God: Please bless America

Every time I stand in the super market checkout line and glance at the many tabloid magazine headlines the thought occurs to me that the American people truly embrace and celebrate tragic, sad and negative news.

During the evening television channel surfing, I stop for a bit to listen to and watch Fox News and MSNBC News and I realize the same folks obviously enjoy ugly innuendos, mean-spirited hateful blaming and blabbering name-calling.

 Add to our American cultural phenomenon, we don't tolerant people who worship differently or look differently. We'd like to keep 'those' people out of our Christian Nation. (Note: I'm still searching for those Biblical scriptures).

Meanwhile, as we Americans over-indulge in food and alcohol 'ringing-in' The New Year, let us sincerely pray that God WILL BLESS America for God only knows we sure need His Blessings.

It's a Goose Gander Thing.

I note Major League Baseball still has not been fired or suspended Dusty Baker (Washington Nationals' manager) for his reprehensible racist statements.

As an individual who irritates many people with my defense and positions of support of my Black Brothers and Sisters, I remain concerned that we cripple the cause of equality when we give a pass to a person of color who makes disgusting blanket and bigoted statements such as: "I need to get more 'black' baseball players who run faster than 'white' players." ...Or...."Black and Hispanic baseball players can take the summer heat better than 'white' players."

Dusty Baker should make a public statement substantiating such claims or apologize for his stupidity.

If not then we must accept stupid racists statement I.e., 'Blacks cannot swim because of heavier bones but they jump higher because of flat feet, not to mention they are born with rhythm."

If we are to ever clean up this hideous racial gobbledygook, we must shine a light on ALL.

Christian Voters, They Are Not !

A quick review of Donald Trump's campaign antics and  comments (paraphrased):

'Mexico is not sending us their best. They're sending us criminals, drug dealers, rapists, etc.'

Trump wishes to apply a Religious litmus test when it comes to Muslim freedoms in America.

Trump has Hispanic reporter removed from interview room.
Trump suggests female television host (Megan Kelly) is out of line with questions therefore she must be menstruating.
Trump states that Carly Fiornia has unattractive facial features, which Americans should not want in a President.
Trump suggests all members of the Bush Family are 'dumb.'
Trump makes fun of physically handicapped news reporter.
Trump calls Iowa voters stupid because Cruz is ahead in Iowa polls.
Trump brags that he has a big jet and lots of money.
Trump tells reporter he cannot reveal his favorite biblical scriptures because that's a private matter.

When reviewing the obnoxious bullying tactics of Presidential Candidate Donald Trump and the fact that it resonates with so many Republican voters it suggests voter stupidity. Example: Trump's proposal to ban Muslims entry into the USA would never get the support of Congress or the Supreme Court, therefore if supporters think Trump could get it done, they are STUPID. Trumps hate rhetoric underscores a reality that these Trump ideas underscores the fact that many from the Republican party fall short of their pontificated Christian ideals. That's a lot of gibber-jabber poppycock!

And if the Cruz supporters think their guy is much different, get a clue. Cruz knows that should Trump falter he (Cruz) picks up the majority of the bigoted Trump supporters.

Regarding ISIS, Trump says, "I'd bomb the shit out of them; Cruz cleans it up a bit stating, "Id carpet bomb them...I don't know if sand glows in the dark but we'll find out." Sounds good to me but let's bring back the military draft before our next ground war...all American families (wealthy and poor) should have an equal opportunity to bury sons and daughters.

Thanking You with Best Wishes

On this Christmas Eve let me pause from blog gibberish-jabber and express to all who take their valuable time to read my words and humbly thank you one and all. I understand that you sometimes agree while other times disagree. I sincerely hope that I never hurt any feelings, if I have let me apologize.

As we Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior let us embrace tolerance for those who hold other beliefs. May we all look to a new year with greater trust in others while being vigilant and may we HOPE for less anger expressed through violence and greater love for all people.

All the years that I traveled the country sharing messages with student athletes, parents and coaches, I left my audience with one challenge...I called it the 'post-it challenge.' Today, I offer you that challenge. Place a 'post-it note' on your bathroom mirror with this written reminder to read every morning: 'Today, I will be the most engaging and pleasant person I can be until 11:00 AM at which time I will stop.'

You will find out if you start each day in a caring and engaging frame of mind it is nearly impossible to change directions....May God richly bless you and yours this New Year 2016.

Scheduling Life!

