Thirty-Five Truths

1. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth, and in his son Jesus Christ, his only son, who gave his life so that we may live in his grace and glory.

2. West Virginia is the greatest state in the union. You’ve got the beauty of the mountains, great people, and good food. Too bad, the government there oppresses people to where it’s hard for new jobs and opportunities to come into the state.

3. I believe in limited government and that government when it over taxes its people must give that money pack to the people.

4. I believe that churches should play a bigger role in their communities. I believe communities should depend on churches more than government.

5. I am pro-life and I am against the death penalty. If I’m going to fight for the life an unborn, I’m going to fight for the life of a murderer as well. I don’t believe government should play God in deciding who lives or who dies.

6. I am a registered Republican, but the Republican Party is no where near the Republican Party of Reagan. It has been a party that embraces government spending. The Republican Party, like the Democratic Party, is proof that power corrupts.

7. I think it is possible that West Virginia University can win a national championship in football in my lifetime.

8. One of my greatest teachers was not a teacher but a co-worker Mickey Furfari, a legend of West Virginia sportswriters. He taught me the value of hard work and dedication to something that we love.

9. I am thankful for the mistakes that I’ve made in my life. They have allowed me to grow as a person and embrace this life God has blessed me with.

10. I believe the San Francisco 49ers of the 1980s was the greatest dynasty in NFL history and would beat the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s by a touchdown.

11. Children are a great joy. A child’s smile can bring a smile to even the most hateful person.

12. The greatest thing a person can do in their life is love another person.

13. Government budget documents are the greatest example of greed. Government leaders always want more and complain when they get less than they wanted.

14. ESPN needs competition.

15. I would much rather go on a vacation to a historical city or a place with importance than paying $50 to get into an amusement park and stand in line for hours.

16. I never knew my dad. It drives me to be a good father to my children, should I be blessed to have them.

17. I work in public policy. I refuse to sit and listen to talk radio 24-7. Why should I listen to someone talking to me about what I have to deal with on a regular basis?

18. Greatest song ever written - Amazing Grace.

19. I like the signs in the outfield when Barry Bonds plays. “Babe Ruth did it on hot dogs and beer. Hank Aaron did it with class.” I think it says everything that needs to be said.

20. One of the best columns I’ve ever written was when Dale Earnhardt died.

21. There are days when I miss the deadline pressures of journalism, but I enjoy my less stressful job.

22. If government would spend as much time talking about how to really help people as they do trying to destroy other people in their party and other parties, the country would be better off.

23. Democrats need more Democrats like John F. Kennedy.

24. We all need friends in our life who are willing to stop us and hold us accountable for our actions, not to condemn, but to love.

25. Note to self: that means the French as well (dangit).

26. I think the lessons I’ve learned in the past year and a half will make me a better husband the next time around, should I have the chance.

27. Nothing beats a nice cigar on New Year’s Eve. Great way to end of the year and celebrate a new one.

28. I am not embarrassed by where I came from, who I am, or where I’ve been. I embrace it.

29. The road to grace is rocky. The road to destruction is paved daily by Satan’s Department of Transportation.

30. Fantasy football - the great office smack talk starter.

31. Never when stressed eat chicken nuggets from McDonald’s. Bad combo.

32. I’ve interviewed NASCAR drivers, college football stars, coaches, politicians, but the only person I’ve been too scared to interview was Richard Petty. I never walked over.

33. I think more people need to be concerned about what their children are being taught in classes than the size of classrooms.

34. Sports are a great educational tool. They teach character and development teamwork and cooperation.

35. I wish my great grandmother was alive to see me today. She would be proud.