Columns

2014 is a year of profound anniversaries of events that changed America for the better during the Civil Rights movement.
    It's the 50th anniversary of “Freedom Summer” in Mississippi, a brave and successful effort where young people from across the nation descended upon a primitive and dangerous place to help black residents achieve their right to vote.
    Their work did not end without tragedy, as three civil rights workers were murdered by local rednecks.

By Congressman Robert Hurt

Four years ago, President Obama signed the Dodd Frank Act, which was intended to address the underlying issues that led to the financial crisis and create a safer financial system. Instead, this 2,300 page law, which establishes 400 new government regulations, has led to disproportionately negative impacts and costs for community banks, small businesses, and consumers, while doing little to tackle the issues that truly drove the crisis.

By Bob Cornell
Bedford

    We assume we are advanced builders, thinkers and politicians in our 21st century but think of the capabilities of those living almost 700 years ago. 
    The Ming dynasty ruled China for 276 years from 1368 to 1644.  The Ming dynasty is described as “one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history.”   During the Ming dynasty China was the world’s superpower with the largest population and economy. 

    Before reading last week’s “Conservatively Speaking” column, I should have known something was up when I saw that John Barnhart had been snooping around one of my social media accounts.
    Well, what’s a good liberal Catholic to do, huh? Mr. Barnhart is surely a sensitive soul, and he took exception to my sarcastic references to Bob McDonnell’s link to Regent “University” (and I insist on the quotes).