From my earliest recollections until I started school at age six, I suppose my parents scheduled everything for me other than informal play. It was during those public school days that I began paying attention to a calendar. Why not? I could anticipate time away from that Palmer Method Writing stuff while embracing vacation time around holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. It was about this time that I also became aware of 'scheduling' sports' play. Little League baseball, middle school and high school activities. Wow, my weeks started going by faster.

Those college years filled my calendar even more but once I became the husband / father that calendar was no longer just about me...the writing in those calendar squares had to become smaller to accommodate more folks.

I will turn 77 years old in a couple of months and already the family calendar, which tracks the events and appointments of my wife and me is filled through February 2016. Before you readers draw the conclusion that the Roustios live some fast-lane social life, I would tell you that is NOT the case unless you perceive Doctors' appointments as social outings.

These days, I am on a warm handshake-first name basis with a family Doctor, a ophthalmologist, a dermatologists, a podiatrist, a gastroenterologist, orthopedist, audiologist, cardiologist and urologist.

I am free most evenings but I prefer committing between 6PM to 8PM...I like to be in bed at 9PM.

Stupid IS What Stupid DOES.

Last week, I received a post card from the Macon County Courthouse, which informed me that I am designated as a prospective juror. The instructions were simple. I was to telephone Macon County Courthouse within five (5) days to complete my registration. Embracing my propensity to 'do it NOW,' I telephoned immediately as if I'd get a good grade before I sentenced someone to prison.

My phone call was answered by a programmed computer voice. Twelve minutes later after punching numbers on my phone-keypad, I was kosher with the courts. My telephone work-exercise reminded me of the plethora of stuff we now do as American citizens, which reduces the employment of neighbor's and lines the pockets of a select few.

Aside from pumping our own gasoline, we peruse grocery store aisles for food, take it to the self-checkout line where we scan, bag and pay. If we shop on line (reducing retail stores employment opportunities) we once again spend our time working as a clerk as we spend our money.

A few days past, I had an appointment with a urologist. The night before, I received a telephone call from the physician's office at 7 PM just as The Big Bang Theory was coming on, I was not happy. You got it...it was an automated telephone message. I was told where and when to report. Also, most importantly, I was informed that the urologist would not look at me should I not have a photo ID along with insurance card. As the automated voice gave instructions it also required me to punch numbers assuring the computer machine that I was understanding the commands.

When I showed up at the Doctor's office the receptionist opened a glass sliding door and pointed to a nearby computer screen on a stand telling me I was to self-register. I quickly and firmly informed her that I came to this place for 'service' not employment...she quickly realized that I was a different breed.

We are fools!

Makes No Sense to those who have Sense

Okay, we St. Louis Baseball Cardinals fans know that our Cardinals brass made two hearty financial offers, which fell on the deaf ears of  pitcher David Price (now with Boston) and Cub-bound outfielder, Jason Heyward. That would indicate what we all knew...we need another front line pitcher in our rotation and a quality outfield hitter.

Lo' and behold, last week General Manger, John Mozeliak boldly announced, "Dynamic signing unlikely for Cardinals." This old Redbirds-faithful has followed the Cardinals since the infield had Musial, Schoendienst, Kurowski and Marion with Walker, Moore and Slaughter in the outfield...Del Rice and Joe Garagiola splitting the catching duties from the likes of Munger, Lanier, Pollett, Dickson, Brecheen and closer, Ted Wilkes. I suppose I am to accept this verbal-shell-game!

This announcement on the heels of NOT signing Price and/or Heyward can only mean one of three things:  (1) The Cardinals don't need what they were prepared to pay a combined $275,000,000.00 for or (2) Ownership suddenly came out of a momentary mentally lapse remembering that they are ultra-conservative folks with an insatiable love of money or (3) Recalled that Cardinals fans show up no matter what product is on the field. Personally, I believe it is a combination of the latter two.

That said, don't crap me!

Say Goodnight, Gracie

Let me preface this rant with a fact. My wife is a financially prudent shopper. My wife can smell good sales three aisles away. Nevertheless, she drives me nuts should I dare shop with her. I shop with her at Christmas time only...I do the lifting and driving.

One good thing is we no longer buy a lot of gifts. We now give money to our grown kids, grandkids and great-grand youngsters. The reason is obvious...we are out of touch with generational clothing tastes and it's easier wrapping money. Still, my wife wishes to get each family member a couple of 'gifts' to unwrap.

