Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Bill Haltom
Praying with Trump at pre-inaugural 'One America, One Light' event costs a lot | Opinion Original
I am not a minister, and I don’t play one on TV or in church. But I think from Jesus’ own words, we can conclude what Jesus would do about the upcoming inauguration prayer service. Show Caption Hide Caption Flags to be flown at full-staff during Trump inauguration Flags at the U.S. Capitol will now be flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day following an order by House Speaker Mike Johnson, pausing a mourning period for Jimmy Carter. On Monday, Jan.
Civility is strength. We must move back to civil discourse without ridicule | Opinion Original
We should neither support nor contribute to candidates who demean and demonize their opponents. And we should tell these candidates why we will not support them if they do not practice civility. Show Caption Hide Caption Nashville Democrat, Republican mothers come together for their kids In their 13 years of friendship, the two women knew they held opposing political views, but the few discussions they'd had on hot-button topics were civil. We live in uncivil and terribly divided times.
Cicadas are back! What? There are two broods? Put in your industrial strength ear plugs Original
Bill Haltom is an author who resides in Memphis and Monteagle. He is the author of "Why Can’t Mother Vote? Joseph Hanover and the Unfinished Business of Democracy." One of the joys of my life is to spend spring and summer evenings on the screened porch of my home in Monteagle, Tennessee, listening to a serenade of chirping crickets. It is music to my ears.
My Democratic father and Republican mother loved each other. Would that work out today? Original
Bill Haltom is an author who resides in Memphis and Monteagle. I grew up in a divided political family. My father was a Democrat, and not just any Democrat. He was what was known in Tennessee 50 years ago as a “yeller dog Democrat.” That was someone who would vote for the Democratic nominee for public office even if the Democrats nominated a yellow dog.
Congress proves in plain sight that it can’t be trusted to lead the American people Original
Howard Baker of East Tennessee served as Republican leader of the Senate and had valuable lessons on civility, compromise and listening that Congress could use right now. Bill Haltom Guest Columnist Bill Haltom is the author of “The Other Fellow May Be Right: The Civility of Howard Baker.” U.S. Sen. Howard Baker of Tennessee served as a leader in the United States Senate for six years, first as Senator Minority leader (1979 through 1981) and then as Senate Majority leader (1981 through 1985).
Donald Trump could take advice from the trout my lawyer friend caught
Home/World News/Donald Trump could take advice from the trout my lawyer friend caught World News 11 Views Advice to stay quiet was probably given, though not followed, by the former president. | Guest columnist Indictment unsealed: Trump stored, hid military docs at Mar-a-Lago The Dept. of Justice unsealed an indictment that charges Donald Trump with 37 felony counts in relation to mishandling classified documents. Scott L.
Donald Trump could take some advice from the trout my lawyer friend caught | Opinion Original
Advice to stay quiet was probably given, though not followed, by the former president. Bill Haltom Guest columnist Bill Haltom is an author who resides in Memphis and Monteagle. Washington, D.C. lawyer Bob Bennett is one of best criminal defense attorneys in the nation. He represented President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Over the years he has also defended and represented presidential cabinet secretaries, senators, and nationally prominent journalists. He also loves to fish.
My preacher father noticed a man of faith in Jimmy Carter. Let's remember him so. | Opinion
My father was a Southern Baptist minister. He admired Jimmy Carter for many reasons, not the least of which was the fact that Carter was a fellow Southern Baptist. Bill Haltom Guest Columnist Bill Haltom is a writer who lives in Memphis and Monteagle. Former President Jimmy Carter is now in his final days in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia.
My Baptist church had men in drag when I was a child. I wasn't traumatized. | Opinion
Bill Haltom Guest columnist The Tennessee General Assembly recently passed a bill that will make it illegal to hold a drag show on public property or at places where such shows can be seen by minors. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed the bill into law despite the appearance on the internet of a picture of him wearing a dress at some event while he was in high school. The governor says he wasn’t in a drag show but has not explained what he was doing dressed as a woman.
