Creating a conversation: polite observations and viewpoints encouraged

Through our contributing writer, Malcolm Barr Sr., the Royal Examiner is proud to introduce a political column by his friend and colleague (and former political boss!), B. Jay Cooper, whose resume includes deputy press secretary to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George. H.W. Bush, and Communications Director for the Republican National Committee and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Retired and living in Massachusetts, Cooper, like Barr, is a former journalist and author (“Mac Baldrige – The Cowboy in Ronald Reagan’s Cabinet,” co-author Chris Black, journalist and CNN correspondent). Cooper writes as a knowledgeable critic of current affairs in Washington, D.C. Excerpted from Cooper’s blog, publisher Mike McCool expects the column will add to the local political discourse that takes place at Front Royal’s Gazebo each Wednesday at 5 p.m. Comments on Cooper’s opinions and observations may be made below and should include the writer’s full name for publication, also his/her telephone number and address for the file. No unsigned comments, or comments without the foregoing information, will be published by the Royal Examiner.