“THE BALLOT BOX”

Based on the content of this week’s edition, I’m reckoning many readers expect some editorial commentary on the subject matter. Prepare to be disappointed, because all that is contained within these pages is an eye-dropper of information next to an oil drum of data.

Do You Vote on Character or Politics?

I have struggled to write this column — not because I don’t believe strongly in the subject, but because it’s a delicate one, and the last thing I want to sound is preachy.Isn’t there an old saying that you don’t talk about religion or politics at a cocktail party?

A HISTORY CAMP IN HISTORIC

Tom Stevens of Chappell Hill was on a cruise once and an entertainer had men on stage asking them questions about married life. The men were asked what three words they use most when talking to their wives. When it came Tom’s turn he replied, “I have two different ones: I am sorry and you are right.

Faces & Places

“Hope is not logical.It always comes as a surprise, just when you think all hope is lost. Hope is the cousin to grief, and both take time: you can’t short-circuit grief, or emptiness, and you can’t patch it up with your bicycle tire tube kit. You have to take the next right action.

CAMPAIGN SEASON: LET THE CASTING BEGIN

Early voting started this week, with candidates at the national, state, and local levels taking part in public forums and Q&A sessions. ’Tis the season when political hopefuls come equipped with smiling faces and glad hands.

Why the Rural Texas Vote Matters Most in the Primary

For many rural Texans, elections can feel like a formality. By the time November rolls around, the outcome often seems decided. But that’s exactly why the primary election matters more than any other vote you will cast.In much of rural Texas, the primary is the election of consequence.

ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN AN AC/DC WORLD

With the March primaries just around the corner, it feels like a good time to talk about ethics— because for some folks, ethics seem to run on alternating current. On when it’s convenient. Off when it isn’t.The application of ethical principles is not supposed to be seasonal.

Loving Main Street Means Standing with Small Business

By Justin CrossieSouth Central Regional AdministratorU.S. Small Business AdministrationValentine’s Day is about showing appreciation. Not just with words, but with actions. For me, that means recognizing the small businesses that keep our communities strong.

AT LEAST 11 DEAD IN STATE AFTER WINTER STORM

At least 11 people have died in Texas, nearly half of them children, after Winter Storm Fern swept the state last week, the Texas Standard reported. Among those killed were three young brothers who fell through ice on a private pond near Bonham, about 60 miles northeast of Texas.

If You’re Explaining, You’re Losing

Something important just happened in Texas politics, and it’s worth writing about — because unlike me, most folks in rural Texas don’t spend their days tracking political chatter out of Austin or Washington.