is now posted. You can see it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

I hope you have registered to vote in this important coming election. Everybody has an opinion about voting for the president and many other candidates. I’m a JibJab fan, and the message is clear below. Go Vote!

Even us old folks enjoy good music, and like to get out of the dance floor and kick up our heels. Here’s a great cross-section of friends joining in to dance and sing “Roll Out the Barrel,” one of my favorites.

It seems like everyone we know are going to vote in the coming presidential election by mail- in ballot. Some experts say as many as 50% of all votes cast will be done this way. But then the problems begin. It could take weeks, or even longer to count all these ballots.  And are not voters missing out on the friendly and personal experience of voting in person? I know there are long lines, but it just seems the patriotic thing to do to go into your voting booth, possibly take a grandchild, and cast your vote. I talk about all this in my new column now posted.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Hey you know what? I’m a product of the 50s. My high school days are some of the best memories of my life.  I went to high school in St. Louis Missouri, and the Ronnie Milsap video below pretty well sums up my great memories of the early part of my life. If you’re too young to remember the 50s, take a meander below and see if you recognize any of these special events and special people.