Category: Opinion

A Short Story by Jack Mint William unfolded the buck knife and knelt in the grass behind his family’s homestead. He meant to carve the initials of the woman walking through his sixteen-year-old dreams. However, his knife could not cut the bark of the tree. He tried to start again the first initial of the girl he thought was the prettiest in his tiny, rural school. The bark seemed hard as stone. William went to the neighboring tree and carved Sue Ellen’s initials next to his without any problem. He thought it was strange but went to bed to dream…

Dear Editor, Several news outlets have reported that my bill to provide parents more access and information on sexual education courses also prohibits the inclusion of homosexuality as part of any chosen curricula. They are misinterpreting the language. That was absolutely not my intention. I regret that it has diverted attention from the main goal of the bill, which is to assist parents with more access and transparency, so that they could make informed decisions about the health and welfare of their children.  I will post an amendment today [Jan. 9] that removes the provision that has raised concerns. With…

Our society actively and vigorously condemns the cowardly act of bullying and is working toward its elimination in the lives of both children and adults. That is admirable, but all the while people are seduced by and betrayed by the greatest tool for bullying ever conceived. That insidious tool is none other than social media. Yes, that addictive wonderland that almost everyone carries in their pocket. I know there will be people who will instantly rush to defend social media by saying that only a few misuse this electronic wonder. Sadly enough, those few grubs who do misuse it can…

Dear Editor, Hello, my name is Everett H. Ford. I found God recently and wanted to try to fix what I did to a neighbor by trying to ruin his life. I told the lie in the neighborhood and had my kid tell other kids in the neighborhood to tell them the lie,all because I don’t like him. Yet I don’t really even know him, but what I did was wrong, and I am now trying to fix the grief I caused him. May God bless him and his family, and I hope he will forgive me for all the…

By Jack Mint EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is part of a series of short stories written by local thespian Jack Mint. Mint submits stories for writing contest with NYC Midnight, who hosts short-story and screenplay contests nationally where writers are tasked with writing and submitting a story in 24 hours. Others writers interested in participating in the contest can go to nycmidnight.com. Rachel had signed up for a new tradition of one hundred sun salutations to conclude the new year. On the fifteenth downward dog, she farted so loud the sound echoed around the yoga studio. She imagined the face…

Dear Editor, Recently the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case that could result in me being kicked out of the only country I have ever known.  On January 29th a musical called ¡Americano! opens at The Phoenix Theatre Company based on my life’s story.  It is a strange time to be me. It is a strange time for many, including those who want to be Americans. Who are Americans.  My story is this. Inspired by the horrific tragedy of 9/11 I spent the next several years wanting one thing:  to be a Marine. So on my 18th birthday I went…