We found ourselves in a Mall store two days ago. I approached my wife who was standing at a large bin of men's wallets. My wife spoke, "Do you think I should get Caleb a wallet?" Mel, "I don't know if Caleb needs a wallet." Wife, "I don't either." Mel, "Maybe you should ask his mother, she would likely know." Wife, "I might do that." At that moment, I left the bin of 100+ billfolds to look at some sportswear. Perhaps fifteen minutes later, I returned to the same area and noticed my wife still examining the wallets.  I said, "Still looking at wallets, who you got in mind?" Wife, "Caleb."
Abba Dabba Do...Say goodnight, Gracie.

Tell Me Why Not

Okay, shall we agree that both the Democratic AND Republican parties are both to blame for having no resolve in the illegal immigrant-broken Mexican border problem?

Well, hold on to your cap cousin, I have the solution. That's right, the dumb-ass basketball coach. You surely cannot be surprised. I was the basketball coach that had the State's best high school under the basket out of bounds play for four consecutive years. That would be the four years I coached Greg Ahart at Edwardsville high school. We just tossed the ball high above our rim and Ahart with his 40" vertical jump did the rest!

Back to solving the border, illegal immigrant problem. Simply incarcerate anybody who hires (employs) illegal immigrants. They will stop hiring illegals and soon ALL illegals will return to Mexico where they CAN get jobs.

I'm sure both Democrats and Republicans could agree with this concept.

Okay...your turn. I know you're chopping at the bit to tell me where I am wrong...GO!

Babes in Boots

I have participated in fund raising efforts for the 'Wounded Warriors Project.' I suppose that I am one of millions emotionally motivated watching leg less, armless and maimed military veterans in television ads and promos for the 'Project.' We likely all agree that our hearts ache for those horrifically injured men and women whose lives are changed forever from crippling injuries sustained while protecting our Nation. I pray for them nightly.

The aforementioned embraced, I find it in disgustingly sick taste for politicians, government officials or news reporters to use the term, 'boots on the ground' when speaking of military soldiers sent into war-zone-battles. The term is an insult to the mothers who birthed these lives. The term 'boots on the ground' subliminally minimizes the value of life. Therefore, when you hear some War hawks flippantly suggest, "We need more boots on the ground," remember they are talking about 'babes on the ground;' a mother's child in THOSE boots.

Blessed to have Shared

My wife and I traveled to Mason City, Illinois yesterday to visit with long time friends, Nash and Darlene Shawgo. The Shawgos have been dear friends since my coaching days in Mason City (1964 through 1967). I have always said that the Mason City basketbal coaching position was my biggest career break. Mason City was a community of dedicated players, avid fans and a deep winning tradition.

Nash and Darlene were established local folks who lived directly behind our Tonica Street home. Darlene was very close and helpful with the birth of baby Dawn in 1965. Nash was one of those crazy high school basketball fans and on more than one occasion when hazardous Mason County winter roadways made it problematic to scout an opponent, Nash fired up his propane truck and took Coach Roustio on that scouting trip. Nash also owned a local appliance store. When the Roustios needed a new refrigerator, Nash found one in his store that he could 'discount' because it just happened to have a scratch and dent thus allowing him to apply for the manufacturer's discount.

Through the years, we would occasionally hook up with the Shawgos for a luncheon. Recently, Darlene's Alzheimer's worsened making those get togethers more difficult. This past Sunday evening Nash and Darlene's oldest son, Brian telephoned to tell us his dad's cancer had aggressively invaded his bones. His journey is near its end.

Gerry and I had a two hour visit with Nash and Darlene, Monday. Nash was alert but uncomfortable even with the heavy morphine dose. Darlene occasionally recognized Gerry but never made the connection with me.

Left alone for thirty minutes, Nash and I remminisced a bit but talked extensively about his circumstance. He was a blessing for me because his spiritual strength is profound. Before we departed, Nash and I prayed as Gerry, Darlene and Brian locked hands with us.

Driving out of Mason City heading towards Lincoln, I had flash back moments of the laughter and wonderful times shared with Nash, Gene Blessman and Bud Jones who were nearby neighbor's and great supporters of the Coach. Gene and Bud are gone and Nash is nearing the end. I hurt inside. The high school is no longer Mason City high school but Illini Central high, which is a consolidated district. The school colors and mascot are but a memory recall as are this old coach's buddies.

