Opinion

(NOTE: Old songs helped me describe my recent visit to an endodontist and a root canal.)

“The Tracks of My Tears” led me to the dentist recently, only to discover that one of my molars had suffered an “Irresistible Force” and had me asking myself, “What’s Going On?”

I thought to myself, “I Haven’t Got Time For The Pain” and decided “I’ll Cry Instead.”

Laurie and I were fortunate enough to attend the 84th Birthday Party of former four-time Louisiana Gov. Edwin W. Edwards Saturday, July 30, at the Monteleone Hotel in New Orleans. His birthday was actually Aug. 7. His brother, Marion Edwards and his wife, Penny, did a masterful job of putting the event together.

FORMER CONGRESSMAN JEFFERSON

To keep you updated whether justice has been served concerning former Congressman William Jefferson, he has received another delay in his sentencing. His attorney, Lawrence Robbins, said he needed more time because he was convalescing from treatment for lymphoma. It has been almost two years since a federal grand jury found the congressman guilty of 11 counts of public corruption. Oral arguments in this case have consistently been delayed.

August has arrived, which means even hotter weather in Louisiana. Thankfully, it also means there is only a few weeks left until football season kicks off, and I, along with many others, are truly thankful for it.

There’s nothing like a Saturday spent cheering on my beloved LSU Tigers, which is Louisiana’s real football team, of course. For those lucky enough to make the drive to Tiger Stadium, the experience only intensifies. Regardless of where I’m at, it has become a time of good friends, good food, and good times.

(Editor’s note: The following is a rebuttal to an opinion piece originally published on the Shreveport Times on July 9, which was posted days after to our webpage. It will also be published in this week’s edition of the Index)

I just read the (webpage) opinion section about the school board employees taking three day weekends during the month of July. What I didn’t read was how long these people work after hours, Saturdays, and Sundays with no overtime or comp time.

(Editor’s note: The following as an opinion piece published at www.shreveporttimes.com on July 9.)

Imagine working four-day weeks part of the summer. At 10 hours a day, you’d likely put in less time per day than you are now and get three-day weekends (including the luxury of a weekday on which to run all your errands).

Now imagine asking your boss for that. If not laughing you out of the office, he is apt to start looking for someone willing to invest the time needed to keep the workplace humming.

Donnetta Anderson of Winnsboro was recently arrested with a number of felonies and misdemeanors, including one charge of battery of a police officer, according to a story published in The Franklin Sun.

That charge is of note because, as she was being escorted to the car, she grabbed the police officer by the crotch. He eventually freed himself and subdued the suspect.

Thankfully, the officer wasn’t injured. I’m not quite sure how.

“(Now that’s) taking the law in your own hands,” the newspaper writes.

It’s really no surprise that I don’t like to clean house. I have better things to do. However, sometimes, I am forced to dig a pathway through the clutter…..or I get energized and decide that I’m going to clean things out!

No matter the case, I take a Three Stooges attitude about the task. Remember when Moe, Larry and Curly heard the two infamous words ‘Niagra Falls’? They would halt, turn and begin retracing their steps, as they said, “Slowly I turn….step by step…inch by inch…” That’s how I clean house.

Our Judge John S. Pickett Jr. celebrated his 91st Birthday Sunday. We called him Sunday morning to wish him a Happy Birthday and found him to be doing fine. Said he hoped to be around for a few more birthdays and we hope he’ll be around, too.

Judge Pickett served Sabine Parish for a long time, very honorably and with great distinction. He has been a member of the School Board, State Representative and District Judge.

It has been an honor to call him friend.

Parent Talk

Children Are Our Most Precious Gift

This Christmas season, Sabine Parish can be proud of our children who truly understand the spirit of giving. Their strong sense of sharing and caring throughout the holiday season is a great gift enjoyed by many.

Throughout our schools, children are involved in activities that extend well beyond themselves, their families, classmates and friends. As a parish, we are fortunate that so many share the traditional values which reflect the true meaning of Christmas.