Topic: Washington

OMG, Seize the Day!

By Turner McCullough Jr. | November 5, 2008 |

A Personal Commentary

Watching the election returns last night as history was being made in Tennessee State Senate District 22 and the national race for president, I was mindful of my unique position as a witness to change.

I was keenly mindful that at the age of thirteen, my father and mother had insisted that I go to Washington, D.C. for the March on Washington in 1963. It was the first time I had ever traveled away from Charleston, and doing so myself was intimidating. Hearing all the speeches made that day astounded me. However, Dr. King’s address calling the nation to acknowledge its debt to America’s Creed was absolutely mesmerizing. Tonight, just short of six months since my father passed away, I witnessed an achievement of Dr. King’s Dream for this nation in which I know he would have rejoiced. My heart literally filled my chest in amazement, stunned and nearly in shock, that I have lived to see what my father, mother and grandfather could only dream of, become a reality. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion, Politics | 1 Comment »

Residents turn out in record numbers for voter registration

By Christine Anne Piesyk | October 7, 2008 |

In Montgomery County on Friday, October 3, the line of prospective voters stretched snakelike inside the building, out the door, and down the sidewalk: black, white, Hispanic, old, young. Soldiers, students, young moms, older men. All ready to sign on the dotted line. Today, October 6, the last day to register to vote, some 80 people were in line at 2:30 in the afternoon, patiently waiting to register. At Montgomery County Democratic Party headquarters on Saturday, several dozen prospective voters registered, with another 15 coming through the door by noon Monday.

With just hours to go, prospective voters wait in line to register at the Montgomery County Election Commission.

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Sections: Issues, News, Politics | No Comments

The price paid for the 4th of July!

By Turner McCullough Jr. | July 7, 2008 |

The premier holiday of the summer symbolizes more than a time for grilling, fireworks and road trips and just general fun stuff!

The 4th of July is widely acknowledged as “THE Summer Holiday” here in the United States. The traditional events of the day are well enshrined in our popular culture. People are planning big family cookouts, grilling, barbecuing, pool parties, sports events of all kinds- baseball, soccer, softball, badminton, volleyball, swimming, bicycling and small and super fireworks displays - all typical holiday celebration activities.

Yet there is far more to this holiday of holidays, this one uniquely American blowout. Sacrifices have been made that allow us to engage in these festivities. The lives which have been been laid down that allow us these exercises of indulgence also need to be acknowledged. There are so many individual sacrifices that have occurred in the course of our history that have received little, if any, recognition. What follows is a somewhat skewered collection of notable moments that have added to our American story.

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Sections: Arts and Leisure, Education, Events, Issues, News, Politics | No Comments