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Constitutional Panel Discussion

Letters to the Editor

On the final day of the Constitutional Convention, Elizabeth Willing Powel, a prominent figure in Philadelphia’s political and social circles, asked Benjamin Franklin, “Well, Doctor, what have we got—a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” More than two centuries later, that question remains as urgent as ever: Can we keep our republic? The Honor Society of Washington State College of Ohio invites the community to a Constitutional Panel Discussion on Wednesday, November 19, at 12:00 p.m. in Graham Auditorium on the WSCO campus. The ...

Follow the sound of the bells and give back

Editorials

If you have been arguing with members of your household about whether the time is right for putting up Christmas decorations (ahead of Thanksgiving), perhaps try mentioning that the bells are already ringing at local retail establishments that host Salvation Army red kettles. The season has begun. It’s hard to ignore the feeling that comes with hearing that familiar jingle as you go about your shopping and running errands. It’s harder to stay grumpy about whether it is too early for a certain Christmas song to become omnipresent or your neighbor’s roofline-high inflatable ...

Head Start also affected by shutdown

Editorials

Hunger isn’t the only worry for Ohio’s youngest residents affected by the federal government shutdown. Those who attend Head Start preschool and Early Head Start programs could soon see another disruption. Beginning with the lapse in grant funding Nov. 1, 140 programs across the country were affected, according to the Ohio Capital Journal. Seven programs in Ohio were affected — those in Scioto and Highland counties have already had to shut down. Last year, there were 59 total Head Start programs in the Buckeye State, with more than 33,000 children enrolled. Of those served, ...

An honor that can’t be overstated

Editorials

On Veterans Day, there may be parades, ceremonies — even retailers and restaurants hoping to show their respect by offering discounts and deals to veterans, but how many truly pause long enough to consider the weight of what we honor on that day? On the anniversary of the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, we remember because the job done by those who served during World War I was too enormous to forget. We remember because those who have served in the U.S. military since that day have sacrificed for this country to a degree most of the rest simply ...

Prevention, better than a cure

Local Columns

This week was my five-year colonoscopy. The fifth in my life. Colonoscopies are the best way to prevent colon cancer. Fourteen years ago, my brother passed from colon cancer at age 57. He didn’t like doctors, checkups or colonoscopies. He finally went to the doctor when he was too weak to walk across a room. By then it was too late. He died two months later. It was sad. He would have been proud, if he had lived, to see the success of his children and would have enjoyed playing with his grandchildren. His grandchildren are fine young adults. We enjoy talking to them. A colonoscopy ...

Onward Christian soldiers

Local Columns

If you’re a veteran, you likely remember these words quite well. This oath, sworn as you began your service to your country, shaped at least a period of your life and may impact your thinking and actions long after your service has concluded. “I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to ...