My Baptist church had men in drag when I was a child. I wasn't traumatized. | Opinion
Bill Haltom Guest columnist The Tennessee General Assembly recently passed a bill that will make it illegal to hold a drag show on public property or at places where such shows can be seen by minors. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed the bill into law despite the appearance on the internet of a picture of him wearing a dress at some event while he was in high school. The governor says he wasn’t in a drag show but has not explained what he was doing dressed as a woman.
How Julius Rosenwald used his empire to better opportunities for Black people
The dynamic business Rosenwald created was Sears. The schools he built were the Rosenwald Schools, producing such accomplished alumni as Maya Angelou and Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis. Bill Haltom Guest Columnist Bill Haltom is an author who resides in Memphis and Monteagle. He built the largest retail establishment in the world.
Why the emergence of A.I. text generators should concern entire writing community | Opinion
I love to write. I love words, and I enjoy putting them together on paper or a screen to convey my thoughts. I first starting writing over 60 years ago when I was in the first grade. My teacher, Mrs. Oswald, wrote the 26 letters of the alphabet on a blackboard at the front of the class. She then instructed my classmates and me to write each of these letters on our Big Chief paper tablets using pencils the size of small baseball bats.
Why the emergence of A.I. text generators should concern entire writing community | Opinion
I believe it is a dark and stormy night for us real writers, particularly if A.I. text generators take over newspapers. Bill Haltom Guest Columnist Bill Haltom is a writer who lives in Memphis and Monteagle. I love to write. I love words, and I enjoy putting them together on paper or a screen to convey my thoughts. I first starting writing over 60 years ago when I was in the first grade. My teacher, Mrs. Oswald, wrote the 26 letters of the alphabet on a blackboard at the front of the class.
Incivility in American politics today has reached a level of hatred we've never seen | Opinion
Let’s all remind ourselves that the other person may be right, and seek to find common ground and yes, compromise, when possible. Bill Haltom Guest Columnist Bill Haltom is a writer who lives in Memphis and Monteagle. Eight years ago, in 2014, I wrote a book about civility, and more specifically how civility was personified in the public life of the late great Tennessee Senator Howard Baker.
From paperboy to columnist: how love of newspapers influenced my life | Opinion
In fifth grade I got my first job in the newspaper business. I was in circulation for the Memphis Press Scimitar. Yes, I was a paper boy! It remains the best job I ever had. Bill Haltom Guest Columnist William Haltom is a writer living in Memphis and Monteagle, Tennessee. I love newspapers. I begin each day reading one—three or four actually—and have done this almost my entire life. I was reading the morning newspaper before I knew how to read.
Political extremists have taken over at expense of moderates
Our politicians have taken steps to, in effect, give them tenure in public office. Through gerrymandering, they have structured representatives’ districts so only one side wins. Bill Haltom Guest columnist When he accepted the Republican Party’s nomination for president at the GOP convention in 1964, the late Sen. Barry Goldwater famously said, “Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.
A full court press: How Pat Summitt and team led fight for Tennessee women's basketball | Opinion
On this 50 year anniversary of Title IX, we should also remember Summit's victory in a legal battle that literally changed the game for female student-athletes. Bill Haltom Guest Columnist Bill Haltom is a writer living in Memphis and Monteagle. The high school basketball player was 15-year-old Victoria Cape of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Like Pat Summitt before her and female basketball players across Tennessee, she wanted to play full court basketball.
A full-court press: How Pat Summitt and team led fight for Tennessee women's basketball | Opinion
Bill Haltom is a writer living in Memphis and Monteagle. The high school basketball player was 15-year-old Victoria Cape of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Like Pat Summitt before her and female basketball players across Tennessee, she wanted to play full court basketball. But the rules for high school basketball in Tennessee were made by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA). The all men TSSAA rules committee felt girls were not physically able to play full court basketball.
A full-court press: How Pat Summitt and team led fight for Tennessee women's basketball | Opinion
On this 50-year anniversary of Title IX, we should also remember Summit's victory in a legal battle that literally changed the game for female student-athletes. Bill Haltom Guest Columnist Bill Haltom is a writer living in Memphis and Monteagle. The high school basketball player was 15-year-old Victoria Cape of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Like Pat Summitt before her and female basketball players across Tennessee, she wanted to play full court basketball.
