Today's Opinions

The 116th Indiana General Assembly convened Jan. 7 and, by law, must adjourn by April 29. State lawmakers will spend the next few months deliberating on many issues. However, the most challenging will be crafting a new two-year state budget during an ever-worsening economy.

The state currently faces a shortfall of more than $700 million for the current fiscal year. This will make the work of this session the most challenging in decades.

Whether you're watching network news, reading a hometown newspaper or visiting with a colleague at the proverbial water cooler, one topic trumps all others these days – the economy. And more times than not, the tone skews toward the negative.

Here's a positive twist to "the topic of the day," It's not going to save our automakers or reverse the direction of the NYSE. But it is a practical way for you and your family to enjoy an evening of entertainment at a price most families can afford, even in today's coupon-clipping world,

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The Golden Rule isn't just a religious directive but a simple guide many of us try to live by.

Treating others like we want to be treated. I try to live by this concept, though I've certainly not followed it perfectly. I break it when I judge people before I know them, when I let my temper get the best of me without a just cause and by taking advantage of others for my own gain.