Give The Man Credit

I have never seen our Executive Branch of government function so smoothly and without indecisiveness. Our President Trump assembles a group of folks daily around a large desk and is handed 'proclamation documents,' then he makes a brief comment before writing his name across the bottom of the testimony as large as any second grader who has proudly mastered basic elements of cursive penmanship. The President then passes out several fountain pens and its on to the next edict and more pen-passing. I haven't seen so many fountain pens passed out in such a short period of time since I was on a remote assignment for WLDS Radio in Jacksonville, Illinois at the newly opened Rent-to-Own Store Grand Opening.

This Presidential 'gig' looks easier than hosting the television show, The Apprentice. Can't wait for the ratings to come out.

Be Ready

I am not sure 'why' but I'm just cut that way. I have always had the propensity to anticipate the 'worst' that can happen. Perhaps in my deep psyche, I have some foolish notion that looking for the worst scenarios somehow renders 'better' outcomes. Then maybe, I have this inner mechanism that prepares me to deal with all scenarios. The bottom line is this: If it bothered me to the point of paralyzing my functioning abilities, I would have sought professional help. It has not...to the contrary.

Actually, I found this personality trait to be a positive as a high school basketball coach. When preparing teams for opponents, I thoroughly scouted the rival and then began orchestrating a game plan (through practice), which anticipated every possible defense we might face and how we would counter any negatives. This 'considering' the worst not only helped in preparation and execution but it bode well psychologically with players as they felt we were 'ready' for anything.

I mention the above not because I hope the right government officials are anticipating the worst possible scenarios. Let me explain. We have already witnessed several large protest and demonstrations in response to President Trump's various comments and executive orders. Folks, you don't have to be real smart to come to the conclusion that the coming 'good weather' coupled with the unrest and unhappiness of American masses along with the unpredictability of this President presents perfect conditions for ugly events. I fear some protests and demonstrations could escalate out of control and produce ugly American streets.

Somebody wake Jared

In case you missed the memo, President Trump (January 16, 2017) announced that he was appointing his Jewish son-in law, Jared Kushner to a position giving him a pathway to broker peace between Israel and Palestine. I suppose this coincides with the Republicans belief that since Obama was 'black' it would follow that a 'black' President Obama would erase all race issues in American. Of course, these are people who, in the South wave the Confederate Flag at marches yelling at Hilary Clinton voters to accept the fact she got defeated. Go figure!

Well now, we certainly would assume that Jewish lad Jared knows that this past Friday, January 27th was National Holocaust Remembrance Day. Jared, you should have informed Papa Trump of that 'non-alternative fact.' Also, you should have explained to your boss that one of the ugliest marks on America's history happened in 1939, when hundreds of German-Jewish refugees arriving on American shores were denied entry to this land of the free/home of the brave and sent back to Nazi Germany where most died in consentration camps. >>Jared you screwed up allowing the old man to sign an executive order denying seven Muslim nations' refugees entrance and safety in our country.

Religious discrimination has been officially endorsed by the President of the United States. Who's next? I'm guessing Methodist because their faith is based on what fonder, John Wesley called 'heart felt' religion. We all know damn good and well Trump doesn't relate to 'heart-felt.'

Losing Our Compass

I always thought my parents were 'special' but they were also different; certainly different by today's standards. I believe that the first oft-repeated phrase uttered by my mother was, "Moe, you must take turns and share!" During ensuing years, my father presented the message more straightforward when he'd say, "Hey boy, the sooner you understand life ain't all about you the better off you'll be."

Have you noticed over years that our elected officials (politicians) seemingly have an aversion to sharing, taking turns or God forbid, compromise? They gain office by telling constituents what the constituents want to hear, usually playing to constituents fear and anger.

At a time in our nation's history, which finds our people more divided since the Civil War and with the growing wealth discrepancy between 'whites' and minorities, we have a President that continues to demonize and criminalize immigrants in a similar fashion to Hitler's demonizing of the Jews. Our President talks about deportation and building a wall but never speaks to the heart of the issue. Question: Why do illegals desire entrance into our country? The answer is simple: Jobs. And those jobs are plentiful because corporate America knows that they aid their own profit/loss line hiring the illegals at low wages that American workers reject. This approach is predicated on the same principle that finds Trump and daughter, Ivanka having their fashion products 'made' in third world-low wage countries. Ah, but the new leader is going to bring back American manufacturing as he 'Makes America Great Again.' That's a fact...perhaps an 'alternative' fact.

