Author
We all have power within us to do good with our words
Editor’s note: The following is a condensed excerpt from “Using My Word Power” by columnist Janice Ellis. The book is now available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books and other major online booksellers. It’s also available at the author’s website, Real Advocacy Journalism. I have been an advocate journalist for nearly four decades, which is nothing […]
Elected officials work for us. What criteria should we use to hire them?
As we pause this Labor Day, we should reflect on what the holiday means and remember that elected officials in our city, county, state, the U.S. Senate, and House of Representatives work for us, the people. We are the employer. What guide or criteria should we use to determine who we should hire or rehire […]
When politicians use lies to undermine the rule of law, freedom and democracy
There is a common belief that all politicians lie to some extent. There is also a school of thought that withholding or modifying the truth, given a particular circumstance, might be the better option or the most expedient thing to do. However, today, too many politicians are taking it to a new level. Spewing lies, […]
Our government only can function better if we vote wisely
Few things are more important in determining how well our government functions than each of us taking time to become informed, and to vote wisely in selecting those who will represent us. The primary elections in Missouri, and in most states, are over. The midterm elections are just around the corner on Nov. 8. Wherever […]
They say information is power. Wrong. Accurate information is power
Facts and accurate information matter. But disinformation has been and continues to be front and center, negatively impacting our political process. Somehow during the last several years in the public square, among our political leaders, some media outlets and social media platforms, often complete truth, facts and accurate information seem hard to find. The adage […]
On Fourth of July, let’s pause and reflect on America’s well-being
As we pause to celebrate the birth of our nation, we need to seriously reflect on the state of its health and well-being. The greatest problems we face, while troubling, are not rising inflation, high gas prices, nor rampant gun violence. There is a deeper sickness growing in our land that threatens the very existence […]
Will Juneteenth have broader, enduring meaning as a national holiday? | Opinion
In June 2021, Congress, with a unanimous vote in the Senate and support of all but 14 Republicans in the House of Representatives, passed legislation designating June 19th as Juneteenth National Independence Day, commemorating the end of slavery for Black Americans. But what does it really mean? In the years to come, will it be […]
A democracy where the minority often rules | Opinion
America’s form of democracy is supposed to be one where the consent of the majority rules. But is it? This question could not resonate any louder than when it comes to passing sensible gun control measures to stop the mass killing of unsuspecting citizens with military style weapons. The devastating tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, where […]
The abortion debate is filled with misinformation, hypocrisy | Opinion
Embedded in the protracted abortion debate are many existing conditions and facts that are often omitted or distorted, along with blatant hypocrisy when it comes to promoting and protecting the wellbeing of millions of women and children already among us. Whether you take to the street in protest, seethe in anger or shudder silently in […]
Now is the time to remember the good our government does for us | Opinion
With higher gas prices, rising food costs and near record inflation as we emerge from the worst pandemic in a 100 years, many of us may be struggling to make ends meet or move forward in any way — finding it difficult to see what government is doing to make our lives better. But as […]
The 2022 midterms give voters power to change state legislatures, Congress | Opinion
How long are we willing to tolerate the obstructionism, stonewalling, half-truths and downright lies that are being used to pass detrimental legislation — or no legislation at all — in state legislatures and in Congress? We, the people, have the power to change things, beginning with the upcoming 2022 midterm elections. If only we use […]
The biggest threat to American democracy comes from within | Opinion
Ukraine’s desperate fight to avoid authoritarian rule is a stark reminder of how important our democracy is — how much we need to treasure it, protect it and continue to work to make it better. Ensuring that our democracy prevails must be done in every unit of government in this great republic. The threats that […]