the idle american

May 23rd, 2013

A champion for children

By Dr. DON NEWBURY

Folks were commonly born into poverty in the 1930s. For some, it was abject–daily bread was never guaranteed, and families were continually on the move in survival mode.

Dr. O. C. (Mike) Taylor, born to migrant farm workers, was subjected to life’s most jagged edges after his birth in 1932. …

The Idle American

August 4th, 2012

When gold finishes third

By Dr. Don Newbury

Three centuries ago, poet Alexander Pope penned that “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” If this be true, Americans are trapped squarely in the jaws of danger. We’re in an election year when hundreds of millions of media dollars are spent to provide the electorate with boatloads of …

The Idle American

May 24th, 2012

Down With Yard Signs

By Dr. Don Newbury

The political endorsements sprouting up in front yards like Johnsongrass are a bother to Uncle Mort, my 99-year-old kin down in the thicket. “They’ve ‘pert near ruint Saturday mornings for me,” he fumed, claiming “they’re making it mighty hard to spot the yard sale signs.”

From the candidates’ point of …

The Idle American

March 30th, 2012

‘Unsaintly, unbountiful’ in Naw’lins

By Dr. Don Newbury

Feel free to plant your tongue in “cheekish” concrete, remembering this account comes straight from the lips of my Uncle Mort down in the thicket. My 99-year-old kin heard it from the general store owner who was happy to pass it along from the bread delivery man who heard …

The Idle American

March 30th, 2012

‘Yellow Dog’ Tales

By Dr. Don Newbury

It was a dream-like state with tales retold around 10,000 campfires, all of them—save one—meeting Smokey the Bear’s rigid standards. It was “come and go” for the afterglow as long-ago stories unrolled—many stretched—on recollections of biggest fish, deepest snow and ages of first bike rides, except for that one …

The Idle American

March 30th, 2012

The least of these

By Dr. DON NEWBURY

I have a strong notion that most Americans have deep-down desires to fulfill the Biblical admonition to voluntarily take care of the poor. It’s a conviction painted with a broad brush, with no attempt to define “poor,” which requires an even broader brush.

During the Great Depression, most people were …

The Idle American

March 15th, 2012

Unflagging patriotism

By Dr. Don Newbury

Old Glory has survived much. But, despite destruction, derision and distrust by those who would make it less, it waves on as a blessed symbol of who we are, what we stand for, and what we pray always to be.

Let’s “rev up” excitement about the USA. Maybe rally around flagpoles. …

The Idle American

March 8th, 2012

Words then and words now

By Dr. Don Newbury

Warren Buffett, the “oracle of Omaha,” has a punched ticket for succinct and clever word usage, whether spoken or written. People hang on ‘em, often investing accordingly.

A 19-year-old when he graduated at the University of Nebraska, he wrote short Burma-Shave poems, thus helping with expenses and gaining experience …

The Idle American – Ready to roll

February 23rd, 2012

By Dr. DON NEWBURY

He arrived on campus “ready to roll,” despite never owning a vehicle in college. He had as many ideas daily as some folks do in a lifetime, some of ‘em good. He made friends readily, but enjoyed his “puzzlement” status with many.

Admired and respected by faculty and fellow students, he never lacked …

The Idle American – A lament for linemen

February 2nd, 2012

By Dr. Don Newbury

No, this isn’t about Super Bowl “grunt” players “duking it out” in the football trenches. I’m referencing Glen Campbell, who is crooning around the country on his well-earned “farewell tour” to cap off a career spanning 50+ years.

The Alzheimer victim is singing our old favorites, including “Wichita Lineman,” one of lyricist Jimmy …