Our government officials are asking people to discard common sense and reasonable perceptions for bold-faced lies. The current environment is smoldering in a cesspool of growing intolerance, hopeless fear, unbridled anger and eroding patriotism.

These are frightening times.

Heroes, I've had many

Every individual I've come to interact with has impacted my life; some in positives ways others in negative ways. Persons demonstrating traits of courage, achievement and/or noble qualities, we call 'heroes.' I can say without reservation, I have had many ''heroes' intersect my journey. My parents qualify as they were both teachers and role models of integrity, work ethic, principles and common decency. My maternal grandmother (Mammy) anchored the Christian foundation. A less than comprehensive list of 'heroes' come immediately to mind.

Little League baseball coach, Mr. Spickard was the first to equate the parallels of sport competition to life challenges. High School coach, Pick Dehner put me on a pathway to a free college education and career choice. Ray Sonnenberg (YMCA Director for whom I was a teen counselor one summer) introduced me to the most basic interpersonal skills. He also explified Rudyard Kiplig's line, "Or walk with Kings-nor lose the common touch." College basketball coach Dr. James Collie instilled the methods/process of preparation.

My wife, Gerry has demonstrated throughout our 56- married years selflessness, sacrifice, understanding, forgiveness, support and work-companionship. She has been that confidant-companion who lifts low spirits and humbles foolish pride.

My brother, Tom (4-years my junior) two years ago faced a life/death decision. His very damaged heart could promise nothing. Tom chose to undergo an 8-hour open heart surgery, which placed an artificial heart-pump in his chest. He is one tough guy.

Mulling over that which I have just shared, the thought occurs to me (and perhaps you), we can only hope that we might appear on another's hero list.

Perception One's Reality

The new President and his surrogates seem to be taking a page out of the State of Texas' play book. You remember back in 2010, when Texans decided to 're-write' schools' social studies textbooks; they preferred a different interpretation. They decided the words of Abraham Lincoln needed to be contrasted with those of a Jeff Davis and regarding the constitutional lingo, they wanted to minimize 'liberal' while accentuating 'conservative.' Hey, it's their state and their schools...go for it.

The Trumpsters seem to want to mess with Webster's Dictionary. At the center of their proposed change is the word, 'fact.' Fact as defined: " A thing that is indisputably the case."

Actually, there is a rather extensive list of things Trump said he didn't say but he did say. I'm not going to list them. If you think I am inaccurate with this claim, please google search. If wrong call me out.

Three of President Trump's nearest advocates (Pence, Conway & Spicer) are doing their best to 'explain' or 're-define' for their boss. Conway to reporter, "We have 'alternative facts." White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, "We can disagree with facts." Yes Sean and Kellyanne, you can disagree with facts but that makes you a fool. Facts are indisputable. Or to quote Little Milton...If you ain't lyin'..."Grits ain't groceries, eggs ain't poultry and Mona Lisa was a man."

Actually, this flat out 'spitting in the face of facts' should not surprise...after all it comes from the folks who argue with science about global warming.

If Only He'd Get Over Himself

Now that America has entered into the era of 'Alternative Facts,' I wish I was back teaching in high school...I wouldn't have to grade test papers.

I truly wish our President, Donald Trump could somehow discard his obvious need for praise, recognition and stop the self-aggrandizement. This posturing is unbecoming for the leader of the free world. On the campaign trail, Trump  boasted about his superior knowledge over our military generals regarding ISIS. He suggested some woman who had accused him of sexual aggression was lying predicated on the notion that she was unattractive and failed to measure up to his standards. His history of comments regarding his ability to 'have' women is well documented. President Trump boasts that he will be the greatest jobs' creator ever. He told Americans from the beginning that he was worth over ten billion dollars, which remains unproven.

 Recently, President Trump missed a golden opportunity at CIA headquarters to recognize and praise those CIA agents who died in service of our nation. Trump also failed to take steps to heal his relationships with our intelligence community, which he denies publicly bashing. Trump instead attacked the media for lying about his inauguration crowd size. He followed that angry tirade with a Tarzan-like chest beating boast that he (Trump) has appeared on the cover of Time Magazine 14 or 15 times.