I did live a richer life for having those fellas in that life...I thank you,God.

'The Way I See It...'

Differing 'points of view' is nothing new, we see the SAME thing but digest it through our filters of experiences and conditioned attitudes and desired outcomes, which best serve 'us.'

I was a seventeen old the summer of 1956, working at a St. Louis corrosion-protection plant. One product they produced was lead coils and pipes, which resisted corrosive acids. Frequently, the plant received a box car filled with hundreds of lead-bars. The bars had to be removed from the train-car in St. Louis stifling heat that  was near 100 degrees outside and likely 120 stifling-degrees inside the train's box car.

I recall the plant manager telling me at the end of the day, "You should give a work effort every day that causes you total fatigue each night." I did not debate the comment. I was happy to have a summer job paying $1.70 per hour.  This 'white-collar' executive who spent the day in air-conditioned comfort guy said a week earlier that while attending a Cardinals baseball game the following happened: A line drive foul ball came his way and he almost caught it with his bare hands. However, the ball fell to the bleacher floor and another fan retrieved the souvenir. He said that he got into a heated exchange with the ball owner suggesting that the baseball should be HIS predicated on the 'perspective' that HE took the 'sting' out of the ball with his bare hands.

The man's comments often reminded me of a movie I saw where a plantation owner sitting on a Southern Mansion veranda sipping mint juleps noted, "The Negroes seem to be coming in early from the fields today."

Wise Words

Someone once said, 'If you pray don't worry; if you worry don't pray.
Above all do not do both... it is disrespectful to the Lord.'

Tis' The Season to be Irritable

I had several 'Game Laughter' book orders to mail yesterday. Understand, there is a huge United States Post Office just a mile and a half from my family room chair. Another smaller Post Office is in a nearby community approximately five miles from that aforementioned chair.

With that background wrap your brain around this...the Post Office nearest my home charges $2.72 to mail one book while the Post Office the greater distance away charges me $2.08 for the same book. I know what your thinking. You think that I am confused with different rate offers, I.e., First Class vs. Media Mail. Trust me, I know the difference...this is not my first book mailings.

When you have 22 books to mail that calculates to a $14.00+ savings at the smaller, wait longer in the line, farther away...color me there...Post Office.

We can all agree that this time of year must be most stressful for postal workers. Yesterday, the two female workers got to nipping at each other in front of seven people holding huge packages in cramped quarters. As the back and forth snide remarks escalated, I could not stay quiet. Finally, I said, "You ladies sure have my respect at this holiday season...must be crazy days." Another patron spoke up, "I don't know how you gals can go home a sleep at night." Both postal ladies thanked us for positive and supportive comments.

Finally, my business was complete and I departed. I sure hope I have book orders through the holidays. I feel compelled to show up and give pep talks at the little Post Office...must be the 'coach in me.

Dusty & Donald

The year was 1988. Television sports' analyst and 'color' commentator, Jimmy 'The Greek' Snyder was fired by CBS Sports when he said, "If more Blacks get managerial jobs and executive jobs there won't be anything left for 'Whites' to do in the game; 'Blacks' are already taking all the playing positions."

 Racist ? You be the judge but first digest the following: The year was 2003. Chicago Cubs manager, Dusty Baker says, "Blacks and Latinos can take summer heat better than 'whites.' This past week (2015), Nationals' baseball manager, Dusty Baker says, " The Nationals need more 'Blacks' and Latinos because they run faster. ( Okay, admit it, you re-read the last two remarks because you thought Archie Bunker not Dusty Baker owned them).

Dusty Baker SHOULD be fired as the Nationals skipper but he won't be fired. Why? Political correctness has created a double-standard. It appears 'people of color' can now be as stupid as 'white folks' in an apparent attempt to even some score. I was not a Jimmy 'The Greek' fan but I defend him on the long-standing constitutional amendment known as the 'goose-gander' amendment.

Dusty Baker's comments suggest bigotry...he is out of the same ilk as Donald Trump...they are just on opposite sides of a sick social color preference.

Gotten Ugly!

American people, although kind-hearted when world tragedies strike, find themselves becoming more divisive, mean spirited and intolerant...and there is an obvious cause...Media Overexposure.

Let's return to those earlier days of news dissemination...the 1950's news cycle and reporting.

