Commentary
W.E.B. Du Bois, Black History Month and the importance of African American studies
The opening days of Black History Month 2023 have coincided with controversy about the teaching and broader meaning of African American studies. On Feb. 1, 2023, the College Board released a revised curriculum for its newly developed Advanced Placement African American studies course. Critics have accused the College Board of caving to political pressure stemming […]
Far right just wants a fight over COVID, not facts
Recent actions from the far right give proof that they have no interest in tackling the pressing concerns of our country – just the opposite in fact. What’s more important to them is earning meaningless merit badges from a dwindling flock of followers swayed more by unfounded fears than facts. Take House Majority Leader Steve […]
Louisiana deserves modern mindset on child sexual abuse prevention
It’s always nice to see a piece of bad legislation salvaged and turned into a good law, and that might be what happens with a proposal meant to protect child sexual abuse victims in Louisiana. But there’s a chance it could run into the same anachronistic thinking around criminal justice in our state that’s blunted […]
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 […]