Mr President: Heed the words of John C. Maxwell who said...

"There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad. Good pride represents our dignity and self-respect.
Bad pride is the deadly sin of superiority that reeks of conceit and arrogance. Leaders who fail to prune their pride will meet demise."

Oh Deer, A Mystery

Last week, I was  reading the Northwest Florida Daily News and saw a photo of a large 8-point buck deer, which had washed ashore near Destine, Florida. Actually, the sight of such a big animal laying dead on a beach was surreal.

The incident has created much speculation regarding the deer's death. Upon careful examination of the carcass it was determined that the deer did not die of gun shot wounds or any other blunt force trauma, which thus suggests drowning. An autopsy is pending.

I'm thinking the autopsy will conclude drowning. This will still leave many questions unanswered. Speculation of cause is running rampant. Some locals are already claiming the deer simply went for a swim and ventured too far out from the shoreline. Others believe the buck got carried away chasing after a sweetie and became tired and drowned. Those that subscribe to that theory are keeping a vigil for a doe to wash ashore. I was surprised to hear so many people think the autopsy will reveal a drug-overdos because the college spring-breakers are not here yet.

Personally, I think the deer was victimized by worker's negligence. I'll just bet that the beach patrol guy 'put up' the WRONG COLOR FLAG.

My Thought This Day

My Prayer:

Dear God:
I pray for your blessings upon our new President, Donald Trump. May he be thorough in study, firm in decisions while demonstrating humility with intentional patriotic leadership.

Please, Bless these United States.

Amen.

Food for Thought?

Perhaps there is a blog reader or two who share a Facebook friendship with Larry Harnly, as do I. Larry is a retired sportswriter from Springfield, Illinois. True to his inquiring-investigative nature, he frequently posts questions for Facebook for folks  to answer. Often times the question is light and trivial in nature but occasionally, Larry will ask a question, which begs a deeper reflection before responding; such was the case with yesterday's inquiry.

Larry posed this: "What is your biggest fear?" I immediately thought about my fears and realized how they changed over time. When I was about nine years old, I recall walking in the evening darkness to get a newspaper for my father. I always imagined someone following me. I can recall at age 12 or so, I did not particularly care for the roller coaster at Highland's Amusement Park in St. Louis. That thing was old and appeared dilapidated. In my adult years, I have never fancied air flights. Of course. Like others who fear this experience, I enjoyed the actual quickness to my distinction and the flight itself; I just 'feared' the damn thing might fall to the ground because the fuel gage was broken.

Oh, those parenting fears! Children at play, teens driving automobiles and teens, in general, making good choices. Oh, buddy!

Those thirty-seven basketball coaching years found me realizing who were 'homer' referees and then fear they might show up to work a road game.

A reality check enters your journey when one day a high school teammate dies. The sobering thought sinks in with shattering surrealness.  It is at that moment you truly begin to accept the inevitable, which is best defined as 'life longing for itself.' New life begging for room at the table.

No it is not death I fear. I resolved that thinking long ago. As a Christian, I believe there is eternal life through the crucified blood of Jesus Christ. That which I fear (today) is the ever looming possibility that a malady could render me as a burden for family. How do I thus cope with that fear? Well, Christians also believe that God has a plan for each of His children. Therefore, whatever my plight may be I must trust that it is connected to the Master's plan for me and somebody else.

Not a Good Trend

I have always been a labor-union guy due to the positive impact on my home life while growing up.
Let me explain: My father was born in 1918 and entered the work force with an eighth grade education. In time he would develop labor skills as an operating engineer of heavy equipment, welding, lead-burning, sales representative and eventual partner in an industrial fabricating corrosive protection company.  I also observed my brothers benefit in the 'labor trades' protected by unions. They were all good at developing and honing manual skills. They earned every dime they made and they made 'more' dimes because they were blue collar union guys! Can I get an Amen?

This union strength (in numbers) assured my father and brothers that they could demand fair and equitable wages and conditions for the special skills brought to the table. In recent years the corporate folks have moved productions to foreign countries to realize greater profit from cheap labor. Also, the Conservative party of America has successfully weakened this nation's unions.