I recall local and national news 'print' (newspapers) that indeed slanted towards a political viewpoint however, those newspapers were on a 24 hour release mode. Consumers had 'down time' to digest and 'chill out.' The television nightly news was conducted by individuals the likes of John Cameren Swayze, Walter Cronkite, Chet Huntley and David Brinkley. The verbal news delivery from these gentlemen was packaged with a calmness and even a somewhat reassuring stability...the 'sky was NOT falling' every night at 6:00 PM on the three major television channels. The 'news-disseminating people were not constantly interpreting the news and 'telling' us how to 'think' as so many of today's TV pundits.

Today the news information is constant and unrelenting. It is presented 24/7 on several politically slanted cable networks. Most of these cable news networks overstate the phrase 'Breaking News.'  The competition for ratings is driven by sensationalism and finger-pointing angry debate. Our general public is in a state of on-going fault-finding rather than solution finding.
Add to this national news-presentation-phenomenon the personal blogs and Twitter, we American folks appear to be in a never-ending state of frustration or as my Mammy Bennett use to say, "You got yourself worked into a dither."

Many of our presidential candidates demonstrate a less than calm-leadership temperament. Those candidate hopefuls are calling people 'chicken shit' and offering crazy talk of bombing countries 'until the sand glows.'

GOP Presidential Candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz are fear mongering as they jump on the recent tragic terrorists killings in Paris and San Bernadino. Their over-the-top hate rhetoric plays to the most undesirable hateful prejudice attitudes amongst us.

Any level-headed Christ-like thinking follower knows that this is not what we wish to have as a President...then again, perhaps like the news reporting, the reader and viewer has changed.

Protecting All School Campuses

My 'out-of-the-box' thinking is stirred by Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr.'s recent proposal. Falwell, Jr. believes it is time for his students, staff and faculty to get conceal and carry gun permits. The Christian University leader believes that more guns are better and will deter these mass shootings. In Falwell's words, "Let's teach them a lesson if they ever show up here." The Godly man continues, "I've always thought if more 'good'  people had conceal and carry permits, then we could end those Muslims before they walk in." (Speculation: I believe Falwell's definition of 'good' people runs along some color, ethnic and religious barometer lines; just my guess).

It is time for Americans to listen to a Falwell. You recall years ago, the late senior Reverend Falwell warned this Nation about those 'TeleTubbies' and how they were designed to cause children to become 'gay.' Most ignored those warnings and you can readily see the problems we have today.

I believe Falwell, JR. is on the right path with this increased numbers of guns on campuses. Actually, the notion causes me to offer an extension of the Falwell concept. I remember when I was a 5th grader at Woodrow Wilson Grade School East St. Louis, Illinois. That school had a ' Patrol Boy' program. These older boys were charged with the responsibility to assist younger less street smart students how to negotiate neighborhood auto traffic to get across streets. Why not initiate a 'Gun Boy' program. Identify 5th & 6th grade boys who would take gun-shooting classes. They could then be equipped with firearms ready to counter-attack any school-intruders intent on shooting people. We should include female students in the gun program to avoid messy ACLU lawsuits and unpleasant PTA Meetings.

We could call this student-gun initiative, 'Patrol Killer Kids Program.'
This should not cost tax payers any money. The NRA would likely fund.

A Special Place

It was nice spending time this past Saturday in Jacksonville. The twenty-one years our family lived there and I had the privilege to coach the JHS Crimsons and work for WLDS radio. Those  experiences created special memories and wonderful friendships.

Sharing over an hour of conversation with Gary Scott, Buford Green and Ron Tendick on the WLDS Saturday Morning Sportsline was fun as always. Everyone can point to certain friendships that instantly explode with delightful interaction and exchange regardless the time between meetings. Most of my friendships in Jacksonville are thusly characterized...I am fortunate to know such good people.

After the radio gig, which Gary Scott kindly orchestrated to promote my book, 'Game Laughter' The Sunny Side of Sport, I spent an hour and a half signing books at Steak n' Shake on Morton Avenue. Enjoyed meeting many new folks and certainly happy to have conversation with Bob Hoffman and the Bettis'.

A quick stop at 'Our Town Books' on the Jacksonville square with more old friends who were wishing to purchase a book and chat awhile.

Sometimes we 'can go back' and when we can, we should.

The Star

My wife has been finishing up her indoor Christmas decoration. Next to the family room fire place, she placed a miniature Christmas tree and on top of the tree she placed a rather large gold-metal star with a blue light. That star is sixty-five years old. I recall when my Dad put it on top of our family tree at 5401 Rosemont Avenue Washington Park (East St. Louis). I was eleven years old.

