Opinion

Hundreds of high school students explored the halls of the capitol last week during the annual exercise in government known as Girls State and Boys State. The week-long programs, which are sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary, offer rising seniors the chance to form a government, run for office, and write and vote on legislation.

I’m a homebody at heart. I’m perfectly content to relax in my recliner with a ballgame or movie on TV whenever I get the chance.

This year, Monday, June 6, marked the 78th anniversary of D-Day, when the Allied Forces in World War II launched a massive invasion of Europe. My grandfather, like many men of his generation, was drafted into the Army right out of high school.

As our nation mourns the death of 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, the national conversation has turned again to the need to make our schools more secure. In Arkansas, educators and legislators have long recognized the need for vigilance to keep our children safe.

By now, the story is familiar. Someone with a gun walks into a school and opens fire.

The number of school shootings in the United States is a problem that needs to be solved as soon as possible. Surely, reasonable people would agree with that statement, even if they agree on almost nothing else regarding the issue of guns in our country.

Editor’s Note: This column was originally published on May 30, 2017. It is one of my favorites, and its message is more important than ever.

Monday is Memorial Day, a day to remember those who served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s always had a special meaning for me, growing up in the grandfather’s house.

2022 Seniors ... Well, here you are about to graduate. I’m sure you’re pinching yourself at the prospect of reaching your goal of the last 12 years. I think of you all as caterpillars. You’re about to leave your cocoons; your high school and homes, to emerge as butterflies and fly away to your futures.

Bob Ballinger will tell you, if you’ll listen and not ask any pesky questions, that the focus on his candidacy for the District 28 seat in the Arkansas State Senate should be on his “record.” He’ll also tell you that he’s finally paid his debt for three years of advertising in the Ag Days program, and that he doesn’t owe any state taxes. The truth about the Ag Days bill depends on whether you’re asking Ballinger or someone who’s involved with Ag Days and would be in a position to know.