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July 20, 2008

Crossing Party Lines: Why I’m For Lundberg, Obama And Roe

Conventional wisdom dictates that as a local elected official, I stay out of other peoples’ political races.


July 14, 2008

Cancer: Starting Point For Health Care Reform?

Cancer will afflict one of three women and one in two men in their lifetimes in the United States. 


July 13, 2008

ANDREA HOPKINS: Welcome To Dysfunction Junction

Beneath the cheery veneer of small-town wholesomeness, serious political dysfunction lurks in Bluff City, Damascus and St. Paul.

J. TODD FOSTER: Vote For The Region’s Most Dysfunctional Town

The area towns of Damascus, St. Paul and Bluff City remind me of three of my relatives: my late grandmother, my late great-uncle and my still-living uncle.


July 06, 2008

ANDREA HOPKINS: Ignoring Peak Oil Theories Could Leave Nation Stuck In Neutral

The message had an urgent tone – punctuated with exclamation points, some of it in bold type and in all capital letters.

J. TODD FOSTER: The Newspaper Industry Must Evolve

Part of my job is to stay abreast of newspaper industry trends.

Time To ‘Sing’ Bristol’s Story To World

We live in an amazing place.


June 29, 2008

J. TODD FOSTER: The Hazards Of Being A Fair-Minded Newspaperman

I was looking out in the newsroom Tuesday and saw reporter Michael L. Owens walk by. The memories flooded back.

I’ve Worked In TV And Radio, But I Bleed Newspaper Ink

I didn’t choose newspapers. Newspapers chose me.


June 24, 2008

Carlin Was a Fearless Risk-Taker
Carlin Was a Fearless Risk-Taker

How in the heck can a guy throw down an ode to George Carlin without cursing?


June 22, 2008

J. TODD FOSTER: In Wake Of The Mitchell Affair, Readers Rally For Region

At 4 p.m. Friday, Opinion Page Editor Andrea Hopkins walked into my office. “Do you have your column for Sunday?”

ANDREA HOPKINS: Running - Not To Win - But For The Challenge And Love Of The Sport

The sun was still working to burn the mist off the fields as we took our places at the starting line last weekend.


June 15, 2008

ANDREA HOPKINS: Davis Hasn’t Learned Obstructionism Isn’t Same As Governing

U.S. Rep. David Davis, R-Tenn., is finishing an underwhelming freshman term.

J. TODD FOSTER: Kingsport Slimes-News Lives Up To Its Reputation

Kingsport Times-News reporter Hank Hayes has a bright future flacking for politicians.


June 12, 2008

Pets, Not Cars, Are Biggest Threat To Cyclists

My wife had a bicycle wreck in April. It was no accident.


June 09, 2008

NBC’s Andrea Mitchell Apologizes For “Redneck” Comments

NBC’s Andrea Mitchell has apologized for comments she made last week about the Bristol visit of Senator Barack Obama, comments that were the subject of J. Todd Foster’s recent column.  On June 5th, Mitchell told NBC viewers that the area the democratic candidate visited was “real redneck, sort of, bordering on Appalachia country.”


June 08, 2008

J. TODD FOSTER: Thank You, Andrea Mitchell, For The Ready-Made Column
J. TODD FOSTER: Thank You, Andrea Mitchell, For The Ready-Made Column

IF ANDREA MITCHELL of NBC News were telling Jeff Foxworthy jokes, and let’s hope she could do it without all the “uhms” and “you knows,” her lead would be: “You might be a redneck if you live in Southwest Virginia.”

ANDREA HOPKINS: Obama’s Prescription For Health Care Is Worth Investigating

Barack Obama easily wowed an enthusiastic, supportive crowd that packed the Virginia High School gymnasium for a midday rally last week.

Government Control Of Drug Prices Will Stifle Research And Development

The establishment of Medicare Part D meant that the federal government, for the first time, would pay for prescription medicines used by American senior citizens.


June 05, 2008

Closing Schools Will Hurt Wise County

Wise County school leaders should think hard before embracing consolidation. Once these decisions are made, there is no turning back.


June 03, 2008

Insurance Never Intended to Cover Costs of Routine Care
Insurance Never Intended to Cover Costs of Routine Care

The true purpose of insurance is protection from catastrophic loss.


June 01, 2008

J. TODD FOSTER: McClellan Set Free By The Truth About His Former Boss

Just how bad has the Bush presidency been? Bad enough to shame even a longtime Bush loyalist.

ANDREA HOPKINS: For More Walkable City, Start With Sidewalks, Driver Attitudes

With gas inching toward $4 a gallon, the timing is right for Bristol Tennessee’s push to extend a network of bicycle and walking paths across the city.

Judicial Selection Reform Long Overdue

In 2006, the state witnessed a nearly year-long battle between the Judicial Selection Commission and Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen over the process of selecting appellate judges, including state Supreme Court justices.


May 26, 2008

Remembering The Fallen, Those Who Live With Scars

Today, Memorial Day, beloved sons and daughters, devoted husbands and wives, loving mothers and fathers, cherished brothers and sisters, and best buddies will be at the forefront of families’ thoughts throughout the nation as America honors the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice.


May 25, 2008

J. TODD FOSTER: Our Foresight On Ball Park Land Deal Was 20/20

Like the proverbial blind hog that occasionally finds the acorn or the stopped clock that’s right twice a day, this newspaper’s editorial position every once in awhile is spot on, if not prophetic.

ANDREA HOPKINS: Reading, Writing And Bible Study For Tennessee High Schoolers?

Tennessee high school students might be adding another text to their backpacks next year – the Bible.

Aging Population Will Need More From Health Care System

One of the blessings of living in a democracy is that every opinion has a chance to be heard.


May 19, 2008

Remembering Tet After 40 Years

This year is the 40th anniversary of the Tet Offensive – a series of battles that solidified sentiment against the war in Vietnam.


May 18, 2008

J. TODD FOSTER: Faithful Reader, 83, Rates A Special Deal From Paper
J. TODD FOSTER: Faithful Reader, 83, Rates A Special Deal From Paper

After a while, it’s easy for newspapermen and women to get a little jaded and cynical.

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