'My Take' Editorials - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

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My Take - WAFF 48 Editorial

That's My Take, What's Yours? WAFF 48's Vice President and General Manager, Vanessa Oubre will be doing weekly editorials on timely topics, opportunities, challenges and concerns facing our community. More>>

  • 'My Take' Editorials

  • Last week the Alabama State Senate stalled a bill to allow home schooled students to take part in sports and extracurricular activities at public schools. The argument is that since all parents of school
    Last week the Alabama State Senate stalled a bill to allow home schooled students to take part in sports and extracurricular activities at public schools. The argument is that since all parents of school

  • A nationwide campaign recently made an effort to raise the awareness of the health and social problems surrounding alcoholism. Although excessive drinking is dangerous, the center for disease control and
    A nationwide campaign recently made an effort to raise the awareness of the health and social problems surrounding alcoholism. Although excessive drinking is dangerous, the center for disease control and

  • So many of us feel like we don't have a voice in our communities or in our own neighborhood. WAFF 48 wants to make it easy for you to connect with officials in the Tennessee Valley who can actually solve
    So many of us feel like we don't have a voice in our communities or in our own neighborhood. WAFF 48 wants to make it easy for you to connect with officials in the Tennessee Valley who can actually solve

  • Last week's Boston Marathon bombings were yet another reminder that we as a country continue to be vulnerable. With social media at every ones fingertips our kids often hear and see these stories before
    Last week's Boston Marathon bombings were yet another reminder that we as a country continue to be vulnerable. With social media at every ones fingertips our kids often hear and see these stories before

  • When tornado warnings pop up anyone in the storm's path could be at risk. All too often, people in mobile home parks can be the most vulnerable. Families that live in these structures are often forced
    When tornado warnings pop up anyone in the storm's path could be at risk. All too often, people in mobile home parks can be the most vulnerable. Families that live in these structures are often forced

  • When was the last time you went to a local farmers market? If you have never experienced the fun, food and friendliness of these markets, you are missing out on something special. Farmers markets are doing
    When was the last time you went to a local farmers market? If you have never experienced the fun, food and friendliness of these markets, you are missing out on something special. Farmers markets are doing

  • Thursday, April 11 2013 11:42 AM EDT2013-04-11 15:42:04 GMT
    The first of three presidential debates was last week and it provided us with a starker contrast between candidates. Sadly, even with such a difference between visions for America, barely 50% of Americans
    The first of three presidential debates was last week and it provided us with a starker contrast between candidates. Sadly, even with such a difference between visions for America, barely 50% of Americans

  • Too much salt, too much sugar, not enough fruits and vegetables, portion control. Even with all the warnings why is it so hard for us to take a bigger role in supervising what our kids eat? In many cases
    Too much salt, too much sugar, not enough fruits and vegetables, portion control. Even with all the warnings why is it so hard for us to take a bigger role in supervising what our kids eat? In many cases

  • April is national child abuse prevention month. Recently there was a story of a local man who reported seeing a child being physically mistreating by an employee at an area YMCA. All too often children
    April is national child abuse prevention month. Recently there was a story of a local man who reported seeing a child being physically mistreating by an employee at an area YMCA. All too often children

  • In the months since the deadly shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary the Capital Survey Research Center conducted a survey of 699 Alabama Public School Teachers statewide on school safety and security. Teachers
    In the months since the deadly shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary the Capital Survey Research Center conducted a survey of 699 Alabama Public School Teachers statewide on school safety and security. Teachers

  • A recent AT&T survey found that adults are worse than teenagers when it comes to texting while driving. The survey found almost half of all adults admit to texting behind the wheel, compared to 43 percent
    A recent AT&T survey found that adults are worse than teenagers when it comes to texting while driving. The survey found almost half of all adults admit to texting behind the wheel, compared to 43 percent

  • Almost every week we hear of cutbacks and layoffs all over the country. But here in North Alabama we got some good economic news recently…. AlphaPet, will build a new $190-million facility in Decatur next
    Almost every week we hear of cutbacks and layoffs all over the country. But here in North Alabama we got some good economic news recently…. AlphaPet, will build a new $190-million facility in Decatur next

