Columns/Opinions

by ED STERLING

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott and the governors of California, Puerto Rico and Florida on Jan. 24 asked U.S. House and Senate leaders to hurry up and pass supplemental disaster funding, and to send the legislation to President Trump.

“Over the past several months, we have received numerous assurances that adequate disaster funding was imminent,” the governors wrote in a joint letter. “Its continued delay only exacerbates ongoing uncertainty in devastated areas. Simply put, the communities devastated by these storms cannot be completely put back together until the federal government makes good on its promise to our citizens. If ever there was a time and role for the federal government to urgently help its citizens rebuild communities damaged by epochal disasters, now is the time to step up and fill that role.”

By ELLIS KNOX

One of my best friends once explained to me how Islam was being distorted by radicals. I was at first interested in where he got his information, before I told him the truth. He had be given his information by a practicing Muslim. I then informed him his information was wrong, and here is why.

The first attack on the twin towers was in 1993, by a group of Muslims led by an Iman called the Blind Sheik, Omar Abdel Rahman. They placed a rented truck in the basement parking garage of the north tower loaded with explosives and set it off. The plan was to weaken the foundation of the north tower so it would fall into the south tower. It failed.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition https://www.etypeservices.com/Daingerfield%20BeeID312/

by ED STERLING 

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on Jan. 17 extended for 30 days the state disaster declaration for counties affected by Hurricane Harvey, which pounded and flooded the Gulf Coast and moved deeply inland, spreading its destructive power.

“As long as Texas families are fighting to recover, they can rest assured that the State of Texas is fighting with them,” Abbott said. The 60 counties listed in the declaration will continue to be eligible for assistance as they recover and rebuild, the governor said.

Abbott, who remains in regular contact with congressional leaders and the Trump administration, said he has continued to request funds to rebuild Texas. On Jan. 19, Abbott said he shared Hurricane Harvey survivors’ aggravation over that fact that much-needed continuing federal disaster aid for Texas is bogged down in Washington politics.

by TONI WALKER 

When we moved into our home in March of last year, it didn’t take long for me to realize that our big Magnolia tree housed a blue jay nest. Recently I was listening to the radio and they were talking about birds, or, more specifically, bird’s nests. That got me thinking back about that blue jay nest, and wondering what could we possibly learn from a bird’s nest.

Ever notice the size of a bird’s nest? They really aren’t that big. I mean I understand a nest’s size would be relative to the bird who built it, but it seems all nests have one thing in common when it comes to size: they are just big enough. As an egg hatches and a young bird begins to grow, the nest gets, of course, smaller. They do not move to a bigger nest as they grow. As their nest gets smaller, the young bird is growing and learning, preparing to “fledge,” or leave the nest. When they outgrow the nest, it’s time to leave.

By TONI WALKER

I consider myself a music lover. I love many different styles of music, and there is always a song or two that seems to hit me where I am at. I have “favorite” songs and artists in everything from country to classic rock and pop. I have even been known to mix in a few instrumental pieces from time to time.

If someone looked at my playlists, they might be a little shocked. They would find everything from Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood to Pentatonix and Aerosmith. Some days, I skip everything but the country music. Others, I want the harder stuff.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition https://www.etypeservices.com/Daingerfield%20BeeID312/

by ED STERLING

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on Dec. 21 released a statement applauding the U.S. House of Representatives’ preliminary passage of $81 billion in disaster aid to Texas, several other states and Puerto Rico.

Abbott called the House’s 251-169 vote in favor of the aid package “a step in the right direction” but added that “more needs to be done to ensure the funds Congress provides address the critical needs Texans are enduring from the largest natural disaster in our state’s history. We look forward to working with the Senate to improve the disaster funding to ensure it addresses the acute needs of Texans.”

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition https://www.etypeservices.com/Daingerfield%20BeeID312/

By TONI WALKER

Oh, who am I kidding, it doesn’t matter what I “resolve” to do…it more than likely won’t last much past January! Why is it that we put so much stock in New Year’s resolutions, when the majority of them don’t really last? Aren’t there some easier resolutions we could do, ones that we can actually DO? I mean, it is really hard to get in the habit of eating right, exercising, stop smoking, and so many other things that people resolve to do. Well, here is MY list of resolutions, at least ones that I am going to try!

*I resolve to smile more.