Prior to Iran’s missile attacks on U.S. bases inside Iraq, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said, “We are not seeking war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one.” Esper said the U.S. prefers a “diplomatic” solution to the escalation of tensions in the region. Yes, that would ...

In all the reportage and commentary on the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, I haven’t seen much mention of an interesting parallel between the Iranian mullah regime’s attacks on America this month and its attacks when it first came to power 40 years ago. The similarity is that both ...

Throughout this unsettling conflict with Iran, Joe Biden has stood out as a calming Democratic voice, speaking of the stakes and challenges with deep knowledge of foreign policy. Just another reason for activists on the left backing Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren to lose their minds. The ...

It’s time for change in Eastern Ohio. In many communities across our region, transitions of leadership are taking place. With the first of the year, new mayors, council members and other local officials are taking office. In some cases, these changes are happening because sitting ...

I was walking around the house the other day looking for my walker. I asked my wife if she knew where it was. “It looks like you don’t need it” was the reply. Lynnda is partially right. I gave up the wheelchair for the walker two weeks ago. I can walk without any support easily for ...

The new year is a time to look back on the accomplishments of 2019 and look forward into the new year. Reflecting back on 2019, I’m really proud of the work my team and I have done in Congress to help Ohioans and their families. Despite the partisanship and media focus on impeachment, ...

With six fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, I was poorly prepared for the “big day.” I have always been known as a very prepared and organized person. I bet that is why I’ve had the job titles that I have had in my professional life also — administration ...

As I prepare to celebrate Christmas with my family this week, I find myself reminiscing about Christmases past and some of the experiences that are uniquely mine as well as those that I’m sure many of my peers will recall. Some of my favorite holiday memories involve music. It seems that ...

A few weeks ago, I was at a Rotary meeting where John Moses, the CEO of Youth Service Systems, was the speaker. I was so impressed with it, I asked for permission to share it with you. It is a story about the power of relationships. This story as a drama, so let me tell you the cast of ...

I am blessed to recall our magical Christmases. Growing up we had a large family and only got one big gift from Santa and some small gifts from our parents. It always was enough. We knew we weren’t wealthy but we never felt poor. Maybe it was because we were surrounded by family. We ...

Driving through the Bridgeport area early on Friday evening, I found myself wondering about all the Christmas lights I saw. What do colorful lights have to do with Jesus and the Nativity anyway? I pondered this question as I drove along National Road. I thought that perhaps the lights were ...

My fraternity brother at the University of Michigan was dying from diabetes, having already endured a series of minor amputations. But Art loved music and continued composing songs and singing them while playing a banjo. When the popular quartet, the Brothers Four, came to campus for a ...

This week physical therapy was exciting for me. For the first time since Oct. 27 I actually stood on my own two feet. After lying on my back in bed and sitting on my butt in a wheelchair, it felt good to be vertical again. I needed coaching to get me on my feet for the first time from the ...

Last Sunday I was in church and rolled into the communion line on my wheelchair. One of the ushers, Tony a friend, approached to push me. I smiled, waved him off and said, “I’ve got this.” I kept up with the line and easily wheeled back to my place in back. Tony came up after church and ...

Thanksgiving week has arrived, marking the start of the sprint through the holiday season. Many of us will prepare or share in a big, traditional meal on Thursday. Families will gather in front of TV sets to watch parades and football. Then, once the dishes are done and the leftovers are put ...

It may seem hard to believe, but the rush of the holiday season is right around the corner. In fact, for some people the hustle and bustle already have begun. Following Thanksgiving is an unofficial holiday with the ominous-sounding name “Black Friday.” The moniker is fairly apt, since ...

After surgery on both knees, walking is out for the time being. I spent the last week at rehab learning how to take care of myself from a wheelchair until my legs heal. Things like putting on pants and socks require some training when you are in a wheelchair and can’t bend your knees. I ...

Everyone knows that November is the time of year to be thankful. What we may not realize, though, is that there are multiple occasions throughout the month when it is appropriate to express our gratitude. Monday will be one of those days. Monday is Veterans Day — a federal holiday ...

When I write one of these articles, I try to look at you, the reader, and decide what I could say or share that would make your life a little better. Last week’s article was a little different. I wrote that article for you but also for me. I needed to listen to some of my own words. I ...

November has arrived in rather frigid fashion and now it’s time for … trick or treat? Throughout much of the past week, social media and area streets and businesses were filled with people having heated debates over whether to “cancel Halloween” and reschedule trick or treat due to ...