http://www.gtowntimes.com/ en-us http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/mueller-11-3 By Lynn Mueller Many will recall the now famous line on a banner over James Carville's office during the 1992 presidential campaign. Carville was the principal strategist for Bill Clinton's victorious campaign that year. The banner read: "It's the economy, stupid!" The purpose of the banner was to focus everyone in the campaign on the core issue that would make, then Governor Clinton successful in his race against George H.W. Bush. It worked. As we as a nation confront various public policy questions and issues at the federal, state and local levels, I would submit the slogan should read: "It's all about demographics!" Up to the end of World War II, the age distribution of the American population had been relatively stable for ... 12/2/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/mueller-11-3 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/sallie-parker-dec--1- By Sallie Parker Q. Dear Sallie, My husband and I have a friend who has lots of friends in town, but likes to stay with us when she comes to visit. She always wants to see everybody, which is a lot of time and expense to us. We like to do it under normal circumstances, but I just had a baby three weeks ago. Here's my problem: She just called to ask if she can stay with us next week. She understands it's a lot for us to host a party right now, so she has hinted to the others by e-mail that she wants to see them. Not one person has offered to give a party for her. They all say, "Great, just tell me when, I'll be there." What should I do? Terry M., DeBordi ... 11/30/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/sallie-parker-dec--1- http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/gov-sanford-op-ed By Mark Sanford I find myself in a lonely position. While many states and local governments are lining up for a bailout from Congress, I went to Washington recently to oppose such bailouts. I may be the only governor to do so. But I suspect I'm not entirely alone, as there are a lot of taxpayers who aren't pleased with Christmas coming early for politicians. And I hope these taxpayers make their voices heard before Democrats load up the next bailout train for states with budget deficits. Several questions led me to oppose bailing out the states. They are worth asking, even if you supported bailing out Wall Street. * Who bails out the ";bail-outor";? Washington is short on cash these days and will borrow every dime of the $150 ... 11/30/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/gov-sanford-op-ed http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/brock-dec--1- By John Brock I didn't even know there was such a thing as a Toy Hall of Fame. But I recently learned that the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, N.Y., does indeed exist and annually inducts children's toys into its Hall of Fame. Imagine that! And you won't believe this year's honoree. Are you ready for this? This year's winner is: The stick! At first glance this may seem like a ridiculous choice, but think about it. In the imaginative mind of a child, a stick can become almost anything. And, what kid has not had at least a half-day of fun from time to time with nothing to entertain but a stick? I certainly had my youthful joys with a toy as simple as a stick. In fact, many of us day-dreamed away many hours in t ... 11/30/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/brock-dec--1- http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/walter-williams-nov--28- By Walter Williams Evil acts can be given an aura of moral legitimacy by noble-sounding socialistic expressions such as spreading the wealth, income redistribution or caring for the less fortunate. Let's think about socialism. Imagine there's an elderly widow down the street from you. She has neither the strength to mow her lawn nor enough money to hire someone to do it. Here's my question to you that I'm almost afraid for the answer: Would you support a government mandate that forces one of your neighbors to mow the lady's lawn each week? If he failed to follow the government orders, would you approve of some kind of punishment ranging from house arrest and fines to imprisonment? I'm hoping that the average American would condemn ... 11/28/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/walter-williams-nov--28- http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/robbin-bruce-friday-nov--28- By Robbin Bruce Well here it is the Friday after Thanksgiving, the official start of the Christmas season. As I begin to think about all the happening that will take place over the next month or so, something caught my attention. While most of us take the festivities for granted, there is a group among us, that, to say the least, are probably gonna feel a little lost over the next month or so. I mean, think about it, it will be their first Southern Christmas, and that does take a little explaining, especially if you're from above the Mason-Dixon Line. Take for example chestnuts over an open fire, where we have sparklers over a fire barrel. See what I mean? So if for the next few minutes while you are reading this, and you say ... 11/28/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/robbin-bruce-friday-nov--28- http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/Mueller-11-26 By Lynn Mueller The current situation we find ourselves in with respect to jobs and the American economy is caused by three separate and distinct factors. The first is a banking, credit and mortgage problem created in large measure by public policy decisions whose intention was good, but whose outcome was disastrous and truly expensive. This was the notion that we should foster the opportunity for everyone to participate in the "American Dream" of homeownership regardless of their capacity to qualify under traditional standards. Retrospectively it would have been far less expensive for the American taxpayer if we agreed to pay the 20 percent down on a mortgage for all citizens who could not afford that financial commitment as lon ... 11/28/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/Mueller-11-26 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/It-s-Thanksgiving--Peace--love--granola By Ann Ipock By the time you read this, your Thanksgiving meal should be planned out: Your turkey might be thawing in the frig, perhaps still sitting on the grocer's shelf or else being prepared at your favorite restaurant. Your cranberry sauce will be gelling or in a can -- whole berry or regular. And your locally grown -- if you're lucky -- sweet potatoes will be ready for whipping, mashing or fluffing. Yes, it's that wonderful, glorious American holiday where we give thanks and celebrate our blessings with family, friends, and neighbors. Unfortunately, I've been plagued by the Thanksgiving Hex more times than I can remember. For instance, catching the turkey/oven on fire; fixing undercooked, uneaten Cornish hens; serving tas ... 