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Columns

  • A VIEW from LICK SKILLET by Gerald Largen: Romney’s case shows rich not ‘job creators’

    As you well know, gentle reader, the principal reason set forth by the defenders of giving the extremely wealthy a “free ride”, insofar as the rate of taxation imposed on their income, is the assertion that these are the “job creators.”

    Now, this is a defence that they may or may not believe.

    After all, some folks can make themselves believe just about anything, no matter how preposterous.

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  • LOOSELEAF LAUREATE: Road trip? Perhaps, but then where to go?

    I’m back on track with my dog-walking this week, thanks to our recent spring-like interlude.
    It has felt good to be in the sunshine.
    January seems to be flying by more quickly than usual, in part because of the more temperate winter weather.
    I figure winter will whomp its hammer down on us at some point; like cats, the extreme seasons toy with us before they really mess us up.
    For now, I’m really enjoying not freezing half to death.

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  • A VIEW from LICK SKILLET By Gerald Largen: Do Republicans suffer from a ‘Death Wish?’

    We were recently told of a loyal Republican’s comment about the ongoing contest over the Republican nomination for president.

    Concerning his fellow partisans’ actions in this contest, he opined: “They’ve got a death wish!” A very perspicacious analysis we would say.

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  • Public Notice Week — why you should care

    Should government keep public notices in newspapers?

    There are four words to consider:
    • Government
    • Public
    • Notice
    • Newspapers

    Only one of those words really matters — public.

    The issue of whether government should require the publication of public notices in newspapers is not about anything other than what is in the public’s best interest.

    This issue is not about what is good for government.

    It is not about what is good for newspapers.

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  • A VIEW from LICK SKILLET by Gerald Largen: Maybe we should ‘occupy’ justices’ lawns!

    Gentle Reader, have you been puzzled, as we have, at some of the remarks the presidential candidates, their adherents, and cohorts on the other side have uttered?

    For instance they seem always to try to work in how they are “hell for leather” to regain our “LOST FREEDOMS.”

    Maybe they have each defined just exactly what these Lost Freedoms are, but, if so, we missed it.

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  • A VIEW from LICK SKILLET by Gerald Largen: Republican legislators don’t care what we want

    Gentle reader, despite much of the news docket being concerned with the national election scene revolving around the the Republican contest for a presidential nominee, shall we start out with the local political scene?

    The first item of interest is the announcement of Democratic Party Chairman, Bob Cowan, that there will be a grand opening for the Roane County Democratic Party Headquarters in the Parker Building on Court Street in Kingston, on Saturday, tomorrow, the 14th.

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  • Nuts & Bolts: February interesting month for newsroom

    January — like all months these days — is flying by.

    To keep up with my high-octane, pedal-to-the-floor calendar, I try to keep my eye on things a month or two ahead.

    And so I have been dwelling recently on the events of February.

    For one thing, my birthday falls in February.

    I have been known to complain bitterly about having a birthday smack-dab in the middle of such a dreary and drab month.

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  • A view from Lick Skillet by Gerald Largen: Should DesJarlais make us pay for his lies?

    Well, Gentle Reader, here it is, 6 January, 2012, and as we indicated in the last column on 16 December, 2011, we would resume our Friday submissions on this date.
    In the interim, we trust that you and yours enjoyed a wonderful Christmas, and a glorious New Year’s Day.
    Inasmuch as we have now commenced the newest Leap Year, we have a bit over ten months of uninterrupted politicking in preparation for the elections in August and November.

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  • Right to petition an oft-forgotten freedom element

    By TIFFANY VILLAGER
    First Amendment Center
    The “right of the people … to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” the last freedom of the First Amendment, is the most forgotten freedom.
    Each year when the First Amendment Center commissions its State of the First Amendment survey, petition is the freedom few can name (only 6 percent in 2010).
    Why is the right of petition the forgotten freedom when it has deep historical roots?

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  • ANOTHER VIEW BY LEE HAMILTON: Add civility and civic skills to new year goals

    This is a season of giving, good cheer, and forbearance.
    Too bad that, as the political season begins in earnest with the turn of the year, all those fine sentiments will become just a memory.
    So maybe, as we jot down our New Year’s resolutions, we could add this one: “Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.”
    And then let’s hope that our political leaders add it to their lists, too.

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