What better time to talk about this fantastic country than during its celebration of independence? ...more

July 11, 2008

Continuing to press themes of values, faith and patriotism, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama exhorted Americans on Wednesday "to step into the strong currents of history" and volunteer for service to their country, pledging to dramatically expand opportunities for those accepting his challenge. ...more

July 3, 2008

Has the country outgrown the House of Representatives? U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings of Florida wonders if that's so. ...more

June 15, 2008

SEBRING — Sebring High School sophomore Megan Foster had a surprise Monday for her favorite teacher from eighth grade – Sebring Middle School's Tom Libby. "Oh! Woo! that does look like him," Libby said, after his first glimpse of a painting of Ben Franklin that Foster made for him. "I'm going to get emotional; I feel honored," he added. Over the years, Libby has let his history students know about his fascination with the bespectacled founding father. ...more

June 5, 2008

I have concluded that the old mighty government is fooling no one but itself. ...more

May 22, 2008

When Army Spc. Jeremy Hall held a meeting last July for atheists and free thinkers at Camp Speicher in Iraq, he was excited, he said, to see an officer attending. ...more

May 10, 2008

The first day of May is Loyalty Day and is such a day filled with activities designed to involve everyone in a great display of loyalty to our flag and or country. The VFW has fought a long and hard battle to have this day approved by Congress and it not only belongs to the VFW but to each and every American citizen. All staunch Americans must awake and live up to their obligation as responsible citizens if we are to remain free, for only the loyal and responsible fully deserve to be free. ...more

April 25, 2008

Patrons of Centennial Park Library on Tuesday were visited by a facsimile of Benjamin Franklin, one the nation's Founding Fathers and the person responsible for the first public lending library. The portrayal of Franklin was courtesy of Rich Davis of Charleston, S.C. Promoting reading, Davis asked questions throughout his presentation and gave out bookmarks for correct answers. He will bring his presentation to the New River Library on Thursday at 4 p.m. Davis will talk about the life and times of Franklin and his achievements, and will re-enact a science experiment. ...more

January 23, 2008

I read Terri Otterman's column on "A Change We Can Believe In," in Highlands Today and found it very interesting. With the primary elections at hand and all the candidates calling for change, your column was very timely. Without getting overly political, I am leaning toward a Mormon candidate. I wanted to know more about the Mormon church, their mission regarding Christianity and their view on politics. I was pleased to find out through the church's Web site that political neutrality is their position. The church's mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. Many Christians believe the Mormon church to be a cult; it is not. The Mormon church is as much Jesus Christ-centered as any other Christian denominational church. In short, at this time, when we have many voters who lack knowledge of the Mormon church, you could apply your views to your readership. You also must stay neutral in your writings regarding politics. ...more

January 19, 2008

Rob Bell backs James Hibbs op-ed page column against religious zealotry in American public life. ...more

January 8, 2008