  • Are you happy? If you live in Alabama or Tennessee, odds are you're not. At least, that's what the researchers at Gallup have concluded. Their annual Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index report ranks Alabama
    Are you happy? If you live in Alabama or Tennessee, odds are you're not. At least, that's what the researchers at Gallup have concluded. Their annual Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index report ranks Alabama

  • March is National Colon Cancer Awareness month. There is good news and bad news about colon cancer. The bad? Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The good
    March is National Colon Cancer Awareness month. There is good news and bad news about colon cancer. The bad? Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The good

  • Last week Pope Francis was elected the new leader of the Catholic Church. In the days since he was selected by his fellow cardinals, Pope Francis has shunned the fancy red shoes of his predecessors in
    Last week Pope Francis was elected the new leader of the Catholic Church. In the days since he was selected by his fellow cardinals, Pope Francis has shunned the fancy red shoes of his predecessors in

  • At last week's school board budget meeting, it was decided that Huntsville's teachers will not be getting a raise this year. It's a disappointing decision not only for the teachers, but also for those
    At last week's school board budget meeting, it was decided that Huntsville's teachers will not be getting a raise this year. It's a disappointing decision not only for the teachers, but also for those

  • The Children of Alabama just as the children all over this country want leaders who can lead and make decisions to better their future. Last week the Al Legislature attempted to vote on HB84, "The Alabama
    The Children of Alabama just as the children all over this country want leaders who can lead and make decisions to better their future. Last week the Al Legislature attempted to vote on HB84, "The Alabama

  • As you know, sequestration went into effect last week. A recent ABC News/Washington Post poll showed most Americans, 61 percent, support the overall federal cuts, and 34% oppose the cuts. A good point
    As you know, sequestration went into effect last week. A recent ABC News/Washington Post poll showed most Americans, 61 percent, support the overall federal cuts, and 34% oppose the cuts. A good point

  • Last week the four Alabama football players accused of beating and robbing a young man were kicked off the Alabama football team and kicked out of school. While I am all for second chances, I am happy
    Last week the four Alabama football players accused of beating and robbing a young man were kicked off the Alabama football team and kicked out of school. While I am all for second chances, I am happy

  • The Voting Rights Act and Alabama were front and center at the U.S. Supreme Court last week as the Shelby County v. Holder case was heard. The Voting Rights Act requires Alabama and other states with a
    The Voting Rights Act and Alabama were front and center at the U.S. Supreme Court last week as the Shelby County v. Holder case was heard. The Voting Rights Act requires Alabama and other states with a

  • Once again Huntsville international airport has the dubious distinction as the most expensive airport in America. The rankings are based on the average fare paid per flight. While the airport is quick
    Once again Huntsville international airport has the dubious distinction as the most expensive airport in America. The rankings are based on the average fare paid per flight. While the airport is quick

  • Last week you saw the story of a young man arrested for making a terrorist threat at Brewer High School. We learned that the arrest was made possible only because a fellow student came forward with what
    Last week you saw the story of a young man arrested for making a terrorist threat at Brewer High School. We learned that the arrest was made possible only because a fellow student came forward with what

  • Last week we broke the story of UAH shooter Amy Bishop Anderson appealing her murder conviction. You will remember that conviction came after she entered a voluntary guilty plea to avoid the death penalty
    Last week we broke the story of UAH shooter Amy Bishop Anderson appealing her murder conviction. You will remember that conviction came after she entered a voluntary guilty plea to avoid the death penalty

  • Last week the Violence Against Women Act was overwhelmingly approved by the United States Senate. Ninety three senators voted for the amendment that created harsher penalties for human trafficking. Five
    Last week the Violence Against Women Act was overwhelmingly approved by the United States Senate. Ninety three senators voted for the amendment that created harsher penalties for human trafficking. Five

  • In the aftermath of the successful raid on the bunker where Jimmy Lee Dykes was holding 6 year old Ethan the nation learned that a critical part of the rescue was the successful disarming of the explosive
    In the aftermath of the successful raid on the bunker where Jimmy Lee Dykes was holding 6 year old Ethan the nation learned that a critical part of the rescue was the successful disarming of the explosive

