'Absolute power corrupts absolutely'

There is some consensus that the strong-man authoritarianism embodied in Russian President Vladimir Putin is a superior way to run a country – and there is sadly some coalescence surrounding the idea in our country. Not to disparage their opinions, but my curiosity drew me to investigate.

Daffodils considered ‘flowers of time’

Mitch Ford recently spoke of going to my old home place in the Atoah community to see the daffodils in bloom – which my mother Edrie Lovin McClung planted long before my arrival in 1944. Mitch married my niece Teresa and lives a short distance from the home place.

Stratton family early settlers in county

I receive requests for information on the early settlers of Graham County or some other item relating to our local history. Often, these requests are forwarded to me by the Graham County Historical Association or Graham County Travel & Tourism.

Manliness required to maintain liberty

A pressing concern of uncontrolled immigration is those who come without consent (i.e., illegal immigrants) are unlikely to conform to American principles, thus changing the character of our nation. This concern is intensified because we’re a nation founded on principles, not ethnicity.

Shedding light on Duke increases

A hot topic around the kitchen table this month is the outsize family electric bill from Duke Energy serving Graham County. Home, modular and mobile home owners are feeling the increase. Business will also not be spared.

Easter lines up in West, East

Easter – the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Christ – is just four weeks away. While every Sunday is a little Easter for Christians, Easter Sunday is the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Immigration shouldn’t be complicated

Our country was founded on principles of self-government, not expert rule. This places a civil duty on citizens to be informed on issues that pertain to the government’s responsibilities. I’m no expert on immigration, but many common sense principles should be acknowledged regarding immigration.

Knowledge is key when casting votes

By Lynne Stevens The Graham Star It is clear that young adult voters have a lot on the line this election cycle. A large concern among young adults is climate change, and the effects they are watching unfold all over the country and world.

Beyond the Sunset

In 1954, I was working as a waitress at Kelly’s Truck Stop near Ashland, Va.; a highly-respected establishment along U.S. Route 1. One day, a handsome young trucker named Bill walked through the door and sat down at the counter. I took his order as we talked and laughed.

Valentine’s Day traditions

In Alfred Lord Tennyson’s 1835 poem “Locksley Hall” is the line, “In the spring, a young man’s fancy lightly turns to love.