Columns

Consider the absurdity of how Democrats have chosen to spend your taxpayer money over the past four years: LGBT programs in the Western Balkans, teaching ‘environmentally friendly’ sex-ed to children, Iraqi Sesame Street, and strengthening voter ID in Haiti because apparently, voter ID is vital abroad, but not here in America.

Last November, 77 million Americans sent a clear message: stop the open borders, crippling inflation, and weakness on the world stage. After four years of Biden’s failures, they chose a course correction.

What are insurmountable odds? Are they challenges we ourselves don’t think we can overcome, or mountains others say we can’t climb? Maybe it doesn’t matter who doubts us. At some point, it’s fair to ask whether we lack faith or simply see a reality that’s bigger than us.

Looking forward to deals and deep discounts on Amazon Prime Day (July 8-11)? You’re not alone. Many retailers including Walmart, Target, and Kohl’s will also be offering discounted pricing on those days.

Thinking about when I served underneath a legendary administrator, I was reminded of the leadership and guidance I received. In a world where titles are often seen as the measure of success, Dick Hedges never saw his roles, as college president of Fort Scott Community College, mayor, or board of trustee, as positions of power, but rather as platforms for service.

As we move into the second half of 2025, many business owners find themselves caught between reflection and momentum. Mid-year is more than a calendar checkpoint, it’s a strategic opportunity to revisit goals, assess performance, and set a stronger course for the remainder of the year.

When is it time to take another position or change jobs? Is it about age or tenure? More often, the answer lies in leadership, both its presence and absence. Leadership has the power to elevate an entire school district or to slowly unravel years of progress.

We’ve all seen it, coaches and administrators blaming others when things go wrong. Whether it’s losing a game, missing enrollment targets, being passed over for a position, or facing tough criticism, some leaders resort to pointing fingers.

In 1990, a very young Garth Brooks released the highly successful single, “Unanswered Prayers,” forever planting him on the music map. The song quickly catapulted to the top of the billboards and stayed there for months. Even some thirty- five years later, it amplifies across airwaves.

“You’re only on the team because your dad is the coach.” All of us coaches’ kids have heard this one. One can let the bad-mouthing bother them or allow it to motivate them to work hard and prove they earned their spot on the team without the influence of anyone else.