Makes No Sense

I suspect others reading these words relate to my puzzlement.


 1). A baseball pitcher throws a pitch and the baseball hits the ground in front of the catcher and the umpire insists that the 'baseball' is no longer worthy of game usage. The ball is tossed from the game. The next batter hits a baseball extremely hard and the baseball caroms off two walls in the outfield skips off the dirt and skids across the outfield grass. The baseball is thrown into an infielder who tosses it to the pitcher for the next pitch...'that' baseball is NOT disqualified. Makes no sense.

 2) I have computer router problems and telephone a designated number to get assistance. A recording comes on and asks me if I wish to speak English or Spanish; I say 'English.' The telephone call is then transferred to somebody in India who cannot speak English. Makes no sense.

 3) The correct pronunciation of the letter 'W' is Double-U; not Doubya. But actually, it should be
     Double-'V.' Makes no sense.

 4) People say, "You can't have your cake and eat it too." I say you can't eat cake if you don't have it!
     Makes no sense.

 5) I've seen chicken claws but never chicken fingers, yet you find chicken fingers on restaurant
     menus but never chicken claws. Makes no sense.

 6) My delivered pizza is round but comes in a square box and cut in triangle pieces. Can't they
      make up their mind? Makes no sense.

 7) Why do I press harder on my remote control when I no it needs batteries? Makes no sense.

 8) Why does the grocery clerk asks me if I want to check out at the self service line when she
      knows that I don't work there? Makes no sense.

 9) Academic grades should be E=Excellent; A= Average; I= Inferior. Instead we have A,B,C,D & F
     only the 'F' makes sense.

10) People who say, "I hate to say..." should NOT! That would make sense.

Hypocrisy

I notice more and more of these casino parlors. Some are 'stand-alone' mini gambling joints while many convenient stores and eateries stick a few machines in their establishments to shore up revenue. Our Methodist Church has a social get-together once each month at a local restaurant. The guideline we follow is to avoid restaurants that serve alcohol or offer games of chance.

This reminds me of personal observations back in the mid-1970's, when my father owned a steak house in Collinsville, Illinois. My parents did not drink alcohol and had to address the matter of serving alcoholic beverages in their restaurant. They came to a middle ground in their resolve. The restaurant would have no bar where patrons could just sit and drink but there would be liquor on the menu so patrons could order alcoholic drinks with meals.

My parents were active in their church and my father belonged to the Gideons International and supported local church organizations by offering his establishment for church meetings without charge and discounting meals at near cost prices. The 'church folks' took advantage of my father's generosity for years. The Gideon's decided that they could no longer meet at the restaurant if it sold alcohol.

What was hypocritical about this was the fact that I personally observed other Gideon's dine at the restaurant on individual outings who would order alcohol. The reality irritated me but did not surprise me. I always knew there was truth to the following: 'Never take a Baptist fishing because he'll drink all your beer; take TWO Baptists fishing and they won't drink any of your beer.'
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No Invitation, Yet

The only explanation I can advance is at age 80+, my social filter is completely clogged. Okay, I need to clarify. Approximately, three weeks ago, I was waiting in a nearby McDonald's for a person to join me for morning coffee and discuss some events around this year's 50th Annual Boys' Thanksgiving Basketball Tournament, which I coordinate for the Decatur School District. I had arrived early to make some notes and collect thoughts.

Three gentlemen seated in a booth nearby distracted my thinking with their over-the-top defense of President Donald Trump. Occasionally, I'd hear the name Obama mentioned in very condescending tones. I quickly jotted my own thoughts on a legal pad.

After my brief meeting, I stood to leave and stopped at the aforementioned table. I dropped my legal paper notes on the table with three of my 'contact' business cards. I said nothing. The note held these random comments: Obama would have NEVER been elected President had he> 1) had four bankruptcies, 2) admitted and bragged to sexual assaults upon women, 3) successfully sued for racial discrimination, 4) guilty of a University scam, 5) state that he could shoot somebody and still have support, 6) alleged marital rape, 7) using undocumented workers on building projects and then 'stiffing' them financially, 8) charged with anti-trust violations, 9) alleged mafia ties, 10) beauty pageant scandal and 11) using Foundation money to purchase his portrait.