As was the case in 1917, when  my hometown (East St. Louis),  experienced one of America's ugliest race riots when the corporate guys secured Southern 'black' scab laborers to fill in for striking 'white' union workers in that city's industries.

Throughout our American history big business enterprises pitted lower-income folks against one another, especially if color and/or ethnic differences were obvious. This of course drives the single-minded-issue voter. Come on, we just witnessed the 'game' as Trump made continuous degrading blanket-statements about Hispanics and Blacks.

All the while, we Americans blow smoke up our own butts with a misguided notion that we are a nation of 'exceptionalism' and God's favorite. That's hogwash. Jesus does not sit on the throne shouting 'USA, USA' during Olympic Games. We indeed have been a blessed nation with a great land filled with wonderful natural resources. However, the Holy Scriptures tell us that His chosen people are not white, blue-eyed Americans.

If we are so exceptional why can a family go broke or die unnecessarily due to an insufficient health care system? Why does our exceptionalism  allow our education system slip to all time lows in worldwide rankings?

Before our eyes, we are watching the nation's wealthy become more wealthy and the middle class, without organized unions slip deeper into poverty levels.

One Day...All The Answers

I once heard a television interviewer ask a celebrity, "How would you like to be remembered?" And then the interviewer followed with this inquiry: "What would you ask God if permitted?"
Naturally, I answered the questions from my own perspective...but you knew that was coming, right?

Regarding 'how' others might remember me does not 'flip my switch.' Look, If I gave very little thought to 'how' people viewed me when walking amongst them, why would I care 'how' they remember me when I'm gone from this walk? My goodness, I had little control on inquiry. Therefore, as Forest Gump would lament, "That's all I have to say about that."

Regarding the second question, I do anticipate getting those answers one day from God. I probably will not need to ask Him the questions because The omnipotent One knows my thoughts and will likely give me insight. However, I made a list for me and you:

1. Why did so many die young?
2. Is there an 'organized' religion that pleases you?
3. Why were my parents so dumb when I was young?
4. Why did I love children and old people so much but had little tolerance for people my own age?
5. Did you ever consider giving a Rush Limbaugh laryngitis?
6. Was it the right thing to do keeping Pete Rose out of the Hall,of Fame?
7. Did You ever consider allowing leaves to stay on trees and simply change colors with each season?
8. Donald Trump...President?
9. Are any of my dogs here is heaven and if so can I visit them?

And finally # 10. Why were You so good to me?

The thought occurs to me explain that at the time I get answers to these questions, I won't be able to communicate those answers to you. Therefore, you should cultivate your own relationship  with Christ and when we meet again we can share the conversation while  "Walkin' The Dog."

What's the skinny?

I deserve better and you do, also. I'm speaking about the Russian hacking United States political parties and other institutions and many State agencies. Let's set aside our different political persuasions and agree that American citizens deserve to know everything our government can disclose regarding foreign espionage and certainly any names of Americans guilty of treason. The stakes are too high to casually dismiss Russia's behavior, which is an attack on our democracy.

Congress needs to dig-in and thoroughly grill the various agencies who are responsible in this matter.

Some Americans believe the 'hacking' had no impact on our Presidential election while others believe it rendered the outcome. Regardless what Clinton and Trump supporters believe, all Americans deserve correct answers on the heels of exhaustive investigations.

The credibility of our democracy and the safety of our people is at the heart of this issue.

Wake Me When the Nonsense is Over

Oh, I think it was back in the fall of 2014, when that Quarterback fella with the Cleveland 'Browns,' Johnny Manziel 'flipped off' the Washington 'Redskins' bench during their football game. This 'giving the finger' happens frequently at college and professional games along with vulgar language taunting. Young kids are growing up today in a rapidly eroding moral culture with depleted common sense.

Remember a few years back when the Supreme Court ruled that the folks at Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka Kansas had the constitutional right to protest at military funerals and taunt parents burying their sons. I'm sorry but if that is protected by the constitution, we need to amend that article of the constitution.

