Emily Young: Reform? Yes, but no race to bottom
The recent elimination of collective bargaining rights for most Wisconsin public employees seems far removed from Redding. Yet the resentment found in Wisconsin toward public unions also exists here...
View ArticleEmily Young: Bogged down in the status quo
Today is Palm Sunday, which begins the holiest eight days of the Christian year.Today marks the triumphant arrival of Jesus of Nazareth into Jerusalem, where he will be put to death and then is seen...
View ArticleEmily Young: A perfect storm for Shasta County
Some people can generalize from specific circumstances to see the bigger picture. Others can apply broad concepts to their own particular situation. If ever there were a time when people need to use...
View ArticleEmily Young: Lax rules let city go to pot
We've all been there. With the best of intentions, we do something and then discover our actions were a bad idea. It takes courage, maturity and humility to admit one's mistakes and try to correct the...
View ArticleEmily Young: A tour of economic woe
Sometimes it's good to get away. Traveling provides an opportunity to see new sights, experience new things, talk with people who live elsewhere, and get a fresh perspective.
View ArticleEmily Young: Colleges need a new direction
A national debate is under way about how to get people back to work quickly. These are only temporary solutions. There is a deafening silence when it comes to long-term solutions that global...
View ArticleEmily Young: Civil-rights veteran's path of hope
Three weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend some time with a civil rights movement leader, Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. He is a gentle, humble man with a quick smile and optimistic nature. His views...
View ArticleEmily Young: We must accept the new reality
It's time elected officials in Washington spoke the truth about the economic challenges facing our nation. Our country's economic problems are profound and will take years to resolve. There are limits...
View ArticleEmily Young: Wishing for year of humility, grace
The year is quickly coming to an end. Christmas is next Sunday and New Year's is two weeks away. Many people can't wait for 2011 to be over.
View ArticleEmily Young: Baby boomers must pay our share
It's a root cause of our country's current economic problems, and when it happened is uncertain. The "it" is the baby boomers — my generation — no longer caring about our children's futures.
View ArticleEmily Young: Is county coping with prison shift?
In the midst of most government budgets continuing to be cut or stabilizing at best, there is one program growing here in Shasta County — a program for county residents convicted of low-level offenses.
View ArticleEmily Young: The dandelions on Knighton Road
Dandelions. You think you've gotten rid of them, and suddenly they pop up again. That's the image that came to mind when I learned about the Knighton and Churn Creek Commons retail center.
View ArticleEmily Young: Can we get past the fifth grade?
Sometimes I wonder if I understand anything. Maybe it's good not to be too certain. That way, there's always opportunity to broaden one's thinking and understanding. There's room to grow.
View ArticleEmily Young: Tribal deadlock shows failure of respect
It's an unfortunate situation that contains a civics lesson for all of us. I am referring to the Winnemem Wintu Tribe's request to the U.S. Forest Service to close a portion of the McCloud River while...
View ArticleEmily Young: We'll be covered, but will we have doctors?
Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is constitutional, U.S. citizens and legal residents will be required to have health care coverage by...
View ArticleEmily Young: In China, a wake-up call
Students head back to school this coming week. Many will be asked to share what they did on their summer vacation. I would talk about my two-week trip to China.
View ArticleEmily Young: Look within before blaming government
The presidential campaign is disappointing. There are few specifics about what the candidates would do as president. The latest diversionary tactic was having the wives introduce the candidates at the...
View ArticleEmily Young: We must rethink our justice system
Ever since moving to Redding eight years ago, I've heard that Shasta County needs more jail beds. So I've always wondered how government officials determine the appropriate number. You would think...
View ArticleEmily Young: At holiday table, eat less and listen more
Thanksgiving is four days away. As a child, I liked the routine and sameness of the holiday — what we ate, who we ate it with, and the phone calls to distant relatives. Now I am older, and every year I...
View ArticleEmily Young: Can Redding get its optimism back?
It's hard for me to believe, but I moved to Redding from Massachusetts in December 2004.Looking back, I've seen a city benefit from major improvements.Yet fundamental challenges remain that have...
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