My phone number appears on those business cards but as yet, I've not been invited for coffee.

Beauty Truly is...Skin Deep.

Usually my annual visit with the dermatologist amounts to her walking a complete circle around my body and zapping areas that show suspected pre-cancer blemishes. During ths year's visit the routine changed. The good doctor found two facial spots that had to be surgically removed. My wife also had the scalpel put to her nose and neck. Just reference us, Mr. & Mrs. Basil.

While in the skin parlor, I asked the dermatologist to checkout the top of my forehead where my kids are always pointing to and asking, "Dad, why is your skin so wrinkly up there?" Well, I got the answer now. The doctor carefully examined the area in question and responded, "Nothing to worry about on the top of your forehead. Your children are just noticing some FATTY DEPOSITS. I've noticed you have 'fatty deposits' on your butt also," continued the good medical lady. Seems as we age the skin develops these fatty deposits. I thought on this malady enough and realized that my face will soon look like my butt, if not already. This means if my wife walks into the bathroom and I'm naked, she'll need to take a second look to determine if I'm getting 'in' or 'out' of the shower.
(Touch
 SkinSkin

A Winter Wonderland For All Ages

The past several winters, my wife and I have been blessed with the opportunity to spend two-plus months at Miramar Beach in the Sunshine State. The way the calendar works out, the last two weeks we are there is the beginning of the college spring-breakers' invasion. Now, those two weeks make for an interesting generational observation and contrast.

First the fellas: We oldsters are up at the crack of dawn just delighted to awaken to a new day. We take our arthritis meds or CBD oil, take the dog for a potty-walk and then begin thinking about serious matters facing us...what foods shall we eat throughout the day. The young male spring-breakers have likely only been in bed perhaps two hours before the old timers roll out and depending on just how much they 'hammered-home' the night before those college lads will look at the day's sunlight with mixed emotions.

The greatest contrast between the female snowbirds and their younger snow-chicks counterpart is observed in wearing attire. The younger set grabs an early tan and then goes all-out attempting to showcase the tan with light-colored tight-fitting T-shirts emphasizing points of interest. The mature girls are usually wearing very lose hanging tops covering lower points of interest and to be sure sweatshirts with printing comments about how much they are loved by grand-children.

We old folks head out to eateries around 4:30pm looking for those early bird specials, which usually gets us back to the rental about the time the spring-breakers are heading to the bars. Life is good!

Look In The Mirror Doofus

I never cease to be amazed by the simple-mindedness, which is rampant in our American society. It is  rapidly spreading like a out-of-controlled case of poison ivy. This mental malady is frequently demonstrated in the naive and unsophisticated comments and claims that most of America's problems could and should be solved by having prayer in public schools. I suspect most folks who take this posture feel as though they've embraced a moral high ground and thus place thyself in a more pleasing light with our Lord. These nincompoops don't have the foggiest understanding of our Constitutional rights nor the importance of separation of Church and State by not establishing a religion.

This past Friday as my wife and I headed to dinner at the Beach House on Lake Decatur, we were delayed by heavy traffic; apparently dinner on the Lake and a nearby concert was a huge attraction for hungry people anticipating nourishment and entertainment. This 8:30 Sunday morning when we engaged the very same traffic route headed to Church service those roads appeared as a scene in Twilight Zone television episode depicting the eerie atmosphere of a vacated ghost town. Seems folks ain't hungry for spiritual nourishment. Of course, we all can rest assured that good parents taking a pass on Church attendance will have their children gather together in their home on this Sabbath day to share scripture readings and prayer.

Nah, Sunday is not a good day for that in American homes as illustrated by some 14%-18% of professing Christians actually 'in' church...hey, it's a golf morning and NFL TV afternoon; anyway that 'stuff' along with educating my kids and teaching them discipline should be done in the schools right after the Pledge of Allegiance and classroom prayer.