Then there was that Tennessee Christian group that tried to get 'The Goldie Locks Storybook' banned from the public library. That Texas Christian Church thought the fact that Goldie Locks entered the Bears' home uninvited that the book was at minimum promoting trespassing if not home invasion, thus sending the wrong message to children and undermining moral behavior.

I'll tell you this, if a Bear family moves into my neighborhood! I'm going to watch to see when they are gone  from their house and I'm breaking into the Bears' home. I just want to 'see' if they have toilets...

A New Direction for America?

Are you all ready? Ready for American healthcare to improve as soon as the Republicans repeal Obamacare? Of course, this entire thing is driven by the desire to disqualify that which was put in place by Obama. Obama, himself, has stated that he would support any replacement, which is better than Obamacare. Fair enough? Trump stated frequently while campaigning that he 'HAD' a health care plan, which would be better and cost less. This means he should stop suggesting the Republican Congress needs to offer something...YOU offer something, Donald. It's in your top left hand desk drawer.

Well, the Republicans are betting on a myth. That myth is the free market system. It does not work in healthcare because healthcare is NOT a commodity. People NEED healthcare and a nation that purports to be Christian should provide that healthcare above and beyond what the free market could possibly offer.

Our new President come January 20, 2017, has demonstrated that he will NOT be held accountable by anybody. How else would you explain his refusal to answer all questions at a press conference and threaten to have reporters removed from press conferences if he deems them as unworthy or a false news agency? What next, a state operated news organization, i.e. North Korea, Cuba or Iran?

I had a lot of assistant coaches during a thirty-seven Year basketball coaching career. If you know any, you can ask them if I gave them ownership to 'voice' opinions and suggestions and never suggested they were to be 'yes' men. It is unhealthy when a leader believes he is the only one with right answers all the time.

Trump is a legend in his own mind and one of the few men who can strut while sitting down.

Down South

It was the early spring of 1958 when I was first smitten by her. I found her to be everything others claimed 'The Beautiful.'  I'm talking about southern Alabama. That spring of '58, I was a freshman baseball pitcher for the Illinois State University 'Redbirds' who were on a southern junket playing military base teams in both Alabama and Louisiana along with a few colleges.

The tall splendid Pines across rolling hills and Spanish Moss trees defining the Bayou marshes seem to beg the observer to pause and enjoy the stillness. I remembered with great appreciation the warm breeze across 'red-clay' baseball fields, a welcome change from the bitter March winds whipping across Lake Bloomington, Illinois. Play Ball!

I've returned frequently to southern Alabama on vacation trips to various parts of the South.
I often recall an incident during that Freshman year baseball trip. The team motor coach was taking a detour through a Black rural poverty area. As the bus moved slowly through side roads, I saw several young Black children, ages 6-thru-9, running alongside the bus waving at the players inside. It was at that moment I heard a teammate say, "Ain't those little Black kids cute: it's a shame they grow up." I turned to see who said it and spoke, "You can't possibly mean that?" He responded, "I sure do, Roustio." I was glad he was a senior because I found it difficult 'pulling' for his success.

South Alabamans are a different cut of folks. I saw one automobile billboard display, which advertised a free shotgun with a purchase of any pick--up truck. Also in Southern Alabama you can get a set of dentures for $299.00 and a divorce for $199.00. Hot dammit!

Rumors of roadways 'black-ice' or temperatures below freezing becomes a slam-dunk>>>No School.
I noticed rest stops with signs prohibiting guns inside the 'Welcome Centers' but many restaurants allow guns at table but not smoking. Another trait of the Deep South is the plethora of snake oil salesmen on television pretending to be men of God. These false-prophets are shameless. I'm somewhat sure that should I live in the South, I'd likely attend a Black Church. A church near a bayou.

Today, Jesus Would be in a Tampa Jail

If Jesus Christ was living (in the flesh) today in Tampa, Florida, he'd be in jail. That's right! Let me explain. This last Saturday, Tampa police received a telephone call that food was being served to the homeless in Gaslight Park (Tampa).  Sure enough when police showed up,  30-to-40 people had set up tables and they were distributing food to the street people. The police explained to the Good Samaritans that they were violating a city ordinance; gotta have a permit to do good deeds for others.

Jesus said, (Matthew 25:35) "For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in..." Sorry, Savior of Mankind but you're under arrest.

