There are ways to create new jobs

Editor, Why are so many people out of work in Hinesville and Liberty County? I see a lot of open Hinesville jobs posted on the Internet and the Courier also provides help wanted ads. I also see a lot of jobs that businesses won't pay to have done, but that need to be done. Look at all these slum areas in Liberty County and Hinesville. Local governments don't pave roads or put in sidewalks where they are needed.

Opinions of war aside, soldiers deserve welcome

Last week, the United States marked the end of a foreign conflict that claimed the lives of nearly 4,500 American troops and 100,000 Iraqis, wounded thousands more and cost the nation more than $800 billion. The war in Iraq lasted nearly nine bitterly conflicted years, but the flag-retiring ceremony that brought the battle to a close lasted only 45 minutes.

Road trip may test patience, nerves

There's no escaping it now. With Christmas less than a week away, it's time to face the inevitable.

Santa, please send jobs to Georgia

This year, 483,605 Georgians have the same item on their Christmas wish list - they want a job.

U.N. considers more rights for Mother Earth

Recently, 192 mostly socialist governments, led by Bolivia, asked the U.N. to create a treaty that would grant the same rights found in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to "Mother Nature." The treaty supports a legal system to maintain a balance between human rights and what they perceive as the rights of other elements of the Earth's community - the plants, animals and terrain.

Thanks for helping family of boy in need

Editor, I am a mother of five children, one of whom is very ill, recently became wheelchair-bound and is getting worse daily. I went to a company called JCVisions here in town for assistance because my son's medical bills and my husband's recent layoff make it tough for us to keep up with bills. While I was at JCVisions, I asked the staffers if they knew of any resources for handicap accessories because my family is in need of a wheelchair lift and/or a larger van for our family and a wheelchair ramp for our son.

Shop local stores first

As you're frantically buying gifts and checking names of your holiday lists, please stop for a moment to consider our local stores, businesses and eateries.

From hips to slips, what's interesting in 2011

Dear valued reader: In appreciation for your loyalty and support this past year, I had planned to thank you by sending each of you your own personalized Dick Yarbrough Christmas card - suitable for framing - that you could proudly show your envious friends. The cards might even become a collector's item some day and you could take them to the Antiques Road Show and make a lot of money which you could then spend on a new Ferrari. It is the least I could do for you.

The infamous Jekyll/Hyde syndrome

I don't like crowds. A family reunion is about as big a group as I want to be in. Forget theme parks and other places where you wish you had the Right Guard franchise. I think this attitude may come with age. And with wisdom.

Will cancer recommendations save lives?

Dear editor: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in men behind lung cancer. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, even with limitations, is the best screening method we have today along with the DRE (digital rectal exam).

Coal, jobs and your electric bill

Part of the Public Service Commission's job in Georgia is certifying how and where Georgia Power gets electricity. With ever-changing federal environmental regulations, the PSC soon will have to decide whether to close some of our old coal facilities or bring them into Environmental Protection Agency compliance with new standards by putting controls on them to further remove sulfur, mercury and NOx.

EPD should not worry about economic growth

Jud Turner, Gov. Nathan Deal's choice to head the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, will officially succeed EPD Director Allen Barnes in the new year. At Wednesday's meeting of the state Natural Resources Board, Turner pledged to "adopt the policies of his predecessor in trying to keep economic development coming into the state while regulating its impact on the environment."

City should review its own documents

Editor: Since I attended the Nov. 8 Ludowici City Council meeting, there has been much speculation by the public about funds paid to Vanessa Cunningham. This woman is trying against great odds to bring the city into the 21st century by bringing up to date the charter, ordinances and a series of other things as shown in documents signed by the mayor and city clerk. These things, required by state and federal statutory requirements, are not necessarily good for old politics and, in my opinion, this is the reason for all the turmoil unfolding right before the new government begins ...

Do Sunday alcohol sales say anything about gambling?

There's talk again in the media and among some politicians of expanding gambling in Georgia to produce another revenue stream for education, trauma care and other needs in our state.

Hinesight questions legislators' worth

Good to see NAACP joining fight

Editor: Sure is good to see someone else joining this fight for the students, teachers, and staff of Liberty County Educators.

Food waste is a pressing issue

Recycling is important, but there are two other pieces of stewardship that are equally significant. The wise reuse of resources and household items, and simple ...

Trump's saber rattling having effect

Donald Trump's saber rattling may or may not deter Kim Jong Un, but it's had an effect south of the border.

No. 1 in more than just football

There are few people, places or things for which I have more passion than the University of Georgia and the Henry W. Grady College of ...

Another governor, another idea for schools

We have seen this all before, many times.

Oppose big oil, seismic testing off Georgia

I was going to write an article on vultures. However I have another, pardon the pun, bone to pick.

Recycle It! Fair set for Saturday

One of the easiest ways to make a difference for a healthy environment is to recycle. Recycling reduces waste that ends up in the limited ...

Biennial budgeting is good for business

This year, a businessman took office as president. President Trump's promise that Washington would work differently on his watch resonated with Americans and was ...