'Splain It, Please

On the long-running popular sitcom, 'I Love Lucy,' husband Ricky when perplexed with some antics of wife Lucy, he would often say, "Splain it, Lucy!" Well, I'm frequently confused with events and antics of others and wish somebody would 'Splain it!'

 1. How can retail stores keep allowing profits to be compromised by online Amazon purchasing and yet those stores don't have near the 'on-the-floor employee assistance?' Sooner rather than later the buying public gets tired of waiting in long lines or looking for somebody to assist them.

 2. How can my African-American brothers & sisters get upset hearing that somebody once costumed-dressed in 'black-face' and yet embrace a rap music performer who spews lyrics with the 'N-Word?'

 3. Sports' officials have often been quoted as saying they don't want 'their call' late in the game to impact the game's outcome. Let that soak-in before splanin'.

 4.  Why do Christians keep judging people when their LEADER tells them repeatedly in the Bible not to do that but He will sort it all out when He returns?

 5.  Before graduating high school, a student must pass the United States' Constitution test and a State Constitution test; why are there no tests to pass to become a parent or Congressperson?

 6.  I often hear men of 'The Cloth' tell their audiences that God spoke to them. Many times they go on to explain in detail why I should be interested in that bit of information. Usually, I'm required to respond. Once the late Pastor Oral Roberts told people that God spoke to him and if he did not raise a certain amount of money he (Roberts)!would die. I suppose that information was to motivate me to send Oral some money. Oral would have had a better chance getting some of my money had God spoke to me instead of Oral. Somebody shoulda 'splained that to the good Pastor.

 7.  If Webster defines 'fact' as 'truth' about events as opposed to interpretation then can there really be 'alternative facts?'

 8.  What kind of rationale is behind a retired person voting against a local school referendum based on the logic that their kids are no longer 'in' school?

 9. Why are there so many different religions following the same Savior's teachings?

10. Do those people making their livelihood 'in the city' but live in the suburbs have any clue of their hypocrisy when they are critical of the city?

Words Recalled

I have always enjoyed and embraced the meaningful quote; that comment that stirs introspect or engenders a chuckle. Perhaps you also share the joy found in others' words of wisdom and humorous offerings. Here are a few of my favorites:

Casey Stengel (Baseball Manager) "There comes a time in every man's life and I've had many  of them."

Lewis Gizzard (Author) "Chili Dogs always bark at night."

Terry Roosevelt (President) "Talk softly and carry a big stick."

Socrates (Philosopher) "Know Thyself"

Yogi Berra (Baseball player) "People don't go there no more because it's too crowded." "If you don't go to peoples' funerals, they won't come to yours."
     
Patrick Henry (Statesman) "I know not what others choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death."

G. W. Bush (President) "It's going to take time to restore chaos."
 
Bob Hope (Entertainer) " If you haven't Charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble."

Plato (Philosopher) "Opinions are the medium between knowledge and ignorance."

JFK (President) "Let us not seek to fix blame for the past but accept responsibility for the future."

Will Rogers (Humorist) "There are three kinds of men: those who learn by readin', those who learn by observation and those who have to pee on the electric fence themselves."

Abe Lincoln (President) "The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time."

Donald Trump (President) "One of the wettest...from the standpoint of water." I'm a stable genius."

FDR (President) "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

Christ (Savior) "A new command I give you, Love one another as I have loved you."

Perhaps you have a favorite quote...

Money

Unless you live under a rock, you know by now that America's biggest automaker, General Motors saw 50,000 employees walk off the job last week and declare a workers' strike. These are the times that I wish I fully understood economics. I shall admit, I don't. However, like most of my fellow Americans, I still have an opinion and subsequently pick a side to support. It's easy for me when I understand that a journeyman assembly-line worker is making $38.00 per hour ($123,000.00 per year) compared to the General Motors CEO who makes 295-times that amount for a whopping 22 million dollars a year salary. On a personal note my first 'new' auto purchase was a 1962 Chevy II, with a $2,200.00 price tag...my wife and I purchased a 2019 Toyota Avalon last year with a sticker price of $41,000.00.  As Forrest Gump would opine, "And that's all I have to say about that."

