Forty-four years ago this week, I came to America. I had no idea what to expect. Most of my information about this country was from American movies that I adored.

Substantive change requires steadfast focus, a commitment to bold and decisive action, and a spirit of fortitude when addressing challenges.

During this time of year, you might look out your window to see bees and butterflies buzzing around nearby flowers, moving from one plant to the next, pollinating along the way. Many of the fruits and vegetables we enjoy in the summer are a result of the important work these insects do.

A few months ago, my beloved country, America, was the envy of the world – strong economy, low unemployment and clear prosperity. It has always been the kindest country. A country with a heart. Our wealth and strength gave us a sense of superiority and invincibility. Things were rosy and full of optimism.

A few years ago, on a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, Elene and I met a couple we knew from Effingham. As we were laughing, all of us said in unison: “It is really a small world.” And it is.

When nations face crises, their citizens stand together – supporting each other, sharing the pain and the anxiety, sharing the apprehension and the sadness. They hug … they cry … they touch. They show love and support.

Are you satisfied with the direction of the country?

Santa landed on the roof, cussing all the way.

Last week, as a member of the Board of Governors of the American College of Surgeons, I attended its annual congress in San Francisco. During the meeting about 2,000 surgeons were inducted as new fellows adding to the 85,000 fellows of the college. Surprisingly, 40% of the new fellows were from outside the United States and Canada coming from 71 countries some of which are friendly such as Great Britain, Germany, Sweden and France but many are not so friendly including Iran, Venezuela, China and Russia.

We put Ian in his grave. We put him under a huge oak tree. We put him by a glen where the breeze sings and leaves rustle. We put Ian in his grave. We put him by a glen on a summer’s day

State Sen. Heather Steans knows how to get things done in Springfield, but her confidence that Illinois’ pension crisis is a “solvable problem” is worrisome given the ideas Democrats have floated.

Rocky was a cowboy; he carried his holstered revolvers around the neighborhood; wore his big white, hat low on his head.

My wife hates bears; eventually, she went from the general to the specific. Human beings personalize things; it is our nature. New Jersey bears got on her bad side, although they were not in Minnesota.

State Representatives Allen Skillicorn (R-Crystal Lake), Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville), Amy Grant (R-Wheaton), and Chris Miller (R-Oakland) are calling for the repeal of the recently approved Reproductive Health Act and for new definitions for the viability of unborn children.

Most of the time I drive 70 mph on an interstate highway; occasionally, I kick it up to 71. At my age, blowing through the posted speed makes me feel like 2019 Indianapolis 500 winner Simon Pagenaud.

"Wide open and unguarded stand our gates,

It is the Fourth of July weekend. Our nation’s 243rd birthday. It is a time for celebration with grilling, beer, friends and family. But we should not start the celebration before stopping even for a moment and reflecting on what it means for our country to celebrate its birthday and what it…

An old guy was driving along on an interstate highway, in the left-hand lane, going 55; which you can do on interstates. Heck, the minimum speed limit is 45. Most of the 45ers are trying to commit suicide.

Efforts are underway to legalize recreational use of marijuana in Illinois.

This is an observation that will, hopefully, not result in my issuing a mea culpa: Women are busybodies. Their key mission in life is to compile endless “honey do” lists. To a certain extent, that is commendable.

The Shelbyville Daily Union has a long history in this community. We've been serving Shelby County since 1863, and we intend to continue doing so for a long time to come.

The history of blaming the media for the ills of adolescents, let alone society writ large, is long and colorful.