11/25/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/It-s-Thanksgiving--Peace--love--granola http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/walter-williams-mon-nov--24- By Walter Williams Despite the fact that President-elect Barack Obama's vision for our nation leaves a lot to be desired, the fact that he was elected represents a remarkable national achievement. When the War of 1861 ended, neither a former slave nor slave owner would have believed it possible for a black to be elected president in a mere century and a half, if ever. I'm sure that my grandparents, born in the 1880s, or my parents, born in the 1910s, would not have believed it possible for a black to be president and neither did I for most of my 72 years. That's not the only progress. If one totaled black earnings, and consider blacks a separate nation, he would have found that in 2005 black Americans earned $644 billion, making th ... 11/23/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/walter-williams-mon-nov--24- http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/sallie-n-ov--24- By Sallie Parker Q. Dear Sallie, I was walking down a crowded street in Paris and noticed a tall girl walking toward me. She looked straight in my eyes. As she passed, she pinched me on the cheek. I was so shocked, I just turned around and stared. She looked back and smiled. What should I have done? Sheltered Lady, Conway, S.C. A. Dear Sheltered, Exactly what you did - nothing. Sincerely, Sallie * Q. Dear Sallie, I could not agree with you more about the RSVP. When my son was getting married, we were giving the rehearsal dinner. I sent out invitations which needed an RSVP. Not half of those invited RSVP'd, including the parents of t ... 11/23/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/sallie-n-ov--24- http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/John-Brock-Nov--24 By John Brock This may be the last chance for local survivors of World War II to record their stories for future generations. After a several month recess, the videotaping of the stories of WWII survivors is underway again. Almost forty veterans and folks who served at home have been taped and others are now presently being given the chance to be included in the project sponsored by the Georgetown Library System and other donors. The project is in its final push to get the stories of WWII participants on record and their testimonies added to this valuable local oral history for posterity. Call 843-545-3303 today to make an appointment to participate. If no answer, leave your name and phone number and someone will return your ca ... 11/23/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/John-Brock-Nov--24 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/robbin-bruce-friday-nov--21- By Robbin Bruce Folks, we've had a lot on our plate lately with the election, the economy, gas prices, and all, but let's face it, for the last week or so there's only been one thing that's been cluttering up the thought process -- next week is Thanksgiving. That's right, it's finally here! I don't know why, but I look forward to Thanksgiving just about as much as Christmas. I mean let's face it, most of us -- except for the mamas -- sleep late, flip on a ball game, then eat like we haven't had a meal in two weeks. But let's be honest, just the idea that Thanksgiving is coming, kinda puts a different feeling in the air. It might be that in the next month or so, we'll be celebrating three national holidays, Thanksgiving, my birthday ... 11/20/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/robbin-bruce-friday-nov--21- http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/Insights_-Where-are-we-going- By Dr. Brad Morris Since the election, I have had many people call, e-mail or ask me personally, what my feelings were on the presidential election in reference to Mr. Obama, the economy and the end of time as portrayed in the Bible. That is a tall order for even those more qualified than me to answer those questions. I have seriously been looking at the results of the Presidential election. I don't know where our country is headed. I have many unanswered questions. I believe the church and even some who are non-believers will be forced to our knees in prayer for our country, as well as our families because of what many are predicting to be a worsening of economic conditions both in our country and worldwide. I believe there are m ... 11/20/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/Insights_-Where-are-we-going- http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/Thanksgiving_-Every-day-is-a-gift-from-God By Gloria Barr Ford "O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever." Psalm 107:1 The holiday season is upon us once again. It seemed to have come so quickly this year. The stores and many yards and houses are showing off their Christmas decorations and brightly colored lights. To top everything off, the weather is undergoing winter changes with temperatures in many local areas down to freezing. But right now, Thanksgiving is upon us, so let us give God thanks that things are as well as they are. The first Thanksgiving took place at Plymouth in 1621. It was a gathering of the colonists and the Wampanoag Indian people and was marked by the giving of thanks to God for harvest and health. The fourth ... 11/20/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/Thanksgiving_-Every-day-is-a-gift-from-God http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/Lend-a-hand By Tommy Howard thoward@gtowntimes.com Lend a hand. That's something my Dad and my Mom taught me and the rest of us young'uns as we grew up in Georgetown. All my life, Larry Howard and Claudia Howard took care of their brood of five kids and lent a hand to anyone else who could use it. Between the two of them my parents volunteered a zillion hours to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Red Cross, Civitans, a whole slew of church groups like the Altar Society, Catholic Women's Club, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, lay reader and Eucharistic Minister. Mom -- Claudia Howard -- was deputy probate judge and later served as Probate Judge for 13 years. She was active in professional groups and the Business and Professional Women. Both ... 11/18/2008 http://www.gtowntimes.com/story/Lend-a-hand