Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
10:24 am Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Fun watching history

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
I have always been interested in history and politics.
As a matter of fact, I got a minor in history in college. I could have gotten a major in it with just another couple of classes, but I saw no need in sticking around for that.
Politics has also been an interest of mine. Although I have never really found myself to be so engrossed with it that I follow elections very closely.
I have traditionally made my mind up pretty early on in the election process and have admittedly become a little narrow minded to other candidates.
That has probably been the case this year as well, but I have definitely found this to be the most interesting and entertaining presidential race of my lifetime.
I was too young to remember Ronald Reagan's races for the White House, but distinctly remember the first President George Bush and how he defeated Michael Dukakis.
Of course I remember President Bill Clinton's two terms and his races against Bush and Bob Dole.
And the last two, between the second President Bush and Al Gore and four years later between Bush and John Kerry are clear in my mind.
But as this year's election hits the homestretch I don't know if there's ever been another like it.
No matter what happens and which party wins, history will be made.
It has been, if nothing else, fun to watch. My wife and I have even recorded convention speeches on our DVR.
That is something we only do for sports and our favorite shows.
But we didn't want to miss Sarah Palin's speech Wednesday night. We didn't know anything about her so we wanted a quick little lesson.
Did we ever get one?
She, like Barack Obama, is a powerful speaker and a stage stealer. I just hope their policymaking is as good as their words.
However we look back on this election, it has been fun to watch and one that will change our country forever.

Also on Franklin County Times
Main Street gets new director
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — New Main Street Director Erica Childers said she hopes to build momentum downtown through community events, business cooperation and in...
Legion will dispose of old flags
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — As Flag Day (June 14) approaches, officials are encouraging residents with dilapidated U.S. flags to dispose of them safely and properl...
Red Bay OKs website redesign
Main, News, Red Bay, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
June 10, 2026
RED BAY — Town Square Group will redesign the city’s website, a move officials said would improve communication with residents and visitors while help...
Grand jury charges 2 in child porn case
News, Russellville
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The next time Abigail Roberts enters a courtroom will be to say whether she is guilty or not guilty of charges ranging from first-degre...
Sentencing for Dowdy is set for Aug. 4
News, Russellville
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Almost nine months after being convicted of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, Brandy Dowdy will finally learn how long sh...
Progress in education pays off for Alabama
Columnists, Opinion
June 10, 2026
Public education is powered by dedicated educators who believe in Alabama’s children — from the classroom teacher helping a student discover a love of...
Study club prepares for next chapter
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
June 10, 2026
The May dinner meeting of Book Lovers Study Club featured guest speaker Cynthia Geis, GFWC Alabama North District director. Geis and I have been frien...
Bendall takes role in ‘Waiting for Godot’
News, Russellville
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
Konner Bendall has been chasing the stage since he first put on a Santa suit for a school program at seven years old. Now, the Russellville native is ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *