Opinions
President Trump is right to decertify Iran deal
CHARLESTON – By decertifying the Iran deal, President Trump has taken an important step toward making the United States, and the world, a safer place.
DiTrapano leaves a rich, colorful legacy
When a man like Rudy DiTrapano, your legal mentor and friend, lives a full life for 89 years, you're naturally sad but you have an abiding sense of gratitude that he was around so long and so sharp until the very end. But some lives touch you and so many others in such profound ways that their death is especially noteworthy and significant. And you find yourself not willing to say good-bye silently. That’s the case with Rudy. I've got to publicly thank him and pay tribute to his incredible life.
The unauthorized practice of law
WHEELING – Each state has laws that prohibit the unauthorized practice of law. Generally, these laws restrict the practice of law to lawyers who are licensed by the state. Licensing requirements are not uniform, but they frequently require taking and passing one or more bar examinations and a background investigation as to the fitness of an individual to practice law.
Time to stop acting like ninnies
“My heavens!” was our reaction upon learning that a fifth grade boy and his guardian recently filed suit in Putnam Circuit Court against the Putnam County Board of Education for failing to prevent him from injuring his finger while playing football during recess on school grounds at Eastbrook Elementary School a year and a half ago.
Voices heard on the end of the war on coal
The war on coal is officially over. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced last week that the Trump Administration is abandoning the Clean Power Plan that was created to cripple the coal industry in America.
Incentivizing change to combat opioid abuse
CHARLESTON – As the chief legal officers of our states, myself and other attorneys general are taking action on many fronts to fight the opioid epidemic. We recognize that the devastating cost of addiction demands an unyielding commitment that utilizes every tool at our disposal.
Judge Davis's dubious dissent
You ever listen to what people say – really listen – and find yourself scratching your head, trying to figure out what on earth they were trying to communicate?
Understanding the importance of underinsured motorist coverage
WHEELING – Few things in the practice of law are as frustrating as having a client who needs help, deserves help, and yet can’t get that help. To make matters even worse, more often than not the dilemma is created by the client herself. Allow me to explain.
Morrisey helps recover another half million in state funds
Remember how Darrell McGraw spent two decades as state attorney general using public funds for self-promotion and awarding contingency contracts to cronies?
The Flag, the Medal of Honor and the President
WHEELING – During the Civil War, flags on the battlefield had enormous tactical and strategic importance. Regimental flags allowed soldiers to know the position of their units, and which direction they should be moving to keep up with it.
Major reform of nation's tax system badly needed
You've probably heard in the news that President Trump is beginning to move Congress toward tackling tax reforms.
Who isn't to blame for the opioid epidemic?
It's like a murder mystery in which all the suspects are assembled in one room and the detective grills each of them in turn until he trips one up and has his killer. Each suspect had a motive, each an opportunity, and not one has an alibi. But there's an added twist this time: It turns out that all of the suspects conspired to commit the murder and collaborated in carrying it out. They're all guilty!
Transportation vital to West Virginia's economic development
CHARLESTON – In today's global economy, adequate, efficient and effective infrastructure is one vital component of successful economic development. Economic opportunities are increasingly related to the mobility of people, goods and information.
Fall in love with #AlmostHeaven West Virginia
CHARLESTON – In #AlmostHeaven West Virginia, choosing a favorite season can be next to impossible. Each one seems wilder and more wonderful than the last. Snow-capped winter mountains give way to springtime blooms which transform into the deep and rolling green hills of summertime. But for many of our state’s most devoted fans, one season stands out from the rest. And it’s just around the corner.
Trial by jury and its role in American history is forgotten today
CHARLESTON – September 17, 2017, was the 230th anniversary of the U. S. Constitution and an opportunity to celebrate our rights enshrined there. One of the most important is the right to trial by jury.
West Virginia needs the road bond
CHARLESTON – In West Virginia, location is a key selling point for manufacturing companies that want easy access to eastern markets and east coast shipping channels. Yet location means little if roads and bridges are not well maintained or modernized.
Longest serving state lawmaker endorses road bond issue
Dear Editor: As a member of the Republican State Executive Committee, I feel compelled to write this letter endorsing the road bond issue which will be voted upon October 7th.
Not nearly a clean bill of health, but moving in the right direction
Annual physicals can get monotonous, particularly if your condition fails to improve from year to year.
A trip of a lifetime
WHEELING – Earlier this month, my wife and I accompanied a group of homeschool students to Independence Hall in Wheeling where the Supreme Court was hearing oral arguments in two cases. The large convention hall on the third floor had been outfitted with a dais where the five justices could sit. In stark contrast with the 19th century decor, the room was filled with cameras, microphones and other telltale signs of 21st century technology. Over 200 students were in attendance.
All Raymond Ebner needs is a good kick in the keister
A rich person may be described as “having money coming out of his …," but this coarse figure of speech is surely not meant to be taken literally, much less as a fiscally or anatomically accurate description of asset management. Try telling that to Raymond Ebner.