Opinions
Bloodletting in Charleston
WHEELING – From ancient times until the late 1800s, physicians believed in bloodletting as a treatment for all kinds of diseases. Doctors and scientists thought that blood carried what they called “humours” that got out of balance in sick people, and that pouring out some of the blood would balance them and cure the disease. Sometimes leeches were used. We know now that this thinking was wrong and that intentionally bleeding a patient usually hurts and can even kill.
Drug companies don’t cause drug abuse
West Virginia has the highest drug-overdose death rate in America – and one of the highest opioid prescription rates, as well. Now, West Virginia also is trying to take the lead in lawsuits filed by local politicians against opioid drug makers.
Agriculture commissioner urges state to embrace STEAM
CHARLESTON – Recently, a West Virginia Department of Agriculture employee participated in Career Day at Leading Creek Elementary in Lewis County. Kudos to these teachers for setting forth the importance of introducing their students, at such a young age, to careers that fall under the science, technology, engineering and math initiative called STEM.
Trump to globalists: Non means non!
It might be too early yet to join Larry and Balki of TV's Perfect Strangers in their exuberant Dance of Joy, but the time of jubilation and celebration is fast approaching. There's been a ceasefire in the war on coal.
What makes West Virginia #AlmostHeaven to you
West Virginians — and everyone who loves West Virginia — I have a small but very important favor to ask: This month, take a few minutes to tell the world what it is you love about our state.
WSAZ investigates: Who's calling them on the phone?
There's mystery galore at WSAZ-TV in Huntington. As many as eight persons have been calling Channel 3 for more than two years, making harassing and obscene comments about one of the NBC affiliate's news anchors, but management at WSAZ claim not to know who the callers are and refuse to identify the targeted anchor, despite inadvertently divulging her sex.
Residents encouraged to vote in upcoming municipal elections
CHARLESTON – Upon taking office five months ago, Secretary of State Mac Warner wasted no time in teaming up with county clerks across the state to clean up voter rolls in all 55 counties. The results of that teamwork are incredible.
Here's a candidate for a new federal coal mine safety director
Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship thinks he has a thing or two in common with Donald Trump and said so in a letter written to the president just days after his release from federal prison after serving a one-year sentence on a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to willfully violate mine safety standards prior to the 2010 explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine.
Contingent fees, class actions ensure justice for all, not just rich CEOs
MORGANTOWN – The January 2014 water crisis following the Freedom Industries' chemical leak affected more than 225,000 Kanawha Valley residents, workers and businesses. People had to purchase bottled water to drink and cook and had to travel outside the area to bathe. Businesses were affected too, especially restaurants, medical offices, hotels and others that depend on safe, clean water for daily operations.
Budget cuts threaten to slam courthouse doors on many West Virginians
HUNTINGTON – When ordinary Americans need help with life’s big problems, the Legal Services Corporation is there. But its survival is threatened. That’s why it needs help from every resident of West Virginia. What does the LSC do to protect low-income individuals and families who can’t afford a lawyer? Here’s a recent story from Kanawha County.
Fat cat lawyers say they deserve big fees
Plaintiff attorneys demanding a $45 million fee for their work on the 2014 water crisis lawsuit insist that they richly deserve this colossal compensation for their services.
Painkiller alternatives may reduce risk of prescription opioid abuse
CHARLESTON – Opioid abuse is devastating our state, and too often it starts with something as seemingly harmless as the prescription of an opioid-based pain medication.
Bradley Dugan wants to be the new Frito Bandito
The Frito Bandito was the mustachioed, sombrero and bandoleer wearing cartoon spokesman of the 1960s who loved Fritos Corn Chips so much that he was willing to steal to get them.
Justice Walker's spotlight moment
CHARLESTON – The West Virginia State Supreme Court is revisiting a controversial decision made last year impacting the amount of money natural gas companies pay to certain royalty owners.
Thanks to UMWA president for helping save retiree benefits
Dear Editor: On the very best day in Washington D.C., it’s easy for interests of the everyday working person to get lost in the shuffle.
Business perspective on economic growth and tax
CHARLESTON – West Virginia’s business tax climate ranking was the third worst in the nation just a dozen years ago. Our state bore the dubious rank of 47th in the nation when ranked among the 50 states for business tax competitiveness.
AG coalition backs Trump's 1-in, 2-out rule
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey was among those present in the Oval Office showing their support and appreciation when President Trump signed an executive order directing the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review the grossly overbroad “navigable waters” rule, prepare to rescind it, and suspend litigation regarding it.
Legislature addresses elections, business filings, efficiencies for SOS office
CHARLESTON – The day I took office we began meeting with legislators to swiftly draft proposed bills to deal with the difficulties encountered in this office.
More bad news at the Gazette-Mail
Though maintaining separate reporting staffs and the semblance of distinct perspectives, the Gazette and the Daily Mail merged their press and business operations in 1958.
Tremendous victories require continued vigilance
CHARLESTON – Over the past few months, West Virginia has experienced a tremendous amount of success in beating back years of federal overreach that have devastated many in our state.