A full-court press: How Pat Summitt and team led fight for Tennessee women's basketball | Opinion
Bill Haltom is a writer living in Memphis and Monteagle. The high school basketball player was 15-year-old Victoria Cape of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Like Pat Summitt before her and female basketball players across Tennessee, she wanted to play full court basketball. But the rules for high school basketball in Tennessee were made by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA). The all men TSSAA rules committee felt girls were not physically able to play full court basketball.
Critical race theory and American exceptionalism can both exist in Tennessee schools | Opinion
Bill Haltom is an author who resides in Memphis and Monteagle. The Tennessee legislature has banned the teaching in public schools of something called “critical race theory”. The Governor and legislative leaders have said that what Tennessee school students should be taught is “American Exceptionalism.” But in honest and meaningful public education, Critical Race Theory and American Exceptionalism should both be taught.
Is free speech becoming an oxymoron?
Mark Twain once said that America is the greatest nation on the face of the Earth for two reasons. First, every citizen has the right to say exactly what they believe. Second, most are smart enough to not do it! We Americans have more opportunities than ever to exercise our First Amendment rights. Thanks to social media, we all have platforms from which to express our opinions on the issues of our times.
As Russian-Ukraine conflict continues, a second Cold War is a legitimate concern | Opinion Original
Bill Haltom is an author who resides in Memphis and Monteagle. I was born in 1952, in the early years of what became known as The Cold War. As I grew up in the ‘50s and ‘60s, the threat of an attack by Russia was always in the air, literally. When I was just 5 years old, I heard the news that the Russians had fired a satellite called Sputnik into space, and it was orbiting the earth. There was a very real concern in America that Sputnik could drop an atomic bomb on us as it flew across our nation.
To establish a strong two party system Tennessee Democrats need leadership resembling Lewis Donelson | Opinion
Bill Haltom is a writer who resides in Memphis and Monteagle. 60 years ago, Tennessee did not have a two-party political system. There was just one political party in power in Tennessee, the Democratic Party. The Governor, both of the state’s United States Senators, and seven of the state’s Congressional representatives were Democrats. Both houses of the Tennessee legislature were controlled by Democrats. It had been that way for most of the state’s history.
To establish a strong two party system Tennessee Democrats need leadership resembling Lewis Donelson | Opinion
Bill Haltom is a writer who resides in Memphis and Monteagle. 60 years ago, Tennessee did not have a two-party political system. There was just one political party in power in Tennessee, the Democratic Party. The Governor, both of the state’s United States Senators, and seven of the state’s Congressional representatives were Democrats. Both houses of the Tennessee legislature were controlled by Democrats. It had been that way for most of the state’s history.
To establish a strong two party system Tennessee Democrats need leadership resembling Lewis Donelson | Opinion
Bill Haltom is a writer who resides in Memphis and Monteagle. 60 years ago, Tennessee did not have a two-party political system. There was just one political party in power in Tennessee, the Democratic Party. The Governor, both of the state’s United States Senators, and seven of the state’s Congressional representatives were Democrats. Both houses of the Tennessee legislature were controlled by Democrats. It had been that way for most of the state’s history.
To establish a strong two party system Tennessee Democrats need leadership resembling Lewis Donelson | Opinion
Bill Haltom is a writer who resides in Memphis and Monteagle. 60 years ago, Tennessee did not have a two-party political system. There was just one political party in power in Tennessee, the Democratic Party. The Governor, both of the state’s United States Senators, and seven of the state’s Congressional representatives were Democrats. Both houses of the Tennessee legislature were controlled by Democrats. It had been that way for most of the state’s history.
A question for those with COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy: Why now? | Opinion
Bill Haltom is a writer who spends his time in Memphis and Monteagle. During my lifetime I have received many vaccinations. Too many to remember them all, but I do remember my very first one. I was only 4 or 5-years-old when I got it. I vividly recall it as one of the most significant moments of my childhood. My mother walked me to our neighborhood school— which was just a block from our home. Taking me by the hand, she marched through the schoolhouse door and into the school cafeteria.
