“Big Brother isn’t watching. He’s singing and dancing. He’s pulling rabbits out of a hat. Big Brother’s busy holding your attention every moment you’re awake. He’s making sure you’re always distracted.” ~ Chuck Palahniuk, Lullaby Distraction might seem like a modern issue, but it’s just part of being human. John[Read More…]
Tag: Opinion
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – July 17th, 2025
Thanks to first responders Dear Editor: I want to personally commend the Rio Blanco/Meeker 911 response for ambulances and personnel to our need and request for help Wednesday July 9, 2025 at the Rolling R Ranch in Buford. Your emergency 911 crew showed up timely and exhibited professionalism in retrieving[Read More…]
FROM V.F.W. POST 5843: From stories to solutions: How local veterans can share their experiences to inspire support
In the heart of our communities, veterans carry stories that have the power to inspire and mobilize support from those around them. These men and women, who have proudly served our country, hold experiences that can bridge divides, foster understanding, and drive meaningful action to address the challenges they face[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN – Willful goodness
“For you will certainly carry out God’s purpose, however you act, but it makes a difference to you whether you serve like Judas or like John.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain The human will is one of the most powerful forces at our disposal. We can use our will[Read More…]
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – July 10th, 2025
Questioning hospital board’s decision Dear Editor: Thank you for printing Paul “Buckshot” Sheridan’s letter to the editor “Taxpayers urged to consider value of seven-person board for hospital district,” in the June 26, 2025 issue of the Rio Blanco Herald Times and thank you for being a platform the past 140[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN – From King George III to the eve of the semisesquiquincentennial
“I wish nothing but good. Therefore, everyone who does not agree with me is a traitor and a scoundrel.” ~ King George III Happy 249th birthday, America! I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that my fond memories of our nation’s 200th birthday are almost 50[Read More…]
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – June 26th, 2025
A personal message to all WREA members Dear Editor: In 2019, I joined the Board of Directors of WREA. The last six years serving on the board has been rewarding and incredibly educational. Because of my IT Security background, “protecting the grid” was very high on my priority list. Little[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: Making a difference
The Meeker’s July 4th celebration is almost upon us, so it might appear to be a tad bit late to step up and volunteer to help at one or two community events that are part of this fast approaching holiday. It is never too late. Helpers are always needed, even[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN – Loyal to a fault?
“Loyalty to petrified opinion never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul.” ~ Mark Twain Sometimes I think loyalty is something you’re just born with — or not. What is loyalty, anyway? According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, loyalty is “…usually seen as a virtue, albeit a[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: Summertime, and the livin’ is easy
The song “Summertime” by Gershwin in the musical Porgy and Bess (1935) remains one of the most favorite songs written for a musical for the past 100 years.”Summertime and the living is easy” is the line repeated in popular culture to apply to the feelings experienced when the trials of[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN – Attention and distraction compromise evaluation and comprehension
“Men are so simple and yield so readily to the desires of the moment that he who will trick will always find another who will suffer to be tricked.” ~ Niccolo Machiavelli Raise your hand if you got a text recently about an unpaid toll road fee. I did. It[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN – If everything is terrible, check the mirror
“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” ~ Anais Nin For the next day or so, tune in to the things you say and to what you hear from those around you. Listen closely. Is what you hear negative and miserable? Is it hateful?[Read More…]