Last night, I turned off all the lights in the family room except the blue bulb on that old star. I put Ray Charles' 'Spirit of Christmas' CD in the player and stared at that star while listening to Ray. A flood of memories rushed through this aging brain. I recalled the early days when Mammy and Grandpa E.V. Bennett's home was the Christmas Eve setting. I hung around E.V. because he was always near Mammy's homemade custard.

I remember getting a 'used' RoadMaster bike at age seven. I was ecstatic. Before we moved to Rosemont there was the Christmas times on Hallows Avenue where brother Tom and I waited for Santa.

Many years later my parents had moved to Collinsville where Dad regaled in decorating the outside of his large (corner lot home) especially the outside winding staircase. If one of those light bulbs burned out, he was on it like stink on a Skunk. One thing for certain, no matter where Gerry and I lived, no matter the winter weather, we knew we had to be at Mom and Dad's house Christmas Eve.

The last Christmas with a parent was with my mother at Meridian Village Home in Glen Carbon. That was three years ago. I remember it like yesterday. My children and many of the grandkids crowded into her small living quarters to shower her with love and gifts. She died a few weeks later days shy of Christmas.

That old 'Star' always brings back precious memories and a flood of tears.

Too Quick on the Draw

The fatal shooting of a 13 year old St. Louis boy who was rummaging through an unlocked car looking for 'change' with which to buy snacks has created a firestorm controversy and debate. Apparently the automobile was parked inside the homeowner's fenced property when the trespass occurred after the midnight hour.

As expected the controversy centers around the homeowner's property rights and perceived self-defense versus what some claim was the unnecessary use of excessive force with a firearm. Those supporting the shooter would argue he had every right to protect his property. The counter argument suggests the homeowner could have called police, made a noise or perhaps fired his gun into the air to scare off the intruder.

I would anticipate 'no charges.' However, a young life ends too soon.

 I recall the 12 year old pranks carried out by me and my neighborhood friends. We went into people's yards and turned over trash cans, we threw water-filled balloons at passing cars and opened front doors. I even recall setting fire to a bag-filled with feces on Mrs. Leroy's front stoop.

Thank goodness Mr. Jacknewitz and Mr. Vargo didn't shoot us.

He's My Best Buddy

James Wilkerson Yoder is seven years old today. Oh, excuse me, that is my eight pound Toy Poodle, 'Yodie.'

I can tell scrolling Facebook entries that the American people are crazy dog lovers. Those who don't care for dogs are just crazy.

I have had a dog my entire life. The first dog I called mine was actually my mothers dog when she was a teenager. 'Pal' was a medium size mixed breed. A lovable dog. I could take you to the spot where Grandpa E.V. Bennett buried that old dog. My wife and I have held too many old dogs that were 'put-down' due to various irreversible health issues. Hope I don't have to do that again.

As a young boy, I remember talking to my dogs when we were alone. I don't do that these days; I talk to Yodie ALL the time regardless if alone or in a crowd. One of my daughters said that I treat Yodie better than I treated my kids...never did understand the point she was making.

 I have never been good training dogs. Once I house break them I stop bugging my dogs. Yodie, however has done a good job training me. I know what a soft growl means vs. a deep growl and a right rear leg 'raking' has a different meaning than a left rear leg 'rake.' I'll tell you something else about Yodie...he defines unconditional love.

Who ever said, "Dog is man's best friend" was right on! Happy birthday, little buddy.

Another Entitlement ?

I am very aware of the tendency for older people to be very critical of the younger generation. I have kept that thought in the front of my mind. I wish NOT to ever embrace that posture. The easiest things to do is raise someone else's kid or coach the other guy's team. Not falling for that trap.

That position does not disqualify me from pointing out observations that signify change, which is foreign to me. I have shared with you that I coordinate an eight team boys Thanksgiving basketball tournament for Decatur. We hire several police officers for security purposes however, we  have never had any issues but one never knows with 8400 people attending throughout the week.

I kid you not when I tell you that several police officers sat and engage their cell phones. I suppose they are scrolling Facebook entries...God Bless. I suppose the motto is: 'Serve and Protect' (if you can get my attention).

I don't know your 'take' but I think cells phones should be out of sight when the individual is 'on' the job.