by Michael Ruffin | Aug 9, 2018 | Opinion
As the sun arose on Sept. 14, 1814, a man on a ship several miles away from Fort McHenry, which guarded the Baltimore harbor, saw that the U.S. flag still waved over it after many hours of British bombardment. Inspired by the sight, that man, whose name was Francis...
by Michael Ruffin | Jul 9, 2018 | Opinion
Latin terms name the two basic choices we have when discussing, debating or arguing with someone. We can use “ad hominem” arguments. Ad hominem literally means “to the man” (we would say “to the person”). Someone using an ad hominem argument attacks the other person...
by Michael Ruffin | Jun 11, 2018 | Opinion
“Please pray for my friend. She’s having an autopsy tomorrow.” That was the voicemail message I heard on our church’s prayer line one morning. I will neither confirm nor deny that I laughed out loud. I will confess to thinking, “I think...
by Michael Ruffin | May 25, 2018 | Opinion
World Press Freedom Day was observed earlier this month (May 3). This day is promoted annually by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). According to its website, it “is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles...
by Michael Ruffin | Apr 4, 2018 | Opinion
I had the privilege of serving as an adjudicator for the extemporaneous speaking competition in the Region 5-AA Literary Meet. The event took place in early March at Lamar County High School in Georgia. The class of 1976, of which I am a member, was the first one to...
