Columns

Schemers competed to water prairies

Remnants of the Schell canal, “a great irrigating canal” that would pump water from Bayou Courtableau and send it into south Louisiana rice fields can still be seen near Washington in St. Landry Parish. It was the dream of J.

Thomas faces affirmative action on the high court

Exactly 10 years ago, the Supreme Court was presented with a case involving affirmative action. The majority rejected a policy employed by the University of Texas which allowed it to consider race as one factor in its admissions decisions.

A national popular vote is closer than you think

The 2020 presidential election, and the intense debate that has continued for more than year after its conclusion, have invariably led to new proposals to affect future national elections.

Identity fascists are out to destroy the quality of culture

The other day, I went to a movie, and the experience moved me to tears. It was the most recent version of “Macbeth,” brought to the screen by the great Denzel Washington, appearing alongside a combination of veteran actors (like the sublime Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth) and talented newcomers.

Auto insurance rates skyrocketing!

Now let’s see. It’s been almost two years since the Louisiana legislature passed legislation taking away certain legal rights of Louisiana insurance policyholders. But it will be worth it said many legislators and the insurance commissioner.

Louisiana has worst drivers in the U.S.!

Say it isn’t so. The Bayou State, made up of docile souls who are law abiding, courteous and well-trained motorists, has just been tagged by several rating services as having the worst drivers in the nation.

Are you putting off your physical examination?

I’m not seeking sympathy, but I’m writing this on the eve of my annual physical exam. Don’t infer that I’m bragging about a commendable lifelong habit. By “annual,” I mean “I’ve (almost) done it two years in a row.

Wondering if you remember ‘Wondering’

The Andrews Sisters and Webb Pierce were among the diverse artists who propelled the song “Wondering” into national prominence in the early 1950s as a song to dance to and one that rose high upon the old Hillbilly Hit Parade.

Children are victims of COVID hysteria

When it became obvious that the Titanic was not going to survive its tragic collision with the iceberg in the North Atlantic, those in positions of authority started to do the human triage necessary in emergencies.

Does the president really know what he’s saying?

Misspeaking requires some knowledge of what you’re saying. For example, if you meant to order a Diet Coke but ordered a regular Coke because you didn’t specify “diet,” you would have realized, either at that moment or, when you took your first sip, that you misspoke. In a particularly divisive, Jan.