Opinions
Rebecca Chapman really stepped in it
People who file slip-and-fall lawsuits seem to operate on the assumption that they’re in no way responsible for the accident that led to their alleged injuries and that someone else – usually someone with enviable assets – is entirely to blame, but surely some of the plaintiffs must have contributed to their unfortunate falls.
Helping lawyers get help
CHARLESTON – Last year we launched the West Virginia Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being and joined a national movement gaining momentum in response to the irrefutable evidence of mental illness and substance abuse in our profession.
Another slip-and-fall story that doesn’t add up
Critical thinking seems to have gone out of style. Nowadays, facts and logic are considered irrelevant, even obscene. It’s all about feelings now: presumed entitlement and alleged victimhood.
West Virginia must STEAM ahead in agriculture's shifting landscape
CHARLESTON – Progression is defined as “the process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state.” As time barrels forward, each institution, industrial sector or culture must adapt to societal needs. Agriculture is no different.
As usual, the MDL club negotiates in its own behalf
U.S. District Judge Dan Polster conceded that the issues being adjudicated in the multidistrict litigation he’s overseeing in Cleveland against opioid manufacturers and distributors “should be handled by the legislative and executive branches, our federal government, and our state governments.”
God ordains strength out of the mouths of babes
Telling a story through Biblical and media quotes
‘Eighty percent of success is showing up’
Woody Allen wasn’t joking when he said that line we used as a headline. It was the essence of his advice to aspiring writers, many of whom never finish, or even begin, their first oeuvre. Having a completed manuscript is no guarantee of success, but not having one is a guarantee of failure.
Fighting the opioid epidemic for all West Virginians
CHARLESTON – Is there anyone in West Virginia who hasn’t experienced the effects of our state’s opioid epidemic? The lives ruined and deaths from addiction have devastated every community in every county. Even so, when many understandably may feel a sense of hopelessness, I believe there is reason for increasing hope.
No more rubber stamps for class certification?
A recent ruling from our state high court suggests that it may have overcome its reluctance and decided to get with the program, stiffening the standards for class certification.
Jim Justice is neither Democrat nor Republican – He’s a narcissistic opportunist
For months, everyone has been talking about it, but now I am clearly and loudly saying it: Jim Justice is an embarrassment to our state and should resign and try to attend to his family business obligations.
Makerspaces: An investment in our nation’s workforce
WASHINGTON – There are makerspaces located in every corner of the world, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to capitalize on their own innovative ideas. Each brings opportunities for training today’s and tomorrow’s skilled workers needed for our thriving economy. The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a new competition that will invest in their continued success.
It turns out that chicken nuggets may not be fool-proof
Believe it or not, fried chicken once had bones in it. There are people alive today who remember that – and how they used to eat it carefully so as not to swallow and choke on the smaller bones, having a piece of white bread nearby if they did choke, so they could wad it up and swallow it to make the bone go down. More daring old-timers still eat chicken that way.
We need a full-time governor in Charleston
CHARLESTON – There is an old saying in agriculture: “The best fertilizer is the footprint of the farmer.” In other words, you must show up for the job to do the job.
Get the science right before rushing to regulate
In most use cases, we are told, there exists no viable alternative to PFAS, which portends the real potential outrage here. In the end, banning PFAS would mean consumers would be deprived of their iPhones and pharmaceuticals; it would make air travel less safe and automobiles more polluting.
Empowering parents, students and educators shouldn't be controversial
CHARLESTON – While some opponents of comprehensive education reform cheered its defeat during the 2019 regular legislative session, students, parents, and rank-and-file teachers have little reason to celebrate.
'Give me transparency and accountability, but not yet'
The headline above is a reworking of a line from Augustine’s "Confessions" that succinctly summarizes a regretful roué’s desire (and reluctance) to give up a life of vice: “Give me chastity and continence, but not yet.” Change two words and you capture the attitude of some judges toward online access to court records.
Let's focus on what matters – our children’s education
MARINTSBURG – Recently, liberal union bosses and their allies at the Charleston-Gazette Mail have been leveling complaints and allegations against a respected, devoted member of the West Virginia State Senate.
Tabbatha Perdue might want to rethink this lawsuit
“We ask that you become familiar with and abide by the rules below and view the Sky Zone rules video and signage in park and at the Safety Zone. Remember, stay in your comfort zone. Do not attempt any activity, flip, jump, or trick you don’t think you can handle.”
West Virginia students deserve the option of public charter schools
CHARLESTON – Across the country, millions of students, families and educators recently celebrated National Charter Schools Week and how they transform communities by bringing educational opportunities to students. Unfortunately, our students are left out of these celebrations because West Virginia is one of the few states that does not currently allow public charter schools.
Workman made lots of money as a landlady
Remember the hilarious response of state Supreme Court Justice Margaret Workman to the justified outrage when West Virginians found out about her and her fellow justices’ lavish use of taxpayer funds to make themselves more comfortable at our expense?