The Joy of Eating

by Darin Lowery

While cruising in my station wagon a few weeks ago, I listened to a ‘teaser’ spot on National Public Radio for an upcoming show about food. The sound bites of dispassionate interviewees caught my attention. One claimed, ‘I never eat anything unless I know exactly who prepared it and how they did it’. The second gal mumbled something about not eating much of anything, especially meat, dairy, sugar, coffee or wheat, and the lone guy sounded upset at the thought of the green beans on his plate touching the potatoes touching his pork chops. … Continue Reading

Normandy, NOT Waterloo!

By: Jim Moss

Several months ago, as the fight over health insurance reform began to heat up, Republican Senator, Jim DeMint of  South Carolina, prophesied that health care reform would prove to be “Obama’s Waterloo”.  DeMint’s confident declaration set the stage for a high-profile showdown between Democrats and Republicans — between President Obama and the Republican Party Leadership who vowed to defeat, obstruct, kill — any legislative proposal endorsed by President Obama.

This ‘Waterloo — Line In The Sand’ served to fire up folks across America, resulting in the raucous, uncivil town hall meetings (spectacles) during the Congressional Summer Recess.  DeMint’s provocative prediction (coupled with $$ millions of corporate lobbyist dollars) facilitated a political dog fight that ultimately would require a Winner and a Loser.  The South Carolina Senator  apparently believed that if his Party could stop health care reform legislation — such a decisive victory would damage Obama’s prestige, derail the Obama Agenda, and thus destroy Obama’s Presidency.

‘Obama’s Waterloo’ — this hard-line partisan strategy — high-jacked any opportunity for a bi-partisan, Win-Win outcome. … Continue Reading

Would JESUS Support ‘ObamaCare’?

By: Jim Moss

It appears that the U.S. Congress is on the verge of passing ‘historic’ health care & insurance reform legislation.
The year-long debate about health care reform has brought America to the brink of big CHANGE, Obama-style.   Now is the time for all good citizens to ask a simple, yet sobering question —

Would JESUS support ObamaCare?

Whenever the name of Jesus Christ is invoked for the purpose of making a political point, Jesus always wins.  In other words, IF it is obvious what Jesus would do — then, any public policy that is clearly contrary to the teachings of Jesus simply can not stand.
So, to be fair, it is important to probe the true meaning of ObamaCare, and to uncover what it will really do to America. … Continue Reading

Spring Break Fever

By: Laura Stennerson

I could hardly remember my user name for News and Views. I think it’s been at least four weeks since I have posted. That is how long it has been since I have written anything but comments, lesson plans, and a few random poems. Yes, I have found a paying gig. I have stepped up to join the ranks of the working poor. But luckily, I have found; creative minds, a piece of native silver in the wash, and a $1,000,000,000 bill on the sidewalk in downtown Phoenix. My family couldn’t believe my luck. My children all wanted to know who this Richard Nixon was, and how did he get his face on a million dollar bill?  They were happy to know we were richer today than we were yesterday. It is good to be lucky. … Continue Reading

Molly ‘n Me (a Valentine)

By Darin Lowery

Molly is the only woman I know who can go to a fancy-dress party (hair high, neckline low), grab her Craftsman power drill from the back of her truck, and fix the host’s garage door. Then, ladylike, wipe her hands on the back of her cocktail dress and join the other guests. I adore that about her.

Molly, perky at nine in the morning, says, “We have to decide what our Retail Spring Colors will be for the shop…. got any ideas?”

“Black,” I mutter. Nine a.m. is so early.“Aw, come on! Let’s pick something bright, and we’ll do the whole shop in it!”

“Black and, oh… I don’t know. Black. That’s it- black and black.”

“Spring colors, Darin! Spring! Happy-Happy!”

“Molly”, I groan, “I am trying to read the Copper Country News. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ made page one again-“

“Please, don’t start. Let’s just run over to the Country Kitchen and get some waffles-“

I laugh. “Hey! The newspaper should buy the restaurant and call it the Copper Country Kitchen! ‘Table for two? God Bless You’.” … Continue Reading

Az Tourist News weighs in. Keep the Parks. Drop the Dept.

This just in from Arizona Tourist News. Tony Venuti, editor of ATN suggests the State take the money from the department to keep the State Parks open. Here are his thoughts.  I’d love to hear your thoughts so be sure to weigh in on the comments and let us know what you think of so many State Park closures!

Imagine the horror of all, literally, to all who hold dear that which is our birthright. Arizona State Parks closing. No more the natural surroundings familiar to all those who treasure the myriad of experiences that our Parks provide. We identify with our Natural Theme park, that which IS Arizona…to deny parks is to essentially deny our birthright. … Continue Reading

The 2010 Census and Uncle Dick

By: Jim Moss

What will you do if a 2010 Census Taker knocks on your door to gather information about the occupants of your dwelling?  Be prepared — because this may happen to you soon.  The United States Government — you know, that BIG sinister thing from Washington D.C. — wants to know who is really living behind your closed doors, wants to know if you believe America is a Christian nation, if you own any guns & know how to use them, and wants to know if you have any cash, gold, or diamonds stashed under the mattress. … Continue Reading

Cited: $9000 for European Vacation

By: Linda Gross

The recent complaint letter by Dr. Timothy Trent directed at GUSD’s School Board is accusing them of, among other things damaging an otherwise exemplary reputation when they removed him to home rule to conduct an audit into both financial and personnel matters. The results of the audit being conducted by the Board  are due out this month, but a recent 90-day letter to the District from the State Auditor General seems to point out several deficiencies in managing the District’s money as well as tracking student attendance. It was was simply the latest in a series of letters from the State identifying “deficiencies” – all under the watch of Superintendent T. Trent. In addition, it might be pointed out that he was sued by a teacher while he was a Principle at Kyrene Elementary before coming to Globe (as reported by the East Valley Tribune) …and for some of the same kinds of actions he is currently accused of in the class action suit filed recently in Gila County.  It seems his “exemplary” career may have just a few smudges. … Continue Reading

Pet Project OR Progressive Leadership?

By: Jim Moss

Can you think of one significant community project resulting in improved quality of life — that did not require foresight and strategic planning?  Do you recall any major municipal improvement that came without a price tag, or without controversy?
So it shall be with a recent Globe City Council decision to move toward a revitalization of our Public Library.
Is the Council’s majority decision to purchase the real estate on both sides of the existing Library (as a first step toward revitalization) — an example of visionary leadership OR irresponsible city governance? … Continue Reading

All Cable Talking Heads Are Not Equal

by: Jim Moss

In response to the Arizona Silver Belt staff writer, Tyler Kent’s November 11 editorial, titled, “Change the Channel” — I say both Amen!  &  Oh, NO!

I shout out a wholehearted Amen! to Kent’s recommendation of The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, on PBS.  For serious, in-depth coverage of important news, The News Hour has no rival on television.  It serves as a role model for the journalism profession.  And, I agree with Tyler Kent, that the ‘talking heads’ on cable TV are as much about commentary as news.  HOWEVER, I emphatically assert a big Oh, NO! to the suggestion that all cable TV ‘talking heads’ are created equal.  Oh, NO! There are crucial and monumental differences between the cable news shows — differences other than political viewpoints.

… Continue Reading