A question for those with COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy: Why now? | Opinion
Bill Haltom is a writer who spends his time in Memphis and Monteagle. During my lifetime I have received many vaccinations. Too many to remember them all, but I do remember my very first one. I was only 4 or 5-years-old when I got it. I vividly recall it as one of the most significant moments of my childhood. My mother walked me to our neighborhood school— which was just a block from our home. Taking me by the hand, she marched through the schoolhouse door and into the school cafeteria.
The snail darter is alive and well, but where is my T-shirt? | Opinion
Bill Haltom is a Tennessee writer who resides both in Memphis and Monteagle. Over 40 years ago when I was a law student at the University of Tennessee, I became very concerned about a fish. It was a tiny little fish that was only three and a half inches long and lived in the freshwater of rivers and creeks in East Tennessee. In the early 1970s, the Tennessee Valley Authority began building the Tellico Dam on the Little Tennessee River in Loudon County.
The snail darter is alive and well, but where is my T-shirt? | Opinion
Bill Haltom is a Tennessee writer who resides both in Memphis and Monteagle. Over 40 years ago when I was a law student at the University of Tennessee, I became very concerned about a fish. It was a tiny little fish that was only three and a half inches long and lived in the freshwater of rivers and creeks in East Tennessee. In the early 1970s, the Tennessee Valley Authority began building the Tellico Dam on the Little Tennessee River in Loudon County.
The snail darter is alive and well, but where is my T-shirt? | Opinion
Bill Haltom is a Tennessee writer who resides both in Memphis and Monteagle. Over 40 years ago when I was a law student at the University of Tennessee, I became very concerned about a fish. It was a tiny little fish that was only three and a half inches long and lived in the freshwater of rivers and creeks in East Tennessee. In the early 1970s, the Tennessee Valley Authority began building the Tellico Dam on the Little Tennessee River in Loudon County.
State should honor three Tennessee men instrumental in ratifying 19th Amendment | Opinion
Paula F. Casey, Bill Haltom, John P. Williams, and Tyler L. Boyd On Aug. 18, 1920, the Tennessee House of Representatives voted to ratify the 19th Amendment, which enshrined in the U.S. Constitution the right of American women to vote. The House concurred with the state Senate, which had voted 25-4 on Aug. 13 to ratify. The 72-year-long nonviolent struggle culminated with victory in Tennessee thanks to the unceasing efforts of suffragists across the state.
Civics class, 'Schoolhouse Rock' didn't prepare us for modern politics
Bill Haltom is a writer who resides in Memphis and Monteagle. When I was in the ninth grade, I took civics, a class that all Tennessee public school students were required to take at the time. In the class my teacher, Coach Rencher, taught my classmates and me how our government works and our role in it as citizens. One of the most important things we learned in civics class was how a bill becomes a law.
How the simple greeting of "how ya doing?" can recapture civility in America | Opinion
Bill Haltom lives and writes in Memphis and Monteagle, Tennessee. Sadly, civility is disappearing in America. Our political leaders call each other names and demonize opponents. The great Tennessee Senator Howard Baker often said that while he was proud to be a conservative Republican, he always reminded himself of the advice his father gave him: Alway remember the other fellow may be right. But these days, politicians will not only never acknowledge that the other fellow may be right.
I'm not a lawyer's client, but I play one on TV
Bill Haltom lives and writes in Memphis and Monteagle, Tennessee. It may be the most famous line in the history of commercial television. It first aired in 1984 for a brand of cough syrup. In the now legendary ad, an actor appeared on our TV screens while wearing a white lab coat and with a stethoscope hanging around his neck.
Woman Suffrage Hero's Story Revealed in "Why Can't Mother Vote?"
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As the national woman suffrage centennial celebration continues, there's a new book from author Bill Haltom about the unsung hero of Tennessee's final ratification, Rep. Joseph Hanover of Memphis.
