Hoyt Purvis
Columnist
Contact Hoyt
Recent Stories
Hoyt Purvis: Caught in the Net
Trump could be entangled by neutrality debate
While President Trump is getting a civics lesson, with a reminder there are three branches of government (and an informal fourth branch -- the media), he acknowledges the presidency "is more work than in my previous life. I thought it would be easier." He also now admits "you have to be flexible," explaining the many instances when he has switched positions on issues. Continue reading...
Hoyt Purvis: No war to end war?
Attack on Syria raises questions about U.S. intervention
When I was a student in France in the early 1960s, I spent time visiting those areas that had been the battleground for World War I. It was an educational and emotional experience. Continue reading...
Hoyt Purvis: Old traditions, new norms
What are we giving up with today’s culture?
Early on a sunny afternoon -- March 20, 1954 -- along with some of my junior high buddies, I walked a couple of miles from downtown Jonesboro to the gym at what was then Arkansas State College. We wanted to assure we were the first to get in when the doors opened for the state high school basketball championship game and to get the best possible seats. We succeeded and watched an undefeated (34-0) Jonesboro High team win the state title, defeating Van Buren in that final game. For a hometown fan and aspiring player, it was a notable occasion. Continue reading...
Hoyt Purvis: Leaks, loose lips and sources
Trump complains, relies on anonymous sources, too
Leaks and loose lips have characterized our political communication at various points in our history, though seldom to the extent we are currently experiencing. Continue reading...
Hoyt Purvis: Enemies, bullies and leadership
Trump, others lead by way of confusion, controversy
Leadership and leadership style among public officials are highly relevant topics for study and analysis in these days of political transition and turmoil. Executives, ranking officials and legislators are bringing differing and in some cases forceful and assertive approaches to leadership and policy-making, which can easily morph into bullying and targeting "enemies." Continue reading...
Controlling the agenda
Controlling the agenda
Later this week we will witness the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president. Continue reading...
Hoyt Purvis: Trump's inexperience, demeanor challenging
President-elect adds to world’s unpredictability
There are many uncertainties about the directions foreign policy will take under a President Trump. Continue reading...
Hoyt Purvis: Facts, fiction or none of the above
A few recommendations for winter reading
At this time of year, I customarily write a column about books -- notable, interesting, subjects of special significance, usually recent volumes. Continue reading...
Hoyt Purvis: A bipartisan example?
Trump could learn a few things from Fulbright
A few hours after President-elect Trump met with outgoing President Obama at the White House last Thursday, another event took place a few blocks away. Continue reading...
Presidential parallels, paradoxes
Rough campaign conjures church wars of 1930s
As a youngster growing up in Jonesboro, I heard a lot about the city’s church war of the 1930s. Some of it seemed hard to believe, but the then-small town in Northeast Arkansas had indeed been the scene of a fierce struggle for control of local pulpits and congregations. Continue reading...