I will tell you that there remains two events in my youth that turned me off on economics: First, it was the fifth grade at Woodrow Wilson Grade School when the teacher posed this arithmetic word problem> 'Bobby's dad bought 10-gallons of gasoline at .30 cents per gallon. He drives his next door neighbor to and from work very day, which totals 34-miles round trip. If the two men are to split cost, how much should Bobby's dad charge his neighbor weekly?' I immediately thought, how sad. I would not ask my neighbor for a nickel for gas but develop such a friendship that he'd offer to fill up my car once in awhile. I suppose that's one reason I majored in sociology in college.

Secondly, it was about the same time when the Coca-Cola Company discontinued a seventy-year tradition. For 70-years a bottle of Coke was a nickel. Coke increased from .5 cents to .6 cents. Why just two days ago, I walked passed a vending machine and noticed a bottle of Coke was $1.75.
(Touch)
Money--That's What They Need

Decision Was for Me!

A few months ago, I had a healthy and interesting debate with fellow Christian friends about reactions to the 'Street-Corner-Panhandlers.' One individual was adamant suggesting that these handout-seekers are organized by, I suppose a 'money pimp.' I have a difficult time imaging that proposed sophistication. I simply don't give much thought to the whys behind the beggar. I suspect some are vets, many are homeless and many likely in the grips of addiction. I simply don't know and I have not the time nor inclination to investigate each individuals' personal motivation. I remember my youth when homeless, questionable-looking fellas showed up at the back door wanting a handout or offering to do chores for food or money. Back in that day, we called those guys 'Hobos.'  My family often gave them a little work project and then a couple of dollars and sent them on their way. Of course, my maternal grandmother, Mammy Bennett found some food and perhaps old shoes, socks or a shirt for them.

Personally, I sometimes give a few bucks to those Street-Corner beggars. I would likely give more often but obviously I have financial limits. No, I'm not concerned with the thought>'will this person purchase alcohol?'  I give because I am moved at the moment to do so and I have a dollar I don't need just then.

I know some of the taxes I pay goes to government programs for the needy as I understand some monies I tithe to my church does likewise. In both those instances somebody else has the audacity to make the giveaway decision in my behalf. So be it. I scratch my head with amazement how people in control of monies rationalize their giving. President Trump recently gave a big tax break that benefited the more affluent citizenry while his 2019 budget called for many cuts in programs for the poverty stricken. He also gave a 16-billion dollar bailout to farmers adversely affected by his tariffs. Trump can do that because he's President and I can give my money to the corner panhandler because...

"If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion--how can God's love be in that person?" 1-John 3:17

Two Masterful Communicators

Many Ronald Reagan 'lovers' championed the late president as 'The Great Communicator.' Personally, I never bought that line. Any person who begins most responses to questions with, "Well..." does not suggest to me that a great communicator is about to speak! Without question both former President Franklin D. Roosevelt and current President Donald J. Trump outshine Reagan when it comes to 'communicating.'

FDR served as president from 1933-until his death in-1945. Consider, if you will that he was at the leadership helm coming out of a Great Depression and during World War II. His challenges were great and in an effort to lift the hopes and spirits of a downtrodden nation, President Roosevelt see the relatively new media tool called 'radio' and established his famous 'Fireside Chats.' Thirty-one times over a 13-year period, Roosevelt 'talked' to Americans as he connected a government for the people with the people.

Today, President Trump has essentially eliminated the long-standing White House Press Conference, which traditionally offered insight into our governments 'thinking' and policy intentions. Instead, Trump uses two modern-day media tools to communicate: He tweets over the Internet continuously and before leaving the White House on Presidential trips, he stands nearby a helicopter on the White House grounds and shouts opinions, insults and answers to a press corps as a nation of confused and divided people's watches via television. Once finished with his 'Chopperside Chats,' Trump heads to a political rally where he continues his insults and personally denigrates anybody opposing his views.

FDR was a master with his words, which called upon our better angels; Trump is equally masterful at tapping the hateful evilness in our midst. Whereas FDR lifted the 'WE' spirit of a nation, Trump gives impetus to disagreements and hostilities thus creating a greater chasm between people, which perpetuates 'Us vs. Them' attitudes.