How three men, the 'Suffragents,' were pivotal to enacting women's suffrage | Opinion
Bill Haltom is the author of “Why Can’t Mother Vote? Joseph Hanover and the Unfinished Business of Democracy.” Tyler Boyd is the author of “Tennessee Statesman Harry T. Burn: Woman Suffrage, Free Elections and a Life of Service.” One hundred years ago this month, on August 18, 1920, the Tennessee legislature voted to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, granting women the right to vote.
The crusade: When Billy Graham brought Richard Nixon to Knoxville | Opinion
Bill Haltom, Guest Columnist Published 7:00 a.m. CT June 2, 2020 Reliving Billy Graham's 1970 East Tennessee Crusade at Neyland Stadium, featuring 37th President of the United States Richard Nixon. Story Highlights Bill Haltom lives and writes in Memphis and Monteagle, Tennessee. In a May 28, 1970, photograph, President Richard Nixon delivers a speech during the Billy Graham East Tennessee Crusade at Neyland Stadium.
Roy Exum: His Mother's Real Gift
I got a huge kick out of a guest column in the Nashville newspaper the other day. Bill Haltom, a Memphis author who spends as much of his time in Monteagle as he can, wrote on the virtues of a hand-written letter and how, as a child, his mother “made him” write thank you notes every time when it was appropriate.
Your resolution to stay slim might be at-risk once Girl Scout Cookie begins | Opinion
Bill Haltom, Guest Columnist Published 6:00 a.m. CT Jan. 31, 2020 It's time to pull out the sweatpants and open up a box of Thin Mints. It's Girl Scout Cookie time! Less than two weeks ago, millions of Americans began 2020 by making a New Year’s resolution. It was the same resolution, and one made every year: To lose some weight. The evidence of this nationwide mass resolution has been on TV commercials since New Year’s Day.
President Trump needs to learn to use his tweets wisely |Opinion
OPINION Bill Haltom, Guest Columnist Published 6:00 a.m. CT Sept. 2, 2019 House Democrats urged their Republican colleagues to join them in voting on a resolution condemning President Donald Trump's tweets that urged four Democratic congresswomen of color to return to their countries. (July 16) AP, AP Donald Trump's tweets, in many cases, have been center of attention in America but has he used his influence to better its people?
Reflections of a fifth-generation Tennessee immigrant
Bill Haltom , Guest columnist Published 5:00 a.m. CT Aug. 18, 2019 From Somali immigrant to Nashville business owner, Ahmed Sayid has his own piece of the American Dream. New American Economy, Special to The Tennessean New citizens don't just come here. They attend “citizenship school” and study the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Story Highlights Bill Haltom lives and writes in Memphis and Monteagle, Tennessee. I am an immigrant. A fifth-generation Tennessee immigrant.
Democratic primary debates so far have shown less explaining and more insulting |Opinion
Bill Haltom, Guest Columnist Published 6:00 p.m. CT July 9, 2019 President Trump is trying to size up his potential competition for 2020 after the first two nights of the first democratic debate. Buzz60 So far, the Democratic debates have shown the candidates throwing more insults than actual debate on their respective platforms. Story Highlights Bill Haltom lives and writes in Memphis and Monteagle, Tennessee. I don’t mean to brag, but 50 years ago, I was a pretty good debater.
The 21st century has been a huge disappointment
Bill Haltom, Guest columnist Published 5:00 a.m. CT June 20, 2019 The cartoon "The Jetsons" is to blame for crushed dreams of flying cars. Story Highlights Bill Haltom lives and writes in Memphis and Monteagle, Tennessee.
Milk and Sugar: The Complete Book of Seersucker
On a hot summer day in the early 20th century Joseph Haspel, a New Orleans clothier and master tailor, was attending the trade show in Boca Raton, Florida. He dove into the ocean wearing his favorite suit and, after splashing fully clothed in the waves for several minutes, emerged on the shore and calmly began to march back to his hotel as a large crowd of sunbathers stared in amazement.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Bill
Contact Bill, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack