Opinion: We live in the Great State of Mediocrity
Tennessee ranked 29th in U.S. News & World Report’s Best States ranking for 2021. ‘Here’s the scientific explanation, and I’ll try to be brief,’ says Dan Conaway. ‘Our state legislature is mean-spirited, small-minded, short-sighted. And cheap.’ (Mark Humphrey/AP file)
Dan Conaway
Dan Conaway was a freelance columnist with The Daily Memphian from 2018 to 2025.
Tennessee ranked 29th in U.S. News & World Report’s Best States ranking for 2021. ‘Here’s the scientific explanation, and I’ll try to be brief: Our state legislature is mean-spirited, small-minded, short-sighted. And cheap.’
Dan Conaway on demand
Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Dan Conaway's stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
Related stories
Opinion: Public schools are in a fight for their lives
Government support is grudgingly given to public schools, because of legal requirements. In fact, our state has been sued to provide even that support. That’s why it’s so refreshing to see Richard Myers call for private money to help public schools.
Legislative session ends with satisfied Republicans, disappointed Democrats
Lawmakers wrap up legislative session viewed differently by Democrats and Republicans.
Opinion: Legislature’s rush to end teaching of systemic racism lacked thought and research
Within the span of about three days, the House and Senate imposed their Caucasian-centered, conservative will on what can and cannot by taught in schools about racism’s sordid history and harmful impact.
Comments have been disabled on this story.