Columns

Visionaries’ big ideas needed big money

In the late 1800s newcomers from the American Midwest and Germans settling around Roberts Cove discovered that the south Louisiana prairies were ideal for growing rice — if they could get enough water for their crops.

Socialism’s road to serfdom explained

Prior to WWII John Maynard Keynes and the Keynesian economic profession had convinced Britain that Socialism was preferred over free-market capitalism.

Women aren’t a single voting block

I am a white woman, who spent 80% of her life in the suburbs. I taught high school in the suburbs to young white girls who are now young white women in the suburbs. That gives me the right to an opinion on white suburban women.

We can relate to disaster in the mountains

“Drive Faster. The Mountains are close by.” That’s a bumper sticker I’ve seen on a number of cars throughout western North Carolina. Yes, living in the mountains is special. A lot of people are beach groupies or mountain devotees. I’d like to think I’m both.

How to grow state’s energy industry

Louisiana has always been a leader in energy, and maintaining that distinction and expanding our energy capabilities requires a strategic mix of investments, public-private collaboration, and forward-thinking energy policy.

Eunice’s mean pig, gallant man, big fight

Big Joe was a mean pig and a natural troublemaker who regularly got out of his pen in Eunice to throw his weight around. Sam McManus thought of himself as a gallant knight like the ones who slew dragons and saved towns in ancient times. The headline in the Ville Platte Gazette on Feb.

Ready for some National Newspaper Week revelations?

“Telling Our Stories.” That’s the 2024 theme of National Newspaper Week (October 6-12). Newspaper employees are being encouraged to share with the readers exactly why they chose the newspaper business as a profession.

Did Edwin Edwards plant a run for president?

Some of you older readers may recall the name of South Korean lobbyist Tongsun Park, a flamboyant international lobbyist who died this past week. Back in the 1970s, he was intricately involved in the politics of Louisiana. Then Gov.

Will Harris go to the border before Nov. 5?

Kamala Harris has decided, likely as a result of prodding from some very nervous handlers, that she should finally visit the border. The Border Czarina, who refuses to accept the title thrust upon her by her current boss, has skirted around an issue that will be central in the upcoming election.

Candidates are supporting the trades

There aren’t many positives to come out of a very noisy 2024 election, but here’s one: There’s growing support to get young people into the trades.