THUMBS DOWN: To all those who would think it’s acceptable to shout racial slurs from afar during a peaceful poetry reading. Poetic Magic experienced just this during a recent event in Lanier County. It is a shame that these poets, men and women of all ages and all races, were denied their right to speak freely, to reveal their poetry as a living art without fear of harm. Their mission is simply to contribute to cultural exchange and social tolerance through the power of the voice, not to spread hate.
THUMBS UP: To the Valdosta Police Department for making an arrest in the Sunday mass shooting at Hudson Dockett. Additional arrests are expected very soon. This incident resulted in the death of a Valdosta teenager and injury to at least 10 others, including children.
THUMBS UP: To J.L. Lomax Elementary School for participating in Plant a Row for the Hungry. This program teaches students about agriculture, where their produce comes from, and the importance of helping those who are less fortunate. The students donated sweet potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and so much more to America’s Second Harvest of South Georgia Inc.
THUMBS UP: To Thomas Yawn for making and reporting weather-related observations on a daily basis from his home in Homerville for 21 years. He was presented the John Campanius Holm Award for his efforts. This is the second most prestigious award given by the National Weather Service.
THUMBS UP: To Lowndes County Commissioner Joyce Evans for hosting the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia District 11 at the new Lowndes County Judicial Complex. The group discussed everything from a possible T-SPLOST for transportation to funding for a statewide Trauma Care Network to water planning.
What We Think
What We Think: Thumbs up, thumbs down
- What We Think
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Books: A part of summer adventures
Summer should be a time for swimming, playing, camping, trips, pursuing interests and fun for youngsters taking a break from the school year. It should be a time to recharge their batteries.
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Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
Memorial Day has taken on many meanings through the years. The unofficial start of summer, a day off from work, a day to honor family and friends who have passed away.
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Books: A part of summer adventures
