In a recent column, Dick Yarbrough expressed disappointment over his unlikely prospects of being appointed the Duke of York. A reader pointed out that the title is hereditary, claiming a direct lineage to its holders since the 1300s. While Yarbrough will not be addressed as “Your Grace,” he humorously noted that he won’t need to change his name either. This revelation underlines the complexities of titles that are steeped in history and tradition.
Considering New Career Paths
Following the setback regarding the Duke of York title, Yarbrough is contemplating a new career as a college football coach. He cited a trend where coaches are receiving substantial severance packages. In recent years, ten schools have paid out a combined $169 million to dismissed head coaches. “Who says losers can’t be winners?” he quipped, reflecting on the lucrative nature of coaching contracts in sports.
Shifting focus to the state of religion in Georgia, Yarbrough referenced a study from the Pew Research Center. The data reveals that Georgia ranks 10th in the nation for religiosity, with 49% of residents stating that religion is important in their lives. Notably, 38% attend church regularly, and a striking 63% believe in hell.
Conversely, only 3% of Georgians identify as atheists. Yarbrough humorously speculated that divine judgment may await those who do not take their beliefs seriously, while noting that Vermont holds the title of the least religious state.
Scholarship Winners and Political Insights
Yarbrough offered congratulations to Andrea Ihrig from Douglasville and Brooke “Moth” Copeland from Murrayville, who are this year’s recipients of the Jane J. Yarbrough Scholarships. These scholarships honor Yarbrough’s late mother, who became a registered nurse after raising her children. He expressed hope that the scholarship would inspire current and future nursing students at Kennesaw State University.
In a political context, Tim Echols, a member of the Georgia Public Service Commission, reached out to Yarbrough regarding his recent commentary on the commission’s activities. Yarbrough had stated that there were six rate increases for Georgia Power customers since 2022, a claim Echols disputed. He clarified that there were actually three increases, with the first phased in over three years. Regardless, the net result has been a financial burden, costing Georgia Power customers approximately $43 per month.
As the political landscape unfolds, Echols criticized opposing Democratic candidates for their views on funding gender-affirming surgeries for inmates, asserting that such decisions require the approval of Georgia Power.
In a lighter moment, Yarbrough commented on a recent AI-generated video featuring the president, depicting him humorously in a regal setting. He drew parallels to historical figures like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, suggesting they would be puzzled by such portrayals of leadership.
In conclusion, Yarbrough reflected on the unpredictable nature of column writing, highlighting the ongoing political discourse. He remarked on comments made by Senator Ted Cruz regarding Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has expressed discontent with traditional Republican expectations. Her remarks about gender roles within the party have sparked conversation, demonstrating the dynamic nature of current political landscapes.
For those interested in following Yarbrough’s musings, he can be reached via email at [email protected].
