Whenever our great country seems in a moment of crisis, I like to reread a short speech by Abraham Lincoln. Each crisis feels like our country is struggling once again with equality, or worried about our freedom, or fretting about our nation’s economic future, or all three put together.
Every week I receive lots of reader email. I especially enjoy hearing from those who disagree with me.
Before the last School Board meeting, I had the extreme honor of being sworn in for my second term as superintendent of Highlands County schools. Four years ago, I could never have imagined how my first term supporting our district would look. When Florida schools were tasked with reopening …
Each September mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and community members unite behind a common message aimed at saving lives.
A Supreme Court justice, Ruth Ginsberg, has died, and President Trump has the obligation, according to our Constitution, to appoint a replacement. Notice that I said “obligation” because it is his constitutional responsibility and right to do so, regardless of time limitations.
A pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 Americans, and the toxic politics of a presidential election year, have disrupted the taking of the 2020 Census. That’s worrisome for anybody whose life is touched in some way by federal spending — meaning, pretty much everybody. The census is not…
It seems as if every day we’re getting slammed with bad news. Often said, bad news includes people behaving badly to one another.
In response to the guest column in last Friday’s paper, I submit the following: The half-truths and fake news set forth in your four-column, hate-Trump diatribe is just more evidence of what is wrong with today’s mainstream media: repeat a lie often enough, and people will believe it. I can’…
The melding of politics and religion continues to escalate as those who would profess to be of faith use their cult mentality as a cloak to hide behind as they dehumanize anyone who opposes their political view. The alliance between politics and religion is anything but holy but is, rather, …
The persistently liberal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals surprisingly ruled in favor of the Second Amendment recently by striking down California’s ban on “high capacity” firearm magazines (whatever “high capacity” means).
The Sept. 17 Highlands News-Sun had an interesting story regarding failed Democrat presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg. The story stated that Bloomberg plans to spend a hundred million dollars in Florida during this election. Planning to essentially buy the election for the democrat par…
Recently I read of a pretty insect named the Spotted Lanternfly. It has speckled wings with a splash of bright red on its inner wings that flashes as it flies. Its beauty is particularly deceptive. This insect, first appearing in the US around 2014, is regarded as an invasive species with th…
You didn’t see it in the movie about her, or in most of the innumerable tributes (all well-deserved), but Ruth Bader Ginsburg also fought an injustice in North Carolina.
Against all my principals, knowing never to argue politics or religion, I just can't help venting as follows. So forgive me if we don't see eye to eye.
I am very concerned that certain followers are not being told the truth about the willingness of the president to not speak the truth.
Yep, I got it, the Harris, Biden administration. Harris visits Blakes family and said their son and they are a good family, but fails to visit the family of the two L.A. cops who were shot multiple times just sitting in their car protecting citizens. Clearly, the Harris, Biden administration…
In my lifetime, I have never heard of a president such as Donald J. Trump, accuse every American government agency, including the military, and attempt to make people believe that they are corrupt and not worth our consideration. How can one govern the entire country without respect for the …
When I read the headline, a long, slow whistle slipped over my teeth. Clearly this 2020 thing is, well, a thing, meaning that stuff we never thought could happen has happened. Could DST join the list and be a positive for this calendar year?
For all their crawfishing now about when it’s appropriate in a presidential term to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court, no one captures the shamelessness of the Republican majority in the Senate more than South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham.
My name is Jessica Haughton. I am a resident of Sebring, a veteran, and business owner.
Something no one likes to talk about is the possibility of a war within our own borders. Yes, I really said that! You think that’s impossible and a crazy thing to say? If you are really paying attention, your eyes and ears do not lie. If you are only listening to CNN, MSNBC and the Dems in W…
The coronavirus pandemic overshadows many other issues, including climate change.
As the membership of the Friends of the Kenilworth Lodge continues to grow, memories are shared and concerns for the future of the Kenilworth Lodge are voiced.
Being someone who lives in North Sebring, I rarely find myself in Lake Placid. In fact, 99% of the time I am in the town is if I have a cross country or track meet. Prior to school starting, I took the trip to Lake Placid to purchase customized masks from Chic Chick Boutique. This store had …
Most Americans love our country. We cherish our “freedoms,” our liberty, our way of life, our traditions and enjoy a standard of living unparalleled anywhere in the world. Many would emigrate here to join us in our society to succeed and improve themselves as citizens of our great nation wit…
In the midst of all the petty political letters that go into the Highlands News-Sun, I want to offer something different. I'd like to offer thanks to the editors and staff of the paper for pre-empting the regular submissions in favor of posting the names of those lost in the September 11, 20…
I pledge to my fellow countrymen that I will always exercise my right to vote ... in good times and bad.
In 2008 when I was remodeling my dear old house here in Spring Lake, I rode along out to Arbuckle Creek Dump to dispose of a pickup full of discards.
From the latest judge ruling simple admits government malfeasance in closing down business, gatherings, etc. It is an individual decision to make, not the governments.
Before Donald Trump became President of the United States I and many other people could not understand how David Koresh, the head of the Branch Dravidian Sect at Waco, Texas, convinced his approximately 35 cult followers to sacrifice their lives along with the lives of their 35 children.
September is Suicide Prevention Month and it's important that we are there for each other and take steps to prevent suicide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's theme for the month is to #KeepGoing, by taking simple actions to safeguard our mental health and save lives. From lea…
Nancy Pelosi must be supremely confident of a sweeping Democratic victory on Nov. 3. How else to explain why she refuses to compromise on a coronavirus relief bill when President Trump is aching for her to accept another $1.5 trillion?
A few weeks ago, I wrote a column about how 10% of all the drivers on Florida roads are driving on a suspended license. This epidemic of suspended licenses is because Florida imposes heavy court fees we expect everyone to pay, regardless of their income. If you can’t pay your fees and fines,…
It’s apparent we have a group of people in Highlands County who don’t believe in trespass laws, or the First Amendment.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and now, more than ever, we need to be mindful of our own mental health and that of our loved ones. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has led to increases in anxiety, depression and suicides, but there are things we can do for ourselves and for …
September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time when we come together to recognize and combat this tragic issue. Unfortunately, mental health issues have a significant effect on our veterans community, with an unfathomable 6,000 U.S. veterans committing suicide each year. What is even more alar…
With fewer people on the roads during the coronavirus pandemic, it seems nearly all states are reporting that those on the roads are speeding more than ever. The result is making deadly highways even deadlier.
