September 2, 2008Overnight gives new respect for parentsParenting is no joke. Moms and dads play the role of heavy, having to be the "uncool" parent who says "No," when everyone else's cool parents say "Yes." They wield the belt (or bedroom slipper), mete out bedroom detention or get stingy with the car keys to underscore the consequences of a child's infraction. An emotional teen can cut parents to their core with the words, "I hate you!" Continue reading "Overnight gives new respect for parents" » August 17, 2008Hope: the wisdom against violenceBelow is much of the text of a speech I delivered last weekend to a group of mothers. They are working to bring greater awareness to the violence that corrodes our society.
This spring, I spoke with sociology professor Carl Taylor of Michigan State University. Taylor, 57, is an expert on youth violence. He and I talked about its prevalence. He looked back longingly at the days when folks used their fists -- not a gun or a knife -- to settle their differences. "We had a good fight -- if there is a good fight," he said. July 17, 2008Troubled history still rings of truthEvery day in this job, I hear from people who want to weigh in on something I've written. Some of the calls and e-mails are enlightening. Some are disturbing. Some are bewildering. An e-mail I received about my Tuesday column fell into the last category. July 15, 2008One voice doesn't speak for all blacksWhen former Roanoker Rene Marie foolishly chose the wrong venue to make a political statement about the national anthem a few weeks back, her ill-conceived idea had nothing to do with Barack Obama. Yet some narrow-minded, ill-informed people projected one black woman’s miscue upon an entire race, suggesting that “this is what we can expect if they are in charge.” May 18, 2008Brutality crops up in silence at homeA week ago, on a sunny Saturday afternoon, a 29-year-old Roanoke man was shot to death as he stood in front of an apartment building on Hunt Avenue. Hours later, in an incident believed to be related to the shooting, a 50-year-old woman was attacked at a convenience store on Williamson Road. When an off-duty police officer spotted the suspects in the attack, he was viciously beaten and left unconscious. He remains paralyzed. The absence of values instilled at home is bleeding into America's streets in the form of a vicious and cold-hearted violence. May 1, 2008Relish the prom; just don't regret itDear promgoers: Elsewhere in this paper is the tragic, life-changing story of a young, underage drunken driver. Kids and booze. Booze and kids. They don't mix. Oh gawd, how many times have you had to listen to that? But just hear me out, particularly as many of you kick off prom season this weekend. Let's be real: There's something about tuxedos, prom gowns, bracelet corsages and rented Hummer limos that make some of you forget your home training. March 2, 2008Tragedy leads city to set up safe havenThe weekend child visitation exchange between Sabrina Reed and her estranged husband, Robert, had become a delicate transaction strained by fear and tension. Increasingly frightened for her safety in an abusive relationship, Sabrina Reed had filed for divorce. She and her husband were separated. On weekends, Robert Reed drove to his in-laws' home in Northwest Roanoke to pick up his and Sabrina's 7-year-old daughter, Asjah, for the usual visitation. On Sept. 2, 2005, Sabrina Reed's fears were realized. Continue reading "Tragedy leads city to set up safe haven" » December 21, 2007Merry ChristmasDear readers: I'm stepping away from the computer for a few days. However, I stumbled upon this thoughtful piece of reading recently in the archives of The Orlando Sentinel. Yes, I worked there many years ago, but I didn't write this. Because it ran on the editorial page almost 15 years ago, it was unsigned so I'm not sure who wrote it. But the author doesn't matter. The message does. I trust you will gain as much inspiration from it as I did.
That message is particularly poignant this time of year.
Indeed, peace and goodwill are gifts that people can extend to each other The choice to exercise that ability, though, remains with the individual. Peace and goodwill are the remnants of that first Christmas in Bethlehem. The |
About this blog In her signature plainspoken style, Michigan native Shanna Flowers peels away the layers and gets to the heart of the issues. No pretense. Just straightforward perspective. Shanna writes about local people whose circumstances reflect decisions made as near as City Hall or as far away as the halls of Congress. Other times, she weighs in on a topic because it is incredibly ridiculous. Or heartening. Or fascinating. Read Shanna's column three days a week, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, at roanoke.com
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