  • Last week we heard from a lot of people up in arms over the post office stopping Saturday service. I have to admit, I was a bit surprised by the level of outrage. In a capitalist society, good business
    Last week we heard from a lot of people up in arms over the post office stopping Saturday service. I have to admit, I was a bit surprised by the level of outrage. In a capitalist society, good business

  • I've enjoyed watching Team USA's outstanding performance in the Olympics this year and I know many of you have as well. Besides being thrilling to watch, I've learned a lot while watching the games. One
    I've enjoyed watching Team USA's outstanding performance in the Olympics this year and I know many of you have as well. Besides being thrilling to watch, I've learned a lot while watching the games. One

  • By now you have probably heard the story of a Lauderdale county football coach caught on tape bashing the first lady and homosexuals to a group of children. Because there is audio, there is no doubt as
    By now you have probably heard the story of a Lauderdale county football coach caught on tape bashing the first lady and homosexuals to a group of children. Because there is audio, there is no doubt as

  • Wednesday, February 6 2013 11:34 AM EST2013-02-06 16:34:45 GMT
    Last week when a bus driver was shot dead and a 5 year old taken hostage, I was surprised to learn that trespassing on a school bus is a misdemeanor. There is no reason for anyone who is not a driver or
    Last week when a bus driver was shot dead and a 5 year old taken hostage, I was surprised to learn that trespassing on a school bus is a misdemeanor. There is no reason for anyone who is not a driver or

  • Last week, defense secretary Leon Panetta announced a lifting of the ban on women serving in ground combat, saying he believes women have become an integral part of the military's ability to succeed. Panetta
    Last week, defense secretary Leon Panetta announced a lifting of the ban on women serving in ground combat, saying he believes women have become an integral part of the military's ability to succeed. Panetta

  • Last week we reported yet another case of people arrested making meth in a hotel room. They won't go on record with it, but more than one law enforcement official has said that the owners or managers of
    Last week we reported yet another case of people arrested making meth in a hotel room. They won't go on record with it, but more than one law enforcement official has said that the owners or managers of

  • Last week we heard a lot of complaints from parents about school districts delaying their opening or closing early due to the weather. While no one likes to see lost class time or in the case of working
    Last week we heard a lot of complaints from parents about school districts delaying their opening or closing early due to the weather. While no one likes to see lost class time or in the case of working

  • By now everyone is aware of what happened with Notre Dame football star Manti Ta'o The supposed loss of his girlfriend to a car accident. The revelation that the girlfriend never existed. The fact that
    By now everyone is aware of what happened with Notre Dame football star Manti Ta'o The supposed loss of his girlfriend to a car accident. The revelation that the girlfriend never existed. The fact that

  • Congratulations to Alabama for winning its second b-c-s championship in a row. The victory for the tide represents four years in a row that an Alabama team has won college football's biggest prize. As
    Congratulations to Alabama for winning its second b-c-s championship in a row. The victory for the tide represents four years in a row that an Alabama team has won college football's biggest prize. As

  • It is a big job to educate our future leaders. It is equally as big of a job to keep them safe while at school. We've seen a lot of talk about school safety in the weeks after the shootings at Sandy Hook
    It is a big job to educate our future leaders. It is equally as big of a job to keep them safe while at school. We've seen a lot of talk about school safety in the weeks after the shootings at Sandy Hook

  • Drivers beware … On January 1st a state law aimed to make sure you're insured when you get behind the wheel went into effect. The Alabama Mandatory Liability Insurance Law will keep people from trying
    Drivers beware … On January 1st a state law aimed to make sure you're insured when you get behind the wheel went into effect. The Alabama Mandatory Liability Insurance Law will keep people from trying

  • Most people are disgusted with the recent Congressional mess over the fiscal cliff issues. There is a pathetic lack of cooperation and desire to negotiate with the other party. Why??? We elect people to
    Most people are disgusted with the recent Congressional mess over the fiscal cliff issues. There is a pathetic lack of cooperation and desire to negotiate with the other party. Why??? We elect people to