You readers do know that we find, in any group 'Show & Go' people. Christians are no different... Some 'talk it' others 'walk it.'

I'll stop here...I need to telephone my son and daughter-in law to discourage them from going to those St. Louis homeless people to whom they give food, drink, clothing and bibles. Holy Jesus, last Sunday Steve and Kathy took a homeless couple to Church. Next thing you know a church member will get mad because some undesirables are sitting in his pew spot.

If my son & daughter-in law get arrested, their 18-year old triplet sons will be sent to live with me.

Childish Comments Continue

Please. Can we stop for just a moment. Clear our heads of pre-conceived notions and ideologies. May we pause and take a deep breath and consider...

Meryl Streep, accepting a Golden Globe Award recently, made some unflattering remarks about President-elect Donald Trump. Streep critically recalled Trump's antics mimicking a disabled news reporter. Now stop and accept two facts: First-Trump did DO THAT and secondly, Meryl Streep has freedom of speech to make her statement publicly.

Of course, as expected, Trump responded with a 'tweet.' He said (and I paraphrase) 'Streep is an overrated actress and a Hillary supporter who lost big time.' Now stop and accept these facts: (1) Meryl Streep's acting career is unquestionably one of the most celebrated. Trump would do well, if he had 25% of Streep's success over the next four-years. (2) Hillary did lose 'big time' and that has as much to do with Streep as Trump believes Putin had to do with the election outcome. (3) Trump has every right (freedom) to attack-respond to any of his critics; he has attacked everybody who fails to agree with him from day one of his political career.

Now, here is the question to be considered in the most objective manner by every reasonable thinking  person; (the reasonable thinking criteria will undoubtedly exclude approximately 40% of the American population... I hope you're still eligible to answer). Should we Americans not expect our elected leaders to have 'thick skin' and capable of dismissing criticism without throwing mud at everybody who disagrees? Now, before you answer in some half-baked cavalier manner, let me remind you that this old boy (yours truly) during a thirty-seven year high school coaching career bit his tongue and refused to attack every fan or any mommy or daddy who chose to verbally attack and back stab me. I refused to call out the absolute often ridiculous stupid statements some fans would make publicly. In fact, I did my best to engage fans in a respectful manner because I appreciated their support of our school and team. I refused to respond negatively to my adversaries....Why?.................

Because I was always under the impression that Americans wanted elected officials and leaders to embrace the Harry S. Truman 'doctrine:' "If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen."
Perhaps the best advice given to the soon-to-be President, was given by out-going Vice President, Joe Biden: "Grow up Donald; time to be an adult."

You May Wish to Consider

I have spent several weeks in my downstairs office. My mission was to review some 500 cassette tapes of my morning radio program on WLDS Jacksonville, Illinois. That 'Mornings with Mel,' program aired from 1994- to-1998. The four hour daily show featured '50's & '60's music along with topic-driven listener 'call-in' conversations. The tapes exist because my wife had the foresight to tape those shows.

As I reviewed the tapes before 'burning' them onto CD's, I found myself reliving many fun moments with regular call-in listeners. Obviously, the great amount of time spent in that office area surrounded with a plethora of extrinsic items and photos hanging from walls permitted me to have other flashback recollections. There in that cubicle are numerous commemorative plaques, commendation notations and terrific team pictures; some of which I was a player most of which I was the coach. I found myself looking into the faces of former teammates and my former players and recalling relationship moments. At some point, I felt a confirmation of my philosophy; a philosophy that I embraced and continue to preach to my grandchildren this very day:

'If you wish to find true happiness in this life, 'do' that for which you hold a strong passion and find ways to connect with and serve others.' It's not rocket science.

This philosophy has made me 'rich' in a joyous non-fluctuating spiritual currency.

A Passing Emotion

When I awoke two mornings ago, I had a very selfish thought...more on that later.

In 1964, my wife, Gerry and I with three year-old son, Steve moved to Mason City, Illinois where I assumed my first varsity basketball coaching job. One of the first families I met was the Jones family from whom we rented a house on Tonica Street across the road from Bud & Mary Jane Jones, catty-corner from Gene & Wilma Blessman and directly behind Nash & Darlene Shawgo. Bud, Nash and Gene would become close friends of the new coach and certainly Gerry and I enjoyed a couple relationship with each.

