Five journalists in Annapolis, Md. lost their lives Thursday, victims of another angry man who felt entitled to settle his grievances with a gun. The events preceding and following their tragic deaths are concerning and inspiring — underscoring the toxicity of discourse and disagreement in America today; but also the resolve of journalists to uphold … Continue reading Our resolute response to threats and violence: we publish
Month: June 2018
A gravely wrong decision
Thoughts on the travel ban and Trump v. Hawaii The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld in Trump v. Hawaii President Trump’s travel ban – many, drawing on the president’s own words, contend it is a Muslim ban. To the president’s supporters, this is an affirmation of sound national security and immigration policy. To his detractors, … Continue reading A gravely wrong decision
Set down your boulder
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 In Greek mythology Sisyphus was a man of excessive pride, who believed he could outsmart the gods. As punishment, Sisyphus … Continue reading Set down your boulder
Peace should not be a partisan preference
I don’t much like our president. That’s no secret. But, I do favor peace. I support ending old animosities and preventing unnecessary conflict, and any initiatives to bring prosperity and freedom to the oppressed. For that reason, I applaud our president for his efforts to open dialogue with Kim Jong-un. I pray our nations achieve … Continue reading Peace should not be a partisan preference
Waiting in joy and praise
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4b-5 This scene occurs immediately before the Ascension, and Jesus is telling the apostles to wait patiently … Continue reading Waiting in joy and praise
Why we do this
This post is a copy of my comments on accepting the inaugural presentation of the Ray Lokey Memorial Award for Excellence in Reporting, presented Saturday evening. The comments were read by my editor in my absence. They speak, briefly, to why it's important we all continue to invest in journalism that follows facts, and not … Continue reading Why we do this
‘HELLFIRE AND BACK’ Desperation drives families to skirt law for medical marijuana
Oklahoma voters will consider medical marijuana in a state question on June 26. The following package of articles was written for the Enid News & Eagle in advance of that vote. The first article shares the stories of two families who have illegally brought medical marijuana to Oklahoma to treat loved ones, and why they … Continue reading ‘HELLFIRE AND BACK’ Desperation drives families to skirt law for medical marijuana
The light of life
Whoever says, “I am in the light,” while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates another believer is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because … Continue reading The light of life
Seeing with the eyes of the heart
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19 St. Paul tells us to look with eyes of the heart, and to see nothing … Continue reading Seeing with the eyes of the heart
Our border policies on children: a bipartisan travesty
It’s unacceptable to abuse and terrorize children. As Americans, we shouldn’t need to debate that. Yet here we are. Much has been made in the last week of how we treat children at the border, and that we somehow misplaced 1,475 of those children. All of this sparked much outrage — as it should … Continue reading Our border policies on children: a bipartisan travesty
James R. Neal 