There are too many of us, in communities across the state, who accept the notion that politics is the only profession for which no preparation is thought necessary (if you consider it a profession, in the traditional sense, or is it public service by public servants – that is a different discussion altogether, though).

Wouldn’t the same happen to our city council or state legislature in government, depending on whom our government becomes associated with? Candidates with integrity and a “can-do” spirit would necessarily produce a transparent and effective government.

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander” is a familiar phrase to most folks, generally meaning that if something is good or acceptable for one person, it is or should be equally so for another person.

But for just a moment, let’s pause and take this opportunity to thank all of the candidates. Most every one of them deserve our respect, not necessarily because we all agree, politically, but because they understand the principle, as many of us do,...

In December 1965, nearly 15 million viewers, or one-half of the television viewing audience, tuned in to watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” It has become the longest-running cartoon special in history, but it was almost canceled before it was ever aired.

You may have read about the Texas small business owner last month who became so frustrated with spending enormous amounts of money, trying to find qualified workers through Facebook advertisements and job boards that he put a sign up at his business reading, “Now Hiring Non-Stupid People.

Go to any of the leading candidates’ websites for Shreveport mayor, and you’ll learn their priorities, or those issues they say their administration will be focused on, if they are elected into office. Crime reduction. Education. Economic development. Community reinvestment.

During the Shreveport mayor’s race of 1994, you could open The Times nearly any day of the week, and the headlines would blare about how crime was the number one issue to voters that election year. It was a run-off race that year between a relatively unexciting candidate (as described by the daily), who was endorsed by the police and fire unions (Mr.