Opinion

As Alpine ISD moves into February, the challenges are many and varied as they are for everyone across our nation. However, if we look around us, there are equally as many opportunities to celebrate the accomplishments and spirit of the youth in this community.

Face the truth People of faith and ethics, we must master our fear. We are coming up on almost two years of contradictory and harmful orders from the government.

What do the cities of New York, N.Y., Wyoming, Minn., Mobile, Ala., and Alpine, Texas have in common? Any guesses anyone? They all suffer from the same problems with their municipal wastewater systems created by unauthorized materials being flushed down toilets.

Since the Biden administration hasn’t indicated that it will shift its Southwest border policy, the U.S. can expect the surge of illegal crossers to continue throughout 2022.

Having been born and raised in Alpine, I grew up hearing, “If you don’t like the weather, just hang around for a while and it will change.” Earlier today, I did a wellness presentation. The topic that I covered included how human beings are able to adapt to change.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis, British writer and lay theologian.

Why can’t we keep organizations going in this town? A few have survived but many have gone belly up. Why? We created the Alpine Downtown Association about six years ago and we’re still here, but it hasn’t been easy.

I wish everyone a Happy New year, and may we get control of COVID-19 and the wide spread Omicron. This virus has killed well over 800,000 folks in the U.S. alone. With the quick spread of Omicron, I will start wearing my mask despite the fact that I have received all three vaccines. I ask that you practice good health habits and stay safe.

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to consider what will be important in the year ahead. As an officer of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, that means thinking about the long-term success of the cattle industry.

“Sixteen years ago in 2005 the Carter-Baker Commission on Federal Election Reform issued a report that proposed a uniform system of requiring a photo ID to vote in the U.S. elections. The report also pointed out that widespread absence voting makes vote fraud more likely. Voter files contain ineligible, duplicate, fictional, and deceased voters, a fact easily exploited using absentee ballots to commit fraud. Citizens who vote absentee are more susceptible to pressure and intimidation. And vote-buying schemes are far easier when citizens vote by mail.” - John R. Lott, Jr.