  • This is the time of year we all make New Year's resolutions, and we have a choice Fear or Faith. Fear believes in a negative future. Faith believes in a positive future. So we have to make a choice, and
    This is the time of year we all make New Year's resolutions, and we have a choice Fear or Faith. Fear believes in a negative future. Faith believes in a positive future. So we have to make a choice, and

  • As the last of those who lost their lives in the sandy hook elementary shootings are laid to rest, I can't help but think about those left behind. The parents of those taken will likely never recover and
    As the last of those who lost their lives in the sandy hook elementary shootings are laid to rest, I can't help but think about those left behind. The parents of those taken will likely never recover and

  • With the tragic events in Connecticut, most people are having a tough time understanding how something like this can happen. The sad reality is that there are no easy answers. There are calls to ban certain
    With the tragic events in Connecticut, most people are having a tough time understanding how something like this can happen. The sad reality is that there are no easy answers. There are calls to ban certain

  • Last week people were celebrating the fact that the University of Alabama was reported as having one of the highest student athlete graduation rates in the country. While that is quite an accomplishment,
    Last week people were celebrating the fact that the University of Alabama was reported as having one of the highest student athlete graduation rates in the country. While that is quite an accomplishment,

  • Last week more than 750 Sparkman high school students stayed home from school after a series of scary messages circulated on social media. In response to angry parents complaining about lack of communication,
    Last week more than 750 Sparkman high school students stayed home from school after a series of scary messages circulated on social media. In response to angry parents complaining about lack of communication,

  • On Friday the 14th we have our second annual Joy of Sharing toy drive. If you didn't take part you still have an opportunity to make a difference. Simply drop off a new, unwrapped toy at a local bank independent
    On Friday the 14th we have our second annual Joy of Sharing toy drive. If you didn't take part you still have an opportunity to make a difference. Simply drop off a new, unwrapped toy at a local bank independent

  • Recently we reported that more than one in five adults no longer affiliates with a religion. One of the things that struck me in the story was something the pastor for a local church of Christ said. He
    Recently we reported that more than one in five adults no longer affiliates with a religion. One of the things that struck me in the story was something the pastor for a local church of Christ said. He

  • All over the country and right here at home, people spent hours every day thinking about and talking about what they would do with their lives if they won. People who didn't even buy tickets were caught
    All over the country and right here at home, people spent hours every day thinking about and talking about what they would do with their lives if they won. People who didn't even buy tickets were caught

  • Last week we broke the story about the federal investigation into Huntsville city schools. The U-S department of education office for civil rights wants to take a close look at how the district handled
    Last week we broke the story about the federal investigation into Huntsville city schools. The U-S department of education office for civil rights wants to take a close look at how the district handled

  • On December 6th WAFF will mark the twentieth anniversary of Canathon. For those who don't know, Canathon is our annual effort to help curb hunger in our area. Every year we are blown away by the generosity
    On December 6th WAFF will mark the twentieth anniversary of Canathon. For those who don't know, Canathon is our annual effort to help curb hunger in our area. Every year we are blown away by the generosity

  • Last week we brought you the story of a Morgan county man who spent the last three years in jail awaiting trial for a crime he was ultimately found not guilty of. Chris McGinnis was accused of first degree
    Last week we brought you the story of a Morgan county man who spent the last three years in jail awaiting trial for a crime he was ultimately found not guilty of. Chris McGinnis was accused of first degree

  • Thanksgiving is, as its name implies, a time for giving thanks. It is a time to spend with family and friends reflecting on all the things we are thankful for. Unfortunately, many people who work in retail
    Thanksgiving is, as its name implies, a time for giving thanks. It is a time to spend with family and friends reflecting on all the things we are thankful for. Unfortunately, many people who work in retail

  • Last week we learned the details of B-P's settlement with the federal government over the gulf oil spill. Bp plead guilty to 11 felonies and a violation of the clean water act. The penalty? 4 point 5 billion
    Last week we learned the details of B-P's settlement with the federal government over the gulf oil spill. Bp plead guilty to 11 felonies and a violation of the clean water act. The penalty? 4 point 5 billion