John J. Hopkins News
It's a Wonderful County!
Hopkins One case, one judge, one lawyer, and we go from an unknown Illinois county to the poster child for Tort Reform overnight. Every single argument in Springfield or D.C. ends up railing about the mess in Madison County.
Hopkins Wins Pulitzer Prize
Hopkins The Nobel Committee has now made a once distinguished award an international joke. There have been honorees in the past recognized primarily as homage to their political views -- think of Al Gore, Jimmy Carter, or U.N. crook Kofi Annan -- but at least they had a lifetime of work in the leftist vineyards to deflect the critics' objection.
'Badges?...We don't Need No Stinkin' Badges'
Hopkins Whatever the motivation, pro-Obama bias does disrespect to an analysis of the legitimate role that dissent must play in a free society. The push backs now being experienced are the valid expressions of a citizenry desperately afraid of losing a beloved country to forces too naive and too vain to recognize their own folly.
The Nature of Patriotism
With the 4th of July weekend Holiday now coming to a close, on this the most patriotic time of the year, it seems proper to ask the question - what is the true nature of patriotism? Along with fireworks, pork steaks and beer, some introspection on the 233rd anniversary of the founding of The American Republic seems to be in order.
Advise and dissent
Hopkins Fairness dictates that the face of the Supreme Court change, expand with the evolving American society. Doors formerly closed are rightfully opened, places set for those previously ignored. But contrary to the White House spin, Sotomayor is not the best for the job, not even the best Latino candidate.
Matris Carus - Mother Dear
Hopkins Gratitude for sacrifices largely unknown and unrecorded, recognition of the role played in the transformations from child to adult, and acknowledgment of the precious gift of time, are summarized with familiar words spoken by those with tiny hands and still others with big bellies - Happy Mother's Day...Love ya' Mom.
They're only thinking of us
By declaring arbitrary caps on damages -- caps not to all men and all cases before the Law -- but to ONLY those daring to call doctors or hospitals into account, the submitted legislation was primed for a challenge in the Courts.
When Irish Eyes are Sleepin'
"Knute Rockne - All American" is one of the most famous sports movies of all time, the one that ingrained in the American memory the tale of the death bed request by George Gipp - played in his most famous role by future President Ronald Reagan - to "go out and win one for the Gipper."
Reel Time Review: The Best Picture of 2008
Hopkins The desire to still feel important, the idea that what you DO is what you ARE, is the core of the movie. In the end, notwithstanding the merciless effects of time, ignoring the remnants of a still fresh heart attack, the Ram returns to the ring.
Citizen Lakin
Hopkins While he now deservedly sits in federal prison for his admitted crimes, at one time, so very long ago, there was much good in Tom Lakin, much good done by him, for many people, in so many places.
To do justice under the law
The 1978 comedy "Animal House" is an all time classic, a personal favorite and a fitting movie metaphor for 2009's first column.
Nation of Obama
Hopkins He is entitled, as the leader of all Americans, to our support and good wishes for the reckoning to come, the time when rhetoric will not supplant the wisdom acquired in the crucible of experience.
Apocalypse Now
Hopkins Like Kurtz, Obama has now assumed mythical status, propelled by innate charisma that masks a socialistic ambition, stroked by the hope of a "not in my lifetime" occurrence happening before the eyes of the skeptical Nation, fueled by elements of white guilt and relentlessly promoted by a media having abandoned all pretense of objectivity, he stands ready to claim his prize.
Big Fish
Hopkins A much overlooked gem of a movie is the Tim Burton directed "Big Fish." It deals with the death, and in retrospect, the life of Edward Bloom. With its setting in Alabama, it has elements of "Forest Gump" but more so with the tall tales told about the main character.
The Audacity of Arrogance: The Fresh Prince of Hot Air
Hopkins The problem, therefore, dear readers, is not that he is black, but that he's green.
Courage, faith and the true Spirit of '76
John J. Hopkins With barely 50 percent of the colonists supporting independence, if we had then what we have now for leaders, there would have been no revolution, no signing in Philadelphia, no pledge of "Lives, Fortunes and Sacred Honor," and the 4th of July would be but another summer day for the British subjects in America.
Be Not Afraid
Hopkins It is not easy to overcome fear. It is not easy to say that which needs to be said in the Public Square. The fear of rejection, the fear of retaliation has certain paralyzing effects. But if that ever illusive goal of becoming a "Light to the World" is to be realized, then fear must be subdued.
This Bud's not for you, Paublo
John J. Hopkins For the generations to follow, we need to preserve that which binds, that which distinguishes, that which marks us as not just citizens of the world, but as holders of the American spirit.
Sunshine out of your 'A' -- a Valentine's Day wish
Hopkins Derriere sunshine success is not the residue of planning, but many times simply blessed luck. Such has been my good fortune for now more than 30 years.
Primary Colors...Will Tuesday really be Super?
Hopkins The vast, vast majority of Americans have not had the opportunity to express their desires, the chance snatched away by an unrepresentative group of farmers in Iowa, cooks in Nevada or retirees in Florida.