The Jones were Mason City basketball fans and Bud was born ready...always upbeat! Nash Shawgo was also a Mason City basketball fan and a staunch Chicago Cubs fan. Gene Blessman kept many things private but not his love for his Cubbies' or the Mason City Huskies and his enjoyment to 'stir-the-pot.' The first meeting with Gene Blessman happened when he walked into my yard while I was cutting the grass shorty after moving in.  He introduced himself and said, "I understand that you are a Cardinals fan and a registered Democrat." He continued, "Now, you do know that Shawgo and I are Cubs fans and your landlord, Mary Jane is the Mason County Republican Chairperson?" I Answered, "That's good to know." He then said in his dry-deadpan demeanor, "Coach, Roustio,  I suggest your best win a lot of basketball games." I kid you not, he turned and walked away. Funniest damn introductory meeting I have ever experienced. Gerry and I remained dear friends with all three of those families until this day.

Now for that selfish thought: When I woke up that morning, I thought, 'I sure wish I was starting over today in Mason City and meeting the Joneses, Blessmans and Shawgos.' Bud Jones, Nash Shawgo and Gene Blessman have departed this journey. I sure do miss the bantering with them. However, I know as Bud, Gene and Nash knew that life longs for itself...it's like the Amtrak...it makes periodic stops and some passengers get off and new riders board. I'm just grateful my seat was near so many terrific people.

Use 'Head' Before Removing

We have three flushing toilet inventions in our home. Two 'crappers' are working just fine, however one crapper-commode has some flushing issues. We called the plumber guy and he said all three crappers should be 'removed & replaced' because the other two, in time are going to develop problems. Um, 'remove & replace.' It seems that I've heard that phrase lately.

We called another 'flush-fella-expert' and he agree with the first toilet man that all three crappers will sooner or later develop dispensing dilemmas. They both 'poo-pooped' the idea of parts replacements suggesting it would be throwing money down-the-toilet; a temporary solution...and that plan costs nearly as much as the 'remove & replace' plan.

The second flush man offered to work with the first flush man to develop the best way to proceed with our waste disposal problem. In the meantime they both said we should diffently remove all three crappers now and place a porta-potty in the back yard until they can determine the best plan.

Ummm. Personally, I think they should NOT 'remove' UNTIL there is a definite plan to 'replace.' I mean, my great-grandparents had one of those 'outhouses' and I doubt America was 'Great' then. It appears to me there is a greater 'head' problem other than my three crapper-heads.

French Poodles & Muslims

The world headlines can often times bring shocking and sobering thought. Obviously, Israel is never going to experience peace and other parts of the Middle East are fragile if not potentially volatile. Add to the world's political 'crock pot' North Korea's frequent saber rattling, Iran's crazy leadership and Vladimir 'The Snake' Putin's deceitful ways, we gotta mess out there!

Of course, Donald 'The Emperor' Trump brings to the table his leadership-spin on democracy. He maintains that he champions different races and religions and his leadership will enable Americans to achieve wealth in a democracy thereby providing opportunities to move away from people of different colors, race and religions...uh? You know...the way it was when America was Great.

I'd like to continue with these thoughts but Toy Poodle Yodie's grooming appointment at Pet Smart is at an early time slot. I must drop him off and go to Sports' Clips for my on haircut. Yodie's grooming cost will be $41.00 and mine will cost $14.00...only in America, eh, I'm living the 'good life.'

I have noticed that every time I walk out of Pet Smart with Yodie's new 'do' the other dogs look at him with his 'French Poodle cut' as if he belongs to some religious cult. I hope they don't 'vote' to ban Yodie from the salon.

The Way it Was

This 'rant' is neither a boast or criticism. It is a simple acknowledgement that my life was different than that of my grandchildren...maybe good...maybe not so good, I'll let readers decide.

Over the years, I ate candy, white bread, real butter, bacon, canned tuna, blue cheese and drank soda and whole milk; not to forget egg salad sandwiches that sat in my metal, non-air conditioned school for four hours before lunch.  As a baby, my mother placed me on my tummy in a crib painted with bright colors of lead-based paint. My folks never locked doors or cabinets and they never heard of childproof bottles.

