By Marvin J. Folkertsma, Ph.D.

“This is a book written by infidels for infidels,” proclaimed Patricia Crone and Michael Cook in the introduction to their stunning investigation of Islamic origins, entitled “Hagarism: the Making of the Islamic World.” Though published almost 30 years ago, Hagarism, like similar investigations into Christianity over the past two centuries, is unlikely ever to lose its capacity to shock.

By PAUL KENGOR

Several weeks ago I wrote an article that addressed the allegation that George W. Bush lied about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. I noted that this charge doesn’t make sense, even when granting it for the sake of argument, and that underlying the charge is an obsessive hatred of Bush that muddles the thinking of otherwise sensible people.

By Dennis Chase

There is an inherent danger in responding to loose comments in newspapers, especially those where the authors are not willing to identify themselves. Entering the fray reminds me of what my father often told me, “Don’t wrestle with pigs unless you are willing to get dirty.” Now Iim not making a literal comparison when I direct that old adage at some of the folks who wrote to object so strenuously to the pending stormwater program in Peachtree City, but you get the idea. I expect that my response to the weak and sometimes reckless thoughts in a few of those letters will get me a bit dirty in the process. But here goes.

By BETSY TYLER

Peachtree City residents have been hearing about stormwater lately, and it seems we’re going to be hearing a lot more in the coming months. There’s talk about a “utility,” and “$9 million in capital improvement projects,” and my personal favorite, the “NPDES Phase II Permit and NOI.”

By DENNIS CHASE

It is disappointing, but not a big surprise to me, that environmental problems continue in Tyrone.

By MARK WESTMORELAND

‘Twas the week after Christmas, and all through the land I guess some were still joyful, but my life was quite bland. Weeks and weeks to get ready, then in one it’s all done. No wonder so many think the season’s no fun.

By Brant D. Keller, Ph.D.

Across the nation and in Georgia, progress in the creation of stormwater utilities has been remarkable and encouraging. It was as recent as 1998 that the city of Griffin became the first government in Georgia to create a stormwater utility, its intent to hold property owners accountable for runoff and provide a stable, equitable funding source dedicated to managing a watershed approach to water quality and quantity challenges.

By WARREN THROCKMORTON

Given the decision-making power of Santa Claus on the matter of gifts, my children make sure they leave Mr. Claus some seriously good cookies on Christmas Eve. However, most children don’t know that there is much more to the real Saint Nick than toys and cookies. In addition to being generous, the jolly fellow could easily be considered the patron saint of purity.

By BENITA DODD

In the midst of rising energy prices, formulating a comprehensive state energy plan is forward-thinking for Georgia. Policy-makers need to take a commonsense tack, however, and avoid the warm fuzzies that produce politically correct but costly and impractical ideas.

By Joseph Bast

Governments in the U.S. take approximately 40 percent of the country’s total income in taxes. In other words, nearly half of all the income generated each year is sent to governments to spend.

By DENNIS CHASE

As the proposed stormwater plans and programs are brought closer to reality for communities across Georgia, a few questions have come up. It has been asked why we need to worry about our watersheds when some agency is taking care of them - aren’t they?

Tips from Autobytel’s ‘Take the Pledge to Slow Down’ Safe Driving Campaign

A set of wheels is every teen’s dream, and if your child has recently acquired a driver’s license, he or she is probably all revved up to drive to school this fall. But while your child is enjoying an exciting rite of passage, you’re probably suffering through a rough patch of anxiety and worry.

By KELLY McCUTCHEN

Limited government, free markets and private property are the cornerstones of the American success story, but these freedoms can slowly erode over time. Government involves itself in activities never imagined by our Founding Fathers. Regulations multiply as individual responsibility declines and private property rights are weakened for the “common good.”