Tennessee Political News
A Right Perspective: Mom-and-pop merchants need our loyalty
Shop locally owned businesses and help out your neighbor.
Harold Ford Jr.'s book examines TN politics
Harold Ford Jr. may seek elected office again, but it probably won't be in Tennessee.
Otis L. Sanford: Charter deserves careful study, not knee-jerk response
As it stands now, a lot of people in suburban Shelby County don't trust the current Memphis political leadership enough to unite with them in a metro government. ... Meanwhile, some Memphis residents also have a problem trusting the suburbanites.
Chris Peck: Good for FedEx exec, bad for city
At a time when Memphis is struggling, and making progress, to become a leader instead of a follower in civic engagement, artistic growth and public-private partnerships, the loss of an imaginative, high-energy civic leader will be a setback -- at least in the short term.
A View from the Editorial Board: Memphis at center of obesity epidemic
As Americans continue their conversation about health care reform, many, unfortunately, are talking only about premiums and taxes, and laws and regulations. Few are talking about personal responsibility. That's where, as a country, we've lost focus.
Political Happenings: Aug. 28
Chuck Williams for state Senate: Public event, 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Montgomery Village, 4530 Joe Lewis Road. The Independent candidate for the state's 7th Senate District will discuss his campaign and listen to residents' community concerns. For more information, contact Tonja Warren at 865-577-5555.
Editor McElroy appears on C-SPAN
News Sentinel Editor Jack McElroy was on C-SPAN this morning talking about the Tennessee gubernatorial race.
Guest Column: Immigration policy needs complete reform
Congress is focusing on the problem of our country's failed immigration laws. Hearings have been held and several bills have been introduced. The Senate majority leader has promised to take the issue up next year, and the president has reiterated his support for reform.
Guest Column: Disaster plans essential for small business
Imagine this: You're a small- business owner and you are minding the business of the day, managing employees, ordering inventory, tracking expenses, responding to a customer crisis.
Guest column: Gulf states' recovery needs oil, gas jobs
The federal government recently decided, despite strong pleas from the Gulf Coast states, that it is time to "stick it" to our jobs.
County Commission taking applicants for Sen. Tim Burchett's seat
KNOXVILLE - Knox County commissioners are accepting resumes through next Tuesday to fill the spot state Sen. Tim Burchett will vacate after he's sworn in as Knox County mayor.
Political happenings: Aug. 23
POLITICAL HAPPENINGS: Chuck Williams for State Senate: The Independent candidate for the state's 7th Senate District will have a tent set up at the Mechanicsville Homecoming Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Danny Mayfield Park in Knoxville. The public will be able to register to vote, meet the candidate and voice concerns about their community. For more information, call 865-237-8761.
Otis L. Sanford: Looking for civility? It slid down the chute
Earlier this month, just days before fed-up flight attendant Steven Slater somehow became a hero to disgusted working stiffs everywhere, I had my own bout of exasperation at a New York airport.
Chris Peck: Future of print journalism lies in young hands
Journalism still fascinates these young people. The ink on paper, not so much.
A View from the Editorial Board: War on the poor and middle class
Let's be frank; virtually all Republicans and far too many Democrats favor the rich over the poor, and increasingly, over the middle class. And I hear no objections to these economic policies from the three-cornered hatters.
Political happenings: Aug. 21
- 4th District Democratic Club: Meeting, 6 p.m. Thursday, West Knoxville Branch Library, 100 Golf Club Road. Randy Walker, candidate for the state`s 7th Senate District, will speak on his campaign, and retired history professor John Bohstedt will discuss his research "The politics of food and riots in our contemporary world." For more information, contact Joan Wagner at 865-558-4078 ...
Cindy Wolff: Pondering Alzheimer's, while I still can
Where are my eyeglasses? I've asked myself that question for more than a week now. I put them down somewhere but I can't find them.
Guest Column: Existing laws protect against discrimination
It is ironic that those who support special protections for homosexuality and cross-dressing tell us they don't want people's private lives being an issue at work. Then they push for a law that would do exactly that.
Guest column: Cautious optimism on infant mortality
In 2008 Shelby County's infant mortality rate was 12 infant deaths per 1,000 births. The rate for African-American babies, however, was nearly three times that of white babies: 17 per 1,000 for African-American babies compared with 6 per 1,000 for white babies.
A Right Perspective: New doors of opportunity await our knock
I've had a lifelong love affair with the front doors of homes. A door should make a statement. It should say "Come on in, you are welcome and you are loved!"

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