In an episode of the sitcom Seinfeld (February 1995), Jerry and George are sitting in a booth at Monk’s Cafe. Jerry asks George for advice about how to beat a lie detector test. Very seriously, George says, “Jerry, remember. It’s not a lie if you believe it.” Ten years later, in the first episode of […]

We are about two months away from the Nov. 5 general election and you are hearing political pundits say, “This is the most important election in our lifetime.” One of the objectives of this article is to persuade you that, indeed, the elections on Nov. 5, 2024, are the most important elections of our lifetime. […]

Although the details differ depending on which source you consult, the story is told about President Abraham Lincoln’s response to someone who asked during the Civil War if he thought God was on the Union’s side. Lincoln said, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side. My greatest concern is to be […]

On July 11, the North Carolina School Board Association (NCSBA) released a one-minute video called “Public Education Does the Public Good.”  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMlMokyS35Y) The animated video highlights the benefits of public school with a catchy song. The chorus says, “Go ahead, support public school.” The NCSBA website (https://www.publiceducationmatters.org/) reminds us that “no matter what type of […]

From 1776 to 1783 Thomas Paine used his literary skills to write about The American Crisis. His efforts were to persuade the American people to support the Revolution. One of his most passionate pleas was, “These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in crisis, shrink from […]