Opinions

My Daddy left for the Douglas Fishing Club and told me to take James Graves, tractor and seedlings, and plant a twenty-acre field of Slash pines. ‘No problem’, I thought, ‘I get to be the Boss Man.’

Everything went well until James and I took a break and he suggested that since it was Friday afternoon and cold, it would be nice to have a sip of store bought wine to fight off the chill and drudgery. Since I had never had a taste of store bought wine and was a bit fatigued and cold, I agreed. James had a driving license so we took off to Ambrose with two dollars and bought two pints of King Cotton peach wine at Myrtice’s juke. [Full Story »] 

Dear Editor,

A special “Thank You” to everyone who supported the passing of eSPLOST IV for Education! It is now a reality in Appling County thanks to all of the community who voted “Yes” on March 6, 2012! The students, staff, parents and community will benefit tremendously from the “Pennies” that will be collected. This was not a new tax, stated Superintendent Scarlett M. Copeland, it was a continuation tax from the past three eSPLOST. These monies will be utilized for great projects in the next five years that was planned by school staff and administrators. [Full Story »] 

Take a gander at the receipt on the right. Notice anything unusual? Cold-water lobster, porterhouse steak, and a 24-pack of soda for good measure. Sounds like a great dinner, right? Have you noticed the circled area yet?

That’s right. Food stamps bought this $141.78 meal. Your tax dollars helped give several people a great meal; one fit for a king you might say. [Full Story »] 

Friday evening found Larry and me in Brunswick. We made a quick trip to the doctor to see what condition Larry’s condition was in and then the car automatically headed to Belk’s. However, I got sidetracked and turned into Ross’ instead. Inside I found several items I wanted to try on. As I went into the dressing room, a pretty young lady about 13 or 14 went into the room right beside me. Her arms were more heavily laden than mine. After trying on all my pants and shirts, I decided I didn’t like anything and headed for the door. As I handed the 5 items and the ticket with the big 5 on it to the dressing room monitor, the young lady stepped out and said politely to the monitor, “Can I go show my mama this outfit? She wanted to see it before I buy it.” [Full Story »] 

I try to keep humor in most of my stories but sometimes it’s hard to do. Often the condition of our country occupies all my thinking and I can find no humor in it. This is one of those days. [Full Story »] 

The staff at St. Marys Magnolia Manor is all-creative when it comes to contriving mischief for the chaplain. They love to see me come in because they know that they will have someone to pick on. There is never a dull moment at St. Marys Magnolia Manor. The latest “thing” they have yoked me into is a dance called the Zumbah--pronounced Zuuumbahhhh. [Full Story »] 

Dear Editor,

For many years I have for the most part minded my own business, keeping my mouth shut, and watching life go on around me. But the murder of Cpl. James M. Dixon III, USMC, changed that. My tolerance level plummeted.

I have spoken with several people about the events surrounding James’ death, and I understand that he did not fire his gun at anyone, nor was he pointing it or preparing to fire when he was killed. It seems that in his mind, he was in Iraq, surrounded by the enemy. He was standing there holding his gun, in a state of confusion. If he had been pointing his gun or preparing to fire, his death would have been justified, if there were no way to subdue him. [Full Story »]