Gene Robertson

Columbia's decision-makers and professionals need to seek a positive, qualitative difference in the lives of all of our residents — not just a few.

The explosion of word usage through the Internet, email and tweets, has created a need to more clearly define the meaning of words.

All celebrations — Christmas, Easter, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday  — are more economic vehicles than they are substantive celebrations of the intended occasion.

President Barack Obama has failed to improve life for underrepresented communities in America.

The unemployed need to be able to use the unemployment benefits extension to invigorate their job search as well as plan and adapt to living at a new level for a longer period of time.

Arming and disarming are but empty gestures if people grow up in an environment that indicates the way to address issues is to win and make someone or something lose.

When elections are over, the work of the voters is not any more over than for the persons elected to office. If we thought the issues and other reasons were worth voting for, we ought to ensure that they are addressed.

We put so much effort into building fences when bridges could just as easily be built and would generate mutual benefits and better enable us to address catastrophes if and when they occur.

Poverty is a large issue in the country, but it still lacks attention in politics.

During this pivotal election season, the president needs to answer to African-Americans and disenfranchised citizens. 

The Olympic Games inspire people across the world, but they also have been a source of tragedy. Gene Robertson discusses how the Olympics have inspired him, and how we can use them to encourage positive values in society.

Gene Robertson says African-Americans need to come together today just as much as they did in earlier times. 

The intersection at Broadway and Providence Road offers potential to become an inviting community space. Columbia should aim to add a mall or commons that create an inspiring ambiance.

The crisis must be specifically defined, researched and discussed. Only after there is a serious analysis should a strategic process be started. Meanwhile, much work can be done recruiting and enlisting supporters.

The way Trayvon Martin's family, friends and supporters reacted to the unsatisfactory ramifications by the legislative branch teaches us that we can become dynamic citizens.

Despite a first-round exit in the NCAA tournament, the Missouri men's basketball team and coaching staff deserve our praise and admiration.

We, as citizens, need to take a more active role in government, in order to make our voices heard and have a hand in political decision making.

The documentary on Eliot Battle's life and work shows his "change from within" philosophy that takes discipline and patience.

Place provides roots, predictability, relationships, nourishment and meaning for life.