CRANE: Georgia is again the finish line

As of this writing, Runoff Election Day is just ahead and Georgians have already set an advance-voting record of1,868,127 ballots cast ahead of Election Day, with a turnout total of 26%, more or less debunking ongoing claims of voter suppression.

YARBROUGH: Exception for exceptional author, story

As a matter of policy, I don’t do book reviews in this space. If you do one, you’re pretty much committed to do them all. In fairness, where do you draw the line? However, today I am going to make an exception because the author is as exceptional as the story she tells.

RICH: The prayer march

The old man shuffled along the sidewalk, his work boots dusty with a hint of red mud clinging to one heel. From the pocket of well-worn overalls, he pulled a red bandana and wiped his nose.

Letter to the Editor: How are we looking?

In 2019, some 71,000 people in this country died from drug overdoses. More than 70% of those deaths involved opioid prescriptions, heroin and synthetic opioids – a.k.a. fentanyl. In response, the US Department of Treasury has proposed the use of sanctions to target the global fentanyl supply chain.

YARBROUGH: Can our democracy outlast us?

This is kind of a bummer way to start your day, but it is worth reflection on: “Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.” Who said that? Karl Marx? Ayatollah Khomeini? Vladimir Putin?

CRANE: The giving $ea$on is upon us

As we finally emerge from this pandemic and folks are traveling and having holiday events again, a gaping recession apparently looms ahead. But for now, at least judging by the crowds on Black Friday, consumers are exercising some pent-up demand.

RICH: You’re gonna miss me (when I’m gone)

It was one of Mama’s favorite refrains. One that she used less than some but much more than others. “Y’all are gonna miss me when I’m gone.” She’d nod her head slightly and wink. “You just wait and see if you don’t.

Letter to the Editor: Rivian rebuttal

I am sure I am not speaking only for myself but for many others who made the decision to move to Morgan County to escape the madness of the big city life. This county used to tout itself as being unique in many areas.

YARBROUGH: Column produces an extraordinary reunion

It is one of the most rewarding experiences in my 25 years of churning out columns. And it was a total accident. A happy accident. You may recall that back in July, I asked my friend Hans Trupp in Brunswick for his take on the recently-released Top Gun Maverick.

CRANE: A salute to the speaker

Mr. Speaker...I rise to recognize the fine gentleman from the 7th District of Georgia (R-Blue Ridge)...spanning Fannin, Gilmer, and parts of Dawson County.