Commentary
News media literacy is more important than ever
This week has been designated as “National News Literacy Week.” It could not be more important or timely as we continue to be bombarded with misinformation, disinformation and downright lies in all corners of the public square. What is most alarming is the utter disregard and disrespect for facts and truth practiced and tolerated by […]
Readers React: Extremist views on libraries are ‘delusional’
With regards to “AG Jeff Landry asked to weigh in on Rapides library policy,” by Frances Madeson, Jan. 19, 2023 I am writing in response to the long-awaited public comments from James Morgan on the merits of his proposed amendment to the Rapides Parish Library Collection Policy as mentioned in the recent Louisiana Illuminator article. It is […]
In more ways than one, Dr. King taught us to speak up for the oppressed
The speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be cited throughout this day meant to honor his memory and legacy – and for good reason. As one of the world’s most influential orators of the 20th century, he brought truth to power with his words, time and again. Equally deserving of praise is King’s […]
Marie Kondo, the White House needs you now
What’s the deal with the trouble our recent U.S. presidents have keeping track of classified documents? Whether it’s Mar-a-Lago or a Maryland garage, we can all agree our chief executives have a problem. Honestly, I think it’s giving Donald Trump and Joe Biden far too much credit to assume they squirreled away top secret papers […]
Disorder is all Republicans have to offer
At all levels of government, in every branch of government, Republicans increasingly stand only for disorder. The Constitution establishes the U.S. as a nation of laws. Democracy demands that the public good is elevated over personal interests. American government functions only when elected leaders follow rules, respect norms and act in good faith. Yet the […]
A 2023 Louisiana politics wish list: Is it really asking a lot?
Besides calendar publishers and gym membership directors, is there really anyone that genuinely looks forward to the New Year? Resolutions are just things we’ve put off for some reason, and they’re most likely going to put on the shelf after a few weeks. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s time to exert […]
Near record-high numbers of young people voted during the midterms
The November 2022 midterms have come and gone, but there are still some potential lasting implications that could influence the next election season. One is that young people, aged 18 to 29, had one of the highest voter turnouts in a midterm election in recent history, according to our early analysis. Specifically, an estimated 27% […]
Who says we can’t say ‘Merry Christmas?’
You’ve seen the memes on social media and heard the loud complaints, usually coming from the same partisans. It even showed up on Saturday Night Live’s cold open this past weekend – the tired, old, and false claim that “they,” whoever “they” are, but the implication is always that it’s the “libs” and Democrats who are responsible for […]
Oh, what we’ll miss once government bans TikTok
You can call me a proponent of social media, although I’ll readily admit I don’t use the various options with great frequency. If not for my profession, I probably wouldn’t post more than the occasional family picture or a cheer/rant about my favorite sports teams. Still, I see the value and appeal of being on […]
What Georgia’s 2022 runoff can teach us about the 2024 White House race
Several years ago, several “Eat This, Not That” books took America by storm, dispelling a lot of myths about our eating habits, giving us smarter diets. Here’s a similar version, based upon lessons from the 2022 Georgia election and runoff, which can help candidates prepare for the 2024 election and avoid myths from prior ballot […]
Trump’s nonsense wins yet another news cycle
Former President Donald Trump has a true knack for keeping himself very relevant in the political news realm, despite mounting data and dialogue that indicate his chance of getting back to the White House is shrinking. Trump’s latest instance of headline-grabbing folderol involves his weekend statement on Truth Social calling for “the termination of all […]
From the Nile to the Mississippi, petrochemicals are the next big climate fight around the world
Recently I returned from the United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties, known as COP27, in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, where I joined global leaders, advocates and NGOs who are charting the global path forward on climate. As I met with people from around the world to highlight the importance of environmental […]