Actually, one might make a strong case that Trump is a better communicator than was FDR. And then perhaps, today's America simply has an insatiable appetite for hate, racial bigotry and religious intolerance.

Dismantling Democray

Soon American President, Donald Trump will name his fourth National Security Advisor in less than three years. One of the previous three had to resign because he is a criminal, another quit because he could not function in Trump's administration and the third NSA left having either been fired or quitting. Currently that fella (John Bolton) and Trump are engaging in a peeing contest regarding the truth.

Just recently,  at a 'Chopper--Side Chat' Trump said there was 15-people who wanted the NSA job because "It's enjoyable working with Donald Trump because the job is easy since I (Trump) make all the decisions." Americans should not casually dismiss that latter comment. "I make all the decisions."

From my world history studies, I recall other leaders who 'made all their country's decisions:'
Adolf Hitler (Germany), Benito Mussolini (Italy), Fidel Castro (Cuba), Saddam Hussein (Iraq), Joseph Stalin (Russia) and Kim Jong Un ( North Korea).

Say nothing, do nothing and your children and grandchildren will not have YOUR choice of apathy.
(Touch)
Sooner or Later

Doing It The Right Way

My youngest daughter, mother of two adult children telephoned last evening and cut immediately to the chase with a question she posed seeking an urgent answer. My interest quickly peaked due to the tone of her voice...I listened carefully as the inquiry resonated, "Dad, she started, when you blow your nose do you blow one nostril side and then the other or do you blow with both nostril sides open?"

Immediately, all kinds of thoughts began running through my mind. My goodness, this daughter is 51-years old and somewhere in her early training I missed a parenting teaching responsibility. How did this happen? I began going through a mental check list>I remember impressing upon her to look both ways crossing streets, explaining proper  table manners, how to budget study time and to respect reasoning behind teenage curfews. Oh, for sure I gave that 'Birds & Bees' lesson. But how did I overlook the nose-blowing lesson?! I set my shame aside and answered her question: "You should blow one nostril-side and then the other nostril-side." My daughter laughed with delight as she yelled at her husband standing nearby listening on the speaker-phone, "See, I told you that you were blowing your nose wrong," she told him. I breathed a sigh of relief knowing my son in-law's parents screwed up...not me. But then perhaps I am guilty of not thoroughly vetting my son in-law when he was dating my daughter.

Soon, I'm going to muster the nerve to ask my daughter another critical question: "Does your toilet-paper come off the roll the proper way, which is over-the-top?"  Meanwhile, I need to make a list of things' to share with the grandkids. Oh my, when does this parenting guilt end?

Parents Going It Alone

The 1959 Illinois State University sociology professor was quoting a 'Family Relationship' research study when he said, "It's likely healthier for a married couple to visit their respective parents no more than twice a year." His comment seemed to fly in the face of the long-standing African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child." And if you please, how about Biblical scripture, which suggests the same in Ecclesiastes 4:9, "Two are better than one....if either of them falls down one can help the other up."

 On a personal note, I am without question a product from 'a village.' That said, through the years increased family mobility became a game changer along with the more permissive parenting attitude perpetuated by Dr. Spock. I grew up wanting to please my parents; not sure the youngsters today embrace that mission. In fact, I sense the pleasing-thing has flipped; parents bust their butts trying to make things smooth, easy and enjoyable for their children.

Parents and preachers of my youth spoke of ' Hell-to-Pay' consequences. Youth today are less concerned about a result or effect from their actions or behavior. And nobody goes to a church to hear a pastor preach hell-fire-and-damnation when you can stay home, kick back in your easy chair and listen to 'feel good' fella, Joel Olsteen.

Ah, I'll stop there, I'm beginning to sound like a grumpy old eighty year old fart. I am glad I see my kids more than twice a year!

Separation of Church and State

"Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." So reads the actual words of the First Amendment of the Constitution.

