2013 Opinion Archive Stories

Regarding the flag “tribute” at Cocopah Speedway: no matter how well intentioned, they need to read the U.S. Flag Code.8. Respect for flagNo disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, state flags, and organiza

When I went to a local store in the Foothills area today I saw a lady that was going to leave her dog in the car while she ran in “for just a minute.” When I told her she couldn't do that and I would be happy to watch the dog while she went in, she replied “I will just go someplace else” and drove off. It was 96 degrees o

Sadly, I wasn't surprised when I read the editorial regarding the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi.Yes, it has been eight months since the attack, yet the controversy continues. That, my dear editor, is because the Obama Administration and his State Department have done their absolute best to bury, delay, confuse and stonewall

When Yuma residents begin seeing newly acquired police vehicles on the streets soon, they may think they are experiencing a “back to the future” moment.The reason is that the color scheme on the vehicles will show a dramatic shift, going from the current blue and white pattern on patrol cars to a black and white pattern.

Isn't government a wonderful thing? We have learned this week that the Justice Department (you know, the folks that brought you “Fast and Furious” – Eric Holder and the death of agent Brian Terry) have secretly been monitoring Associated Press phone records. To what end? We also know that the IRS targeted conservati

Last week I wrote about a victim of bullying. This week I'm writing another story about bullying – but one with a different outcome.My best friend in junior high school was Jeff. He was a big guy, 6 feet 1 and about 250 pounds. But he was very shy, gentle and soft-spoken.A bully who was about the same size as Jeff u

Back in the '60s, the sci-fi TV series “The Twilight Zone,” written and narrated by Rod Sterling, would start off a wacko scenario episode by saying “submitted for your approval.” I find myself believing I'm watching an absurd episode about same-sex marriage.According to the 2010 census, less than 4 percent of

It seems like no matter when one takes a look at what is going on in government, there is something disturbing staring back. There is sequestration — a problem that was created for political reasons. We were told it would necessitate large cuts in all sorts of programs, forced unpaid leaves for many employees, etc., when the tr

The constant arguing about the mayor's travel expenses is ridiculous! If I understand correctly, a specified amount was allotted to each member of the council at the beginning of the fiscal year. As the rest of us must do, each member, including the mayor, should look at their travel list comparing it with the allotted amount. If the allotment i

It has been eight months since the attack on the Benghazi diplomatic post in Libya in which four Americans were killed, yet the controversy over the terror assault has not abated.Republican members of Congress seem determined to keep it a hot-button issue, likely seeing it as a political weapon that can be used against the Obama admi

There are places I remember, and one of those nearest to my heart is Yosemite.The last time I was there, we drove up from Yuma uncertain if we would make it into the park. A record snowmelt meant that even in May, the park was flooded. Luckily, on the day we arrived, the park reopened.It was magical. All that water meant

As rescuers continue to comb the wreckage of Moore, Okla., for survivors of Monday's massive tornado, efforts are underway to send aid and assistance to the residents.The tornado is thought to have been an EF-4, which is the second-most powerful type of twister, according to The Associated Press. The extent of the damage isn't known

Often when we talk about bad weather elsewhere, like when the temperature is 30 degrees below zero up in North Dakota, we use the phrase, “That's why we live here.”And in the wake of the deadly tornado that ripped through Moore, Okla., this week, and talk about why the people there insist on living in Tornado Alley, a fri

The U.S. Post Office is not a part of the U.S. government. It is, however, overseen and subsidized by it.If the high-ranking officials in our government are so concerned about our burning of fossil fuels to power our cars, why don't they pressure the post office to buy electric delivery vehicles?Just think of the jobs and

Watching the latest House hearing on the activities of the IRS revealed two starkly different groups in their attempt to learn what IRS employees did for the past two years.One group of questioners attempted to get the facts while the responder offers volumes of meaningless verbiage. What I learned from this was everyone in a positio

When is this country going to wake up to the fact that the U.N. is just a waste of U.S. taxpayers money? It was commendable idea in the 1940s when it was conceived, but in practice it has become a money pit which does nothing to better our country. We pay the most per country to keep this ineffectual entity going and get the least benefits from

At the Yuma City Council work session on May 14, I had the opportunity to suggest to the council that the population growth of feral cats in our community might be further decreased by using the current voucher system to also offer a TNR $20 coupon (trap, neuter and return) by amending the city code to allow the $20 voucher to be used to reduce

Yuma is taking a major step forward with the Yuma Regional Cancer Center.With it, cancer patients in Yuma will be able to undergo treatments right here in Yuma, with state-of-the-art facilities. Yuma Regional Medical Center is now part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, which brings a higher level of care to patients by providing speci

Technically in Yuma, it's always sunscreen season. But just as the heat is settling in to stay, experts are issuing some new guidelines on that oh-so-important summer staple.New federal requirements ban terminology such as “waterproof” because it's misleading to consumers, according to the Associated Press. Sunscreens mus

The mayoral campaign seemed to capture the attention of Somerton voters this year, to the exclusion of the city council seats that were also being contested. Given that the mayoral race was decided in the primary back in March, the runoffs for two remaining council seats in this Tuesday’s general election may seem anti-cli

In an effort to speed up the boarding process, American Airlines is testing out something new. Passengers who can fit their items under the seat (thus not using the overhead bin space) get to board first.Got a bag that you planned on carrying on in order to avoid paying baggage fees? They will let you check it for free at the gate.

Decision by Disney to modify character doesn't make senseStep back, Disney.That was the message from parents after the children's entertainment powerhouse decided to revamp the image of Merida, the animated princess from “Brave.”Merida's makeover included a slimmer figure, fuller bust, more exposed

Some towns are just plain better at making headlines than others. That’s why Eugene, Ore., ought to win some kind of award. Their latest newsmaking ditty is one that I kinda enjoy. A funeral home there has a new hearse. Not newsworthy, you think, until you read that it’s three wheeled and pedal powered. Yup, they&rsqu

As one that has already experienced the problem, I would hope everyone checks around for prices being charged for all of their medications. As they do differ depending on the medication. Some pharmacies in our area charge much more than they should, according to my paperwork. There is at least $2-$3 difference sometimes. As prices go up

Evolution makes no sense to me and if Darwin didn’t believe it, why should I? Darwin came up with it for the money and the blind masses bought into it. There is no other explanation for us being here except through Creation. There is too much evidence to even entertain the thought of evolution. As far as how old the universe is, only three