I also organized a student panel discussion on this topic. Listen in to their thoughtful (and often heartbreaking) replies to our questions.

Side note: It was an honor to have @davidplazas.bsky.social host this as his last-ever discussion for The Tennessean.

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3. There are some glimmers of hope. Take for example, the recent fundraiser of Equal Chance for Education.

On the first, however, it's just plain wrong and citizens need to speak up.

2. The Tennessee legislature is advancing legislation that would effectively result in allowing public schools to deny admission to undocumented students

What we are seeing IMO is a case of severe executive overreach that amounts to abuse of power and that needs to be reversed and contained. Read more in my column.

And take time to re-read our founding documents. It's "time well spent" to quote a former Tennessee AG.

"Most Republican members of Congress, including those from Tennessee, are acting like his public relations team rather than being a constitutional check on executive power."

I urge Gov. Lee to speak up for employers, workers, farmers and consumers who are likely to feel the pain of increased prices and an uncertain business environment

Later, reporters asked him about it and he said: "We should let his plan play out and see how it works for the country." As a large player in the automotive industry, whiskey distillery manufacturing, services and tourism, I disagree with this approach. .