Columns

Tight race for governor

In the first primary governor’s race here in the Bayou State, incumbent John Bel Edwards looked to be on the verge of a first primary victory. Then at the last minute, the president blew into the state.

Can we avoid a war over Veterans Day?

The words weren’t aimed directly at me, but I was recently flummoxed by an unexpected undercurrent of animosity. In an online post, a military veteran refused to confine his anger to people who spit on veterans or ignore veterans.

The word Trump should never use

When I hear the word “lynch,” I immediately think of the black experience of torture, persecution and dehumanization that was so prevalent in the first half of the last century in the American south.

Halloween costumes: Free expression vs. offense

Everything is offensive now — even Halloween. In Sandy Springs, Ga., a fellow’s humorous display featured a pumpkin man mooning the street. “His pants are halfway down, showing his backside which is made up of pumpkins,” reports CBS12.com.

Do you have a favorite Halloween ghost story?

I’m not proud of it, but I haven’t visited the now-disheveled cemetery on the hillside behind my late father’s childhood home in more than 40 years. Willie Nelson was right when he mused, “Ain’t it funny how time slips away?

There’s no home for her in either party

With so much happening in the world, you probably don’t want to read about my own personal dark night of the soul. But at the risk of sounding narcissistic, I do think there is some value in examining why a person like me would feel compelled to leave the Republican Party.

Red Rover, Red Rover are childhood games over?

I’m on the fence about this, if you want the truth. You see, more school districts are banning childhood games that were staples when I was growing up in the 1970s. Some say dodgeball, kickball, keep-away, tug-of-war, Red Rover and other games are teaching children the wrong lessons.

Put your hands together for Pete and Amy

If only the Democrats could fight like the Washington Nationals. The new National League champs won four straight on the way to the World Series, with great pitching and clutch hitting. End of story. Or as Joe Biden would say, “Period!

What happened election night in Louisiana?

As Gomer Pyle insightfully said: “Surprise, Surprise, Surprise.” There were a number of them on election night in the Bayou State. Gov. John Bel Edwards’ quest for a first primary victory fell flat as several factors in the final days of the campaign caused his poll numbers to plummet.

Matt Lauer has a right to defend himself

In the wake of the #MeToo movement, “he said, she said,” is quickly becoming, “she said, he cringed and remained silent.” Another variation is, “she said, he apologized profusely and then resigned.” This would describe former Sen.