I personally confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. As coach, I said a basketball pre-game prayer before every game. I could have been called on the carpet for that activity but I never was.
I understand that organized prayer moments in our public schools presents monumental issues. Whose prayer book shall be embraced, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, etc. Each of the aforementioned religious groups are likely made up of tax paying citizens supporting the public schools, therefore why not 'their' prayer?

I am always amused by nincompoops who make such shortsighted proclamations, i.e., "We need to bring back prayer in our schools." First, I find it rather lame to expect our public 'schools' to do so many parenting responsibilities and secondly, I'd wish somebody would explain to me why only 14-to-18 percent of professed American Christians attend church on a weekly basis and it's these folks wanting prayer in schools.

As for prayer in public schools. Let's do it. Let's aside15-minutes daily for student prayer sessions. We just need to establish many room locations offering prayer from every organized American religion plus a room for non-believers to stare out the windows.

Let Freedom Ring?

America, the land of freedom...hardly! Now that two Republicans have announced candidacy for the Republican Party's 2020 presidential primaries, we note several states make declarations suggesting their state WILL NOT conduct primaries in the obvious effort to protect President Trump's nomination.

These munipulations coupled with 'Moscow' Mitch McConnell's refusal to protect the integrity of the 2020 Presidential election underscores a reality that American democracy is a myth...a fairy tale!

America's Declining Dignity

Swearing has always been part of the American folkways. Even our politicians of yesterday did their fair amount of 'cursing' or as we said in my neighborhood, 'cussing.' We must make the point, however that most politicians in days gone by did their cussing in private moments not before a campaign crowd. Well, that behavior appears in jeopardy for this 2020 presidential campaign trail.

President Trump's public potty-mouth is well documented and for the sake of decency, I shall not list all of Donald's vulgar mouthing moments. I also will point to Joe Biden who thought he was off-microphone when he made his infamous 'f'..ing' remark to Obama regarding the passing of the Affordable Care Act. With the aforementioned underscored, please note that dropping the 'f-bomb' and other nasty language is becoming more the norm on this 2020 presidential run. Now, some who dislike Trump will lay the blame at his feet but I think that's far too easy and untrue. I think the reason we hear this vulgarity slipping into the political arena is simply because it's become common place in the general public. That's right. And it's likely to get worse because as a society we no longer hold folks accountable and if we should the person we chastised for foul language is likely 'carrying.'

The thought occurs to me that if we begin giving a potty-mouth pass to our elected officials why not teachers, television commentators and celebrities? I know how high school kids spew vulgarities so let the teachers' rip on the student, eh? Boy, can you imagine how some on-the-scene reporters could give 'colorful' wording to fires, tornadoes and hurricanes. And just think how wonderfully descriptive our sports' heroes  could explain a spectacular play.

Call me a fool (and some do), I still call out young or old who bark out a vulgarity in my presence especially if my wife or other women are nearby.
(Touch)
My World

A Smart Coach Won't Ignore

The thirty-seven years coaching high school basketball, I embraced two major objectives, which if successfully addressed rendered the main outcome goal. First, I wanted to develop a year-to-year all-level program focus protecting its integrity and secondly, develop and sustain a basketball family atmosphere. If I could accomplish those two objectives then the day I would leave that coaching position, I would leave a basketball program in better shape than I inherited.

In today's blog, I wish to address one growing factor regarding the second objective; developing and sustaining a basketball family. We must acknowledge that the relationship dynamics in high school sports can be most difficult to harness and move in a positive direction. That relationship between player-parents-coach. That said, it is paramount that parents and players have a constructive format, which they agree to follow when concerned about their child's participation in basketball. Our programs developed and insisted on following a specific communication process.

In recent times, I note the potential for program destruction coming via the Facebook-Internet interaction. As a coach, I could not control what those outside our program said or did. As the coach, I was totally responsible for protecting the program and I did. Regarding the Facebook-Internet factor, a smart coach would have parents and players sign a pledge, i.e. Athletic code-pledge that they would NOT engage in those Facebook Internet exchanges while participating in the basketball program. This would be an acknowledgment that 'the program's' integrity is our central obligation.

This agreement is not some sort of an indictment of free speech. It is an agreement that as a committed member of a group with a mission, we must 'circle the wagons' and protect 'The Family.'