As a pre-teen, I hitchhiked to my little league games or rode a bike. I did not wear a biking or batting helmet. Our youth teams had 'tryouts' and some kids did not 'make' the team while some who did played very little...it appeared the 'score' dictated various playing situations...yes, we kept score!
Imagine that, we had to deal with disappointment. I recall riding in the front seat of the car without a restraining belt. I often rode in the back of pickup trucks.

In the summer time, I always played outside. I ate cup cakes, drank from neighbors' garden hoses and drank too many bottles of Pepsi with peanuts poured into. Considering all the 'junk' food consumed, I can only guess that child obesity was not my generation's issue because we were playing outside, everyday non-stop. I left the house on a summer morning and perhaps showed up for lunch but likely didn't make it back until the supper hour. There was not cell phone calls or texting to check on my whereabouts. I had no sophisticated toys. On a rainy day, I enjoyed flipping through my baseball-cards as I played an imaginary game on my 'homemade spinner.'

I never heard of lawsuits but I did experience spankings and my parents 'siding' with the law and school teachers. I grew up taking risks, accepting responsibilities and owning my failures. I pursued personal success and service to others. Would I do anything differently in a 'do over' chance? Sure...hindsight is 20/20. Would I trade my experiences with another (younger) generation...absolutely NOT!

Cuts Both Ways

I read where some school district suspended a high school student when the student wrote on his Facebook page that some teacher, whom he called by name, was a "fat ass." The ACLU defended the student stating that away from school the student has 'freedom of speech' exempt from any school codes.

My first inclination was to defend the school district just because it is obvious the student is disrespectful. I stopped abruptly with that feeling and immediately went to the side of the student's Facebook freedom of speech postings. Look, it's time for teachers to stop this nonsense of always swimming upstream.  I believe this Facebook interaction has great promise to circumvent the problem of eroding parent-teacher communications.

Ask any public school teacher in your town what percent of parents actually attend 'open house,' that traditional call to parents to engage their child's teachers in the noble attempt to maximize the child's educational experience. The pitiful percentage number underscores one of the reasons G.W. Bush had it wrong thinking 'no child left behind' has a snowballs chance in hell.

I believe teachers should embrace this Facebook form of communicating with parents. Finally, teachers can stop 'cutting bait' and 'begin fishing.' On Facebook, the teacher can state, "Johnny Doe is a disrespectful pain-in-the-ass." "Suzy has social issues because of her body odor and dirty fingernails." "I teach at Taft Middle School...Our parents are affluent and our students are spoiled self-centered brats."

This Facebook communication with 'no holds barred' is a coach's dream. "Our players are nice kids but have little skill and we can't make chicken salad out of chicken poop."

Corner Make Over

'Back in the day,' I know you younger readers get tired of that phrase but trust me, one day it will make more sense to you than your phrase of choice today, 'It is what it it is.' As I was suggesting...when I was a lad growing up in East St. Louis, it seemed every corner had either a Church, tavern or grocery store, which meant every neighborhood had a preacher/Priest, a few drunks and a butcher.

Our family was into the grocery store business. Mammy Bennett operated a grocery store for a number of years. When she retired, her daughter, my Aunt Irene and Uncle Bud operated the store. Uncle Bud was a butcher...he also spent a lot of time at Leo Klimas' Tavern. My dad's Uncle Hade was also a butcher at Hood's Grocery Store on Peoria Avenue, Springfield, Illinois. Those little neighborhood stores carried most needed food staples and fresh meats, which the butcher would custom cut.

We all know what happened over time. The larger conglomerates ran the little store out of the neighborhood with bulk buying and lower prices. Today more Americans are attracted to even lower prices at Dollar General Stores and Dollar Tree Stores. These 'dollar' Stores have everything from clothing to cereal to can goods to greeting cards and even 'drug-testing' kits.

They just don't have anybody's  Uncle working as the butcher. Sure like it when Uncle Bud would give us boys a hunk of liver for crawdad fishing in the Washington Park creek.

It seems to me that most neighborhood 'corners' today are occupied by either CVS or Walgreen's Drug Stores...Perhaps Americans are eating more 'processed meat,' which leads to them eating more 'pills.'