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Robert Houk
rhouk
As I See It

Never trust politicians who don’t eat barbecue

Serving barbecue at political gatherings has been a proud tradition in our part of the country since Colonial times. That’s why I shudder every time I see hotdogs served at a campaign event. What are these candidates thinking? Our Founding Fathers would be aghast.

Feb 4, 2018 at 12:00 AM
Robert Houk
rhouk
As I See It

What does downtown Johnson City really need?

How things have changed. When the Great Recession hit in 2008, many cities were content with just holding their own. Not Johnson City, where leaders boldly embarked on a revitalization of the downtown area. A storm water mitigation program saw the creation of Founders Park and restored confidence in business owners that a heavy downpour would not leave their storefronts underwater.

Jan 28, 2018 at 12:00 AM
Robert Houk
rhouk
As I See It

What do you know about your government?

Test your knowledge of our political system by completing the following political quiz.

Jan 21, 2018 at 12:00 AM
Robert Houk
rhouk
As I See It

Who will fill their space boots

As Young explained to those students, returning to the moon would be the first step in addressing problems as daunting as climate change and finding renewable energy. He also believed the moon should be colonized and made a launch base for a manned mission to Mars.

Jan 14, 2018 at 12:00 AM
Robert Houk
rhouk
As I See It

Hot politics to warm the winter chill

In my 30 years at this paper, I can’t remember another Washington County ballot with this many incumbents deciding not to seek re-election. That means voters will elect a new county mayor, a new trustee, a new register of deeds and a new circuit court clerk. That will result in an amazing turnover at the courthouse.

Jan 7, 2018 at 12:00 AM
Robert Houk
rhouk
As I See It

Could you imagine what this year would bring to politics?

Trump — who was allegedly working, not golfing, at his swank Mar-A-Logo resort in Florida — boasted he had signed more bills into law than any other president in history, even besting the record of Harry S. Truman.

Dec 31, 2017 at 12:00 AM
Robert Houk
rhouk
As I See It

Can a Scrooge actually prosper today?

The question that nags me is: Can a Scrooge prosper? Can someone actually go through life without exhibiting charity to others, and if he did, could he truly live a wonderful life?

Dec 24, 2017 at 12:00 AM
Robert Houk
rhouk
As I See It

A long dry spell for Democrats in Tennessee

The 1994 midterm elections featured some of the most memorable non-presidential contests this country has seen in decades. Here in Tennessee, the outcome shook the very foundation of state politics.

Dec 17, 2017 at 12:00 AM
Robert Houk
rhouk
As I See It

Will political history be made in 2018?

Next year will be a busy one for politics. It’s not going to be as sexy as a presidential election year, but the stakes are just as high.

Dec 10, 2017 at 12:00 AM
no avatar
As I See It

All things considered, I'll take a flying car

Self-driving cars could also be a great comfort to aging Baby Boomers, who enjoy their independence and don’t look forward to giving up the keys to their cars. NIght blindness will no longer keep a baby boomer off the highways.

Dec 3, 2017 at 12:00 AM
no avatar
As I See It

County mayor's race gets off to a grand start

Joe Grandy kicked off his bid for mayor of Washington County in grand fashion last week by speaking to a crowd of the “usual suspects” at the Jonesborough Visitors Center. By usual suspects, I am referring to the same party leaders, elected officials and community activists you often find at a campaign kickoff for a candidate who is considered to be the front runner.

Nov 19, 2017 at 12:00 AM
rhouk
As I See It

Will ghosts haunt the Cordell Hull Building?

The state has spent $126 million to renovate the 11-story Cordell Hull Building, which sits between Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium and the state Capitol Building. Part of that work included constructing a 452-foot long underground tunnel that connects Cordell Hull to the House and Senate chambers at the state Capitol

Nov 12, 2017 at 12:00 AM
rhouk
As I See It

Expecting a heated race for sheriff in Washington County

The most watched political contest in Washington County next year will be that for sheriff. Incumbent Ed Graybeal is likely run for a fourth full term in office.

Oct 22, 2017 at 12:00 AM
rhouk
As I See It

'Process upset' and other euphemisms

The use of the term “process upset” got me thinking of all the acronyms, political jargon, euphemisms and code words we hear every day. Journalists are some of the worst offenders in this regard, especially those who labor in broadcast. How many times have you heard a TV talking head say they had “reached out to” so and so for a comment on a story.

Oct 8, 2017 at 12:00 AM
rhouk
As I See It

Keeping a careful eye on all those RINOs

Kay White is taking Haslam and other RINOs to task for their progressive ideas and bipartisan ways. Such nonsense could be the downfall of the Republican Party as we know it.

Sep 17, 2017 at 12:00 AM