The Name Game

I believe I've mentioned in previous blogs that I am fond of 'nicknames.' Growing up in 1940's 1950's East St. Louis most everybody had a nickname-handle. There was Lumpy, Poochie, Pud, Stump,
Ping-Pong, Frog, Shimmy, Welder-Brain and yours truly, Moe. I have 15-grandchildren and I've given each a nickname. Some like their nickname and some don't.

Many of our sports' notables have had nicknames: There was 'The Babe,' The Splendid Splinter, The Man, Broadway Joe, Ducky, PeeWee, Scooter and The Big 'O.'

Throughout America's history many of our Presidents were given nicknames: Thomas 'Monticello Sage' Jefferson, Andrew 'Jackass' Jackson, (which became the Democrat Party's symbol), 'Honest' Abe Lincoln, 'Tricky Dick' Nixon and 'Slick Willie' Clinton.

It's time to settle on a nickname for the current White House occupant, Donald J. Trump. Here are just a few to consider:
Cheeto Chief, The Mad Creamsicle, Captain Choas, Cadet Bone Spurs, Orange Julius, Carrot Demon,  Creep Throat, Dishonest Don and my favorite, Trumplethinskin.

Perhaps you have another favorite. And remember, we already have a Russian reference:
                                                         'Moscow Mitch.'
(Touch)
Give That Man a Name!

And This Is America?

When I was a public school age kid, I remember the students practicing fire drills. In the last fifty years there has been zero school deaths from fires. In 1949, we began practicing 'Duck & Cover Drills' as we welcomed in the nuclear bomb era. Zero American kids have been killed by an atomic bomb dropped near their school.

Since the turn of the 21st century (2000), 292 school children have been killed at school and 439 kids have suffered gun shot wounds by home grown mass murdering terrorists and most of those killers were white guys. I suppose this is why the little elementary girl going to her new school was crying uncontrollably saying, "But Mommy, I don't know where I'm suppose to hide from the shooting guy!"

Our babies must practice "active shooter" drills in the land of the free and home of the brave while our US Senators pretend to be Patriots and our President wants to spend billions of dollars on a wall to keep brown skin people out of our country. American parents are fools to allow this to be their child's normalcy!

In his first inaugural address, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, sensing the public's uncertainty and panic over the Great Depression told the country, "The only thing to fear is fear itself." In our 21st century America, I say "The only thing to fear is one another everywhere we go."

Que Paso, Kiddos

I believe it was about nine to ten years ago, America's school districts began having the debate about removing those sugar-laced vending machines from schools hoping to increase the likelihood of students opting for a cafeteria lunch of fish-sticks and tater-tots over a Snickers and Pepsi. Many school districts made the move and gave up financial kickbacks from soft drink/candy companies as they hauled away those evil sugar-high machines.

Today there is a new debate smoldering in Illinois as the citizenry prepares to embrace the legalization of recreational marijuana. That's right, some city council meetings are noticing sides chosen over the question regarding placing pot vending machines in the public square and once in the public square how far behind is the school pot machine in the All-purpose room?

I believe there is reason to be optimistic folks. Stop and consider: marijuana contains the ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol, which causes the 'high' when used and also stimulates the appetite. Yep, first comes the buzz and then comes the munchies. And not any foods will suffice. The palate desires sugar and carbohydrates. Once those pot vending machines are in the high school the return of those candy/pop vending offerings must follow.

The good news from all this will be the school's  'financial-windfall.' No longer will the junior class need to have sock hops and those lame money-making events, i.e. car washes to raise money to send the class ahead of them on a Senior Trip to Washington D.C.  No sir! The Senior Class can head to Aruba for some real fun!

Apples & Oranges

It would seem that every time there is a mass home-grown terrorist shooting resulting in multiple fatalities some gun-lovin' right-winger attempts to rationalize the horrendous event by offering the lame comparison of the plethora of inner-city murders in Chicago. The notion that the two gun events are similar is ludicrous.

