Commentary

CLOUD ON ACT 246

Rep. Edmond Jordan was the author of Act 246 from this year’s regular session. He stated “In my opinion, it could be interpreted by some to create new opportunities for slavery and involuntary servitude as it is drafted. I would prefer to come back next year with a clean version would not be subject to that interpretation.” Jordan, who is a Democrat, said he reviewed the proposed ballot language and felt that, after consideration, he would come back later and straighten it up. The proposed ballot said: “Do you support an amendment to prohibit the use of involuntary servitude except as it applies to the otherwise lawful administration of criminal justice?” The current language in the Constitution allows for an exception only for a “punishment for crime.” Even the author is not for it.

INVESTIGATIONS FORTHCOMING

The SPA hosted the second Community Forum, held at the 1st United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, September 10, from 9:00am until 12:00pm. The Forum was attended by the Town of Many Mayor, City Hall Staff and SRO officer, Faith-Partners from Trinity Baptist Church, School District and Ebarb School PALS Representatives, School Resource Officers, Sheriff’s Office representatives, Parents and Youth. The Forum was facilitated by Drew Brooks, CEO of Faith-Partners Inc. and Consultant for the Sabine Prevention Alliance for the past three years.

Every year around this time, our nation reflects on the heroism and sacrifices of our veterans. We honor all those who served and recognize the many men and women who were wounded, made ill or injured in service to this country. Neighbors go out of their way to say thank you to those who wore the uniform. Families recall the brave actions of relatives, passing their stories down from generation to generation.

Lesser told are the stories of those veterans who never stopped serving—the ones who returned home and dedicated themselves to their communities despite the consequences of service or the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life. Marine Corps veteran Randy Schmidt is one such veteran.

Schmidt lost his vision after sustaining injuries in two separate events in Vietnam. First, he was shot in the head by an enemy bullet that pierced his helmet, grazing Schmidt’s head and knocking him out.

LOOK AT THE RECORD

As we pointed out many times in the past, we must look at the platform of the candidate or the party they represent, and not just look at the candidate. Almost two years ago we ran an article showing you what we predicted from the new administration. Please take a minute and review what has happened, with the exception of #5 regarding abortions. The Supreme Court took care of that. As we have stated before, Donald Trump is a little too much some times with his personality. But you must look at their party and platform.

#1. The illegal immigration problem will go away because they are just going to let them all in.

#2. The Democrats always profess to tax the rich and corporations, so get ready for tax increases big time. (This happened.)

Strong efforts to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is in the works. They must gather 53,000 signatures by February 22nd, 2023, and that should be a gigantic task. Louisiana makes the recall process very difficult. 20% of registered voters in Orleans Parish must sign a petition. The threshold was one-third of registered voters until 2018 when Rep Paul Hollis convinced lawmakers to make the recall law more user friendly. Now the benchmark has been lowered to 20%.

RACISM

Ask Rusty – Is It Always Best to Wait Until Age 70 to Claim Social Security? Dear Rusty: I’m 66 years old and still (self) employed as a home builder. I have not taken Social Security benefits yet, and don’t need to at this time. If relevant, my business struggled when I first started it five years ago, but did well last year, and I’ll have my highest earning year in my life this year and possibly next year as well. My question is, and it may be dumb, is it always best to delay Social Security until age 70 if there is no current financial need for it? Also, are benefits calculated by total dollars earned over a lifetime, or is some kind of average or mean computation used? I’ve enjoyed excellent health throughout my life, and I have longevity in my family. I’m single if that’s relevant. Signed: Planning Ahead Dear Planning Ahead: There is never a dumb question about Social Security because it’s a highly complex program.

FOOTBALL IS BACK

Football is back and it is obvious the king sport in our colleges and universities. It is reflected in a story called “The Perfect Season” by Bud Johnson. Going to an LSU game was not a big deal; Television was just 12 years old; the NCAA NBC television created the College Game of the Week only five years before in ‘53. An LSU football ticket cost $3.75. A Botany 500 fall suit was approximately $65.00 in some stores. A ‘58 Chevrolet Impala with power steering and power brakes was advertised at $2,995.00. Earl Long was governor and his style was not the same as his brother Huey and he was not an ardent football fan. Large crowds at games was just not there. Some games got as low as 24,000 people. You could walk up to one of the ticket booths outside and buy your ticket and go into the game.

Most people don’t realize that the most dangerous time is when a victim of an abuser leaves a relationship. We often wonder how wealthy or very intelligent people stay in a relationship that is abusive but yet seem to have everything else in order. Domestic Violence doesn’t discriminate at all. The person sitting beside you right now may be in an abusive relationship and you would never know. The big question is “Why don’t you just leave?” this is not always as easy as that. Here are a few barriers why people don’t leave.

Lack of an Advocate: When a survivor doesn’t have a strong and determined advocate, he or she often feel intimidated, discouraged and ultimately hopeless about being able to navigate the complex legal and social service systems needed to escape his or her abuser.

by Pete Abington

( Newsworthy Articles and My Opinion) CASE LOADS?

The subcommittee of the legislative created task force settled this week on a proposed method to study the case loads of Louisiana’s district and appellate courts. The entire Judicial Structure Task Force will meet again on Thursday to vote on the recommendation of the subcommittee which favors a model developed by the National Center for State Courts. Not everyone seems eager to dive into the process. First Circuit Judge Guy Holdridge said that any in-depth review of the courts could turn into a “burden” for the judges.

A LITTLE HISTORY

U. S. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, along with colleagues from other Southern states, passed a resolution designating August as National Catfish Month. We are all reminded of former Alexandria Mayor John K. “Tilly” Synder, who, when he was elected mayor, filled the local swimming pool with catfish.

by National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation,the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens Ask Rusty – If I Apply Now, When Will I Get My First Social Security Payment?