Commentary

For years my dad, Robbo Davidson, had often mentioned writing a book about some of the cases he worked on during his 33-year career as a detective with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Department.

He would say, “I just think it would be interesting to compile several cases, using just the facts, real names, and tell these stories in detail, just the way it all happened.”

Dad’s book, The Evil I Have Seen: Memoirs from the Case Files of Lt. Detective Robert (Robbo) Davidson, Ret., was released on April 20. It is co-written by the very talented P.J. Jones, a decorated journalist (and also my mother-in-law!).

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UPCOMING LEGISLATION: TAX

Several items are in the works to change our tax season system. One would be to eliminate the deduction of federal taxes from Louisiana individual income tax filers to allow lower tax rates and a more stable and predictable source of revenue to produce a neutral net impact. The deduction ties the tax liability of Louisiana taxpayers and ultimately the state’s revenue outlook and eliminate the federal tax deduction. Only two other states have a federal deduction and only Louisiana has it in its constitution.

If you haven’t been to the 4C Coffee House nestled in Grand Cane’s historic district on Main Street, you’re missing out!

My sister Ashley and I were in for a real treat when we visited 4C for the first time last Wednesday. We met our parents there for mid-morning coffee and pastries.

The atmosphere at 4C is modern but cozy and welcoming. The mural on one wall features Grand Cane sites such as the Cook-Hill House and Central School. The exposed brick adds a Seattle-coffee-shop feeling, and the beautiful wooden accent wall on the opposite side of the shop provides a warm, inviting feeling.

Light music fills the air.

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FILIBUSTER

With the victories the Democrats received in the Fall elections, they now have 50 Senators plus Democrat Vice-President to vote for their agenda. The filibuster whereas one Senator or Congressman could stand up and talk for hours and tie up the vote was eliminated with the 60 vote rule many years ago and will eliminate the old traditional filibuster from taking place. Democrats now want to drop the sixty vote requirement and pass their radical agenda. At this time the Senate is considering two landmark voting right bills that would establish national standards for access to the polls. But as the present rule stands it would take 60 votes to overcome a GOP filibuster. Democrats need all 50 votes to sign on. Centrist holdouts Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz) claim the filibuster fosters bipartisan legislation and refuse to go along..

My daughter Juliana turned eleven recently.

On the way home from a fun day of manicures, lunch at Gibbons (her request), and two scoops of Gold Medal Ribbon at Baskin-Robbins, she asked me, “Mama, tell me about your eleventh birthday!”

My mind took me back to November 1987. I was in sixth grade at the old Johnson Elementary in Mansfield.

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BIG MESS AT THE BORDER

The problem at the border was fixed during the Trump presidency after a few bumps early on, but since Joe Biden has taken over, the problems have reoccurred and it is much, much worse. As an example: it was reported that the family unit holding cells smelled with urine and vomit. Up to eighty individuals are crowded into 24’ x30’ cells and there aren’t enough mattresses for everyone. Sheets of plastic divide the rooms and the smell is overwhelming.

Health & Humane Services confirmed a few weeks ago that they are holding approximately 14,500 children and to date that number if increasing. Convention centers in several cities are now being opened up as housing for the children. Most recently it is in San Diego. Most of the unaccompanied minors come from the Central American countries of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Ask Rusty – Can I Still Suspend My Social Security Benefits?

Dear Rusty: Is it still possible to suspend Social Security benefits for a time? And, if so, how often? Signed: Curious Senior

Dear Curious Senior: If you have already reached your full retirement age and are receiving Social Security benefits which you claimed earlier, you can voluntarily suspend your benefits to earn Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) and get a higher benefit amount when your payments are resumed. While your benefit payments are suspended, you will earn an additional .67% for each full month of suspension (8% per full year of suspension). If you wish to do so, you can suspend until you are 70 years old, after which you will no longer receive Delayed Retirement Credits, and your benefit will have reached maximum.

Our family is grieving.

Last week, our beloved two-year-old miniature schnauzer, Charli, passed away. She escaped through our backyard gate that was inadvertently left open and immediately took off running toward the highway. She was hit by a car.

I have written many times about my two schnauzers, Kaiser and Charli, and how much they are a part of our family and our hearts.

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EASTER SUNRISE

It is Child Abuse Awareness Month, this month has been set aside to help people be aware of things that are happening in their own neighborhoods, maybe next door, or anywhere there are children. The Child Advocacy Centers are all around Louisiana. There are 15 in the state. Child Advocacy Centers are a place where a child can come, feel safe, and tell their story of past or present abuse they have gone through. The state of Louisiana has served 5,285 children in 2020, 58% of the abuse is sexual abuse. 1 in 10 children will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. These are some facts we all need to be aware of. As we all come together this month, be aware of where our children are and have that conversation about safe touches to help them understand that NO means NO and no one is allowed to do anything to them without their consent.