Most inner-city gun shootings resulting in murder is Black-on-Black killings either motivated by gangs settling scores or drug-money issues. It would appear that inner city young Blacks kill for foolish pride or money while the large number of White guys shooting people of color, different faiths or ideologies has become a contagious sick copycat sport shared by angry bigots.

The other lame rationale regarding mass shootings is found with laying blame at the feet of 'mental illness.' Since it is well-documented that 22%-to-25% of mass shootings in America is traced to mental illness then let's be passionate about re-building State Mental Hospitals, which were closed by that great communicator, Ronnie Reagan. Then we can continue to fight the made-in-hell partnership of the GOP and NRA on gun control issues.

Labor Day Jeopardy Question

JEOPARDY QUESTION: This individual would like the United States to purchase Greenland, never heard of a category '5' hurricane and believes Alabama is an Atlantic coastal State.

WHO IS-__________________________________________________

More Ain't Better, Bubba

I am not wise enough to offer a solution to the escalating gun violence and mass killings in America. I am however smart enough to expose the falseness and hollowness behind the myth that 'more' guns in the hands of Americans somehow makes our society safer. That's simply incorrect and in fact, stupid logic. More is NOT better. More speed (55-to-70 mph) might get you to your destination faster but there is an 8% increased chance of you having an accident and should you have an accident there is a 24% greater likelihood that the accident will produce a fatality.

If more weapons make a society safer then what's the big deal concerning Iran and North Korea developing a nuclear weapon...would that not make our world safer. The more the better!

Of course on a personal note, the only time I've ever noticed 'more' being better was my baseball team was scoring more runs when I was pitching and after the game there was 'more' Tapioca pudding at the Sinorak Smorgasboard in Bloomington, Illinois.

Stranger in this Land

Change happens; some for the benefit and good of mankind while some to the detriment of a society. In my lifetime, I've noticed some terrific developments, inventions and progress, which has positively impacted generations before and after my crowd. There have been numerous medical advancements that improve and extend life. Scientific technology continues to result in the positive domino effect.

On a personal note, I no longer need to stop four or five times to ask directions when traveling across country. Nope, I simply type an address into my auto's navigation system and some female voice guides this direction-challenged individual through a maze of highways to the doorstep of my destination. Oh, and I don't need to roll-down my auto window to give arm-signals indicating which way I'm turning...'How 'bout that vacation fans?!'

With all the good changes occurring during my journey, I must pause and consider a downside in America's 21st Century culture. Whereas technology seemingly has given us great advantages, we seem hell-bent to continue a downward spiral of social mores leading to destructive behavior. 

My grandkids can't ride a bike across town for fear of abduction. Adults in positions of leadership and moral authority, i.e., teachers and clergy are no longer viewed as certain safe havens but perhaps something to the contrary. 

  

Here's a few other noted changes:    

 1. I notice folks dress down these days more than dressing 'up.' 

 2. Vulgar expressions and cursing is common in the public square.

 3. Over-indulgence is the rule with both food and alcohol. Moderation is blasé' 

 4. Many Americans claim a religious faith while fewer attend a worship place.

 5. More and more youngsters are crippled by over-protective parents living vicariously through their 

     children. Not only do parents want the teacher or coach to be fired if their child is not highlighted

     but they will buy alcohol for underage children for the Homecoming Party and cheat to get them 

     into prestigious universities. ( I've documented both).

 6. The open expressions of hateful bigotry is now in the light of day. 

 7. Due to the thirst for money and power, our nation is incapable of addressing the escalating gun 

     violence resulting in a society that lives in fear, suspicion and distrustfulness.
 8. Our neighbors no longer read, research or investigate in order to understand or conclude, but
     gather information from comments posted on questionable Internet sites just as long as the
     information 'fits' a predetermined attitude embraced by a closed mind.
 9. Today, our countrymen debate 'truth;' wrap your mind around that thought!
10 Never did I think that in America the day would come when mud-slides, wildfires, global
     warming, foreign terror-attack, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes would be ALMOST as
     frightening as a domestic mass shooter showing up at my grandchild's school picnic.

I suspect others from my generation may feel as I do; 'A stranger in paradise.