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Hitting a new low

Rhetoric and argument have hit a new low in American politics. Evidence and facts, not to mention accountability, seemingly disappeared, particularly in the era of Donald Trump. His approach is “never complain and never explain.” Blaming others is his game and disassembling is a way of life. It also may prove to be his Achilles heel. Take his positions on trade; they change constantly. Prior to negotiations with China, he cuts his declared rate from 145% to 80%, giving no explanations. Then he leaves it up to his Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, to set the price. Even his ...

Grads face an uncertain future, but it will all work out

One thing I love about my job is getting to meet with so many different leaders. I always ask: “How did you get your start?” I am blown away by the stories I hear. Very rarely does a person have a clear and obvious path. Most times it’s more a zigzag through a foggy landscape than a straight, well-lighted road. That describes my own path.  What does this mean for Class of 2025 graduates staring down an uncertain job market, a tricky economy, and a hurricane of swirling change? My message is, “Don’t sweat it too much. Do as much right as you can, and it will all work out in ...

Festivals, skating in Barbour

Hello from Barbour County! Parts of the county saw a hail storm a couple weeks ago. I hope you don’t have much damage, but it was cool to see. The Haven of Hope Worship Center is sponsoring a free End of the School Year skating event on May 18, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Skatezone in Belington.   Bring a friend and enjoy the evening of fun.  Battlers Knob presents Mythic Realms May 23-25, a festival with fantastic gaming and science. Stop by for food, music, art, games and more! Congratulations to the Philip Barbour graduating class of 2025. Graduation will take place at ...

Graduation embrace

I recently witnessed a moment that perfectly captures the heart of the Davis & Elkins College experience. I saw it more than 150 times last Friday, and it has stayed with me ever since. Harper-McNeeley Auditorium was filled for the baccalaureate service on the eve of commencement. The highlight of this worship service is the hooding ceremony, where each graduate selects a faculty or staff member to place their academic hood on their shoulders. This individual represents someone who has had a profound impact on the student’s journey—a mentor, guide, and source of support. Among our ...

California on my mind

As you are reading this, I am vacationing with my wife and mother-in-law in Southern California, staying at a resort just south of Orange County. For my mother-in-law, this is a bucket list trip to dip her toes in the Pacific Ocean for the first time. For my wife, this is an opportunity to visit Disney Land and see Hollywood. For me, it is about reconnecting spiritually with my biological mother’s side of the family. My mother, Ethel Mae Glee Adams, died in 2019 due to complications from lung cancer, being a lifelong smoker. My grandparents on my mother’s side have been dead ...

PBS: The Pelosi Broadcasting Service

Everywhere she goes, PBS CEO Paula Kerger makes the preposterous claim that there’s “nothing more American than PBS.” That’s not an answer to anyone asking about the network’s inevitable left-wing tilt. It’s a way of changing the subject. Last week, PBS and San Francisco PBS station KQED hosted a “Reframe Festival,” and “PBS News Hour” anchor Geoff Bennett conducted a scandalously sappy interview with Nancy Pelosi, Democrat “speaker emerita.” He began by gushing to the crowd that Pelosi, who did the interview remotely from Boston, is “known for her political ...