Sport competition has dramatically impacted my life. As a ten year old boy beginning a fifty-one year competitive sport journey, I have witnessed great moments in sport competition and likewise some ugly moments.
In 1988, eventual IHSA State Basketball Champions, East St. Louis Lincoln played Jacksonville high school in a Shoot-Out at the JHS Bowl in mid-January. The game featured future Division I standouts, Andy Kaufmann (Jacksonville) and LaPhonso Ellis and Cuonzo Martin (Lincoln). Before the sold out contest began, I noticed young and old basketball fans clamor to get autographs from the soon to be college standouts. The game was a hotly contested battle. As the two teams entered the court to begin the final quarter, it was pointed out by an assistant coach that 3,300 fans came to their feet in a standing ovation. They appreciated the spirited and talented show. It ranks as the best moment in sport competition I ever experienced. That same season, I saw two disgusting and ugly sport competition moments. Both of these incidences occurred in Quincy, Illinois. At Norte Dame high school a OND player punched Kaufmann in the stomach and a fight broke out between players and several Norte Dame fans came from the stands to engage in the melee. In another incident at Quincy high school a Blue Devils' player spit in Kaufmann's face on three different ocassions before refereees spotted and ejected the player for unsportsmanlike behavior.
As a sport participant is basketball and baseball during my high school and college days, I never engaged in trash talking, bantering or even friendly conversation with opponents. I fraternized one time and one time only with an opposing player and that player was SIUC baseball player Richard 'Itchy' Jones. We met for dinner during a weekend baseball series at Illinois State at a mutual friend's home. My philosophy regarding opponents when playing remained the same during my coaching career: I did not dislike my opponent but let's face it, my opponent wants to beat me and I want to beat him and that gets confusing in friendships. 'Respect All; Fear None.'
I often thought that highly anticipated games between my mid-1960's, Mason City teams with San Jose and Havana high schools would have been more fun without fans. Likewise, I felt the same way about those Edwardsville vs. Collinsville games and my Crimsons' squads vs. the Blue Devils. Players of all stripes play best when they shut out all exterior noises and find themselves in a talent-game-flow...easier to do without fans.
I thought about this the other night watching St. Louis Cardinals' pitcher Adam Wainwright celebrate his 39th Birthday pitching a complete game victory regeristing 9- strike outs and allowing only four hits. Like all games during this abbreviated 2020 Covid baseball season it was played before an empty stadium. When the game ended, the opposing team (Cleveland) stood in their dugout until Wainwright noticed them at which time they tipped their hats in an acknowledgement of his performance...a true sportsmanship gesture in...The Purity of Sport Competition.
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Catch, Dunk, Homer, Win Gold But Keep Your Mouth Shut!
The first Black slaves were brought to America in 1619. As slavery developed and took a socio-econimic foothold in the new country so did mythical beliefs of White's perceptions of Blacks. Don't forget the fact that for 244 years Whites 'owned' Blacks and therefore generations of Whites grew up with the misconception that Blacks were endowed with greater physical strength but at the same time had lesser capacity in intellect when compared to Whites.
Long after the emancipation of Blacks the obstacles for them to achieve were difficult if not nearly impossible. In track and field White America applauded a Black guy named Jessie Owens who stuck it in Adolf Hitler's ass during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Before that Boxing Champion, Jack Johnson caught America's eyes. It was in the late 1940's that Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby endured the slings, arrows and race baiting ugliness of White baseball fans and other White players. Even as the Black man proved his worthiness on the sports' stage it wasn't good enough to earn him a place at the table, same restrooms or any bus seat with Whites. Nothing illustrates this better than when a 22 year old Cassius Clay dethroned Sonny Liston to claim the World Boxing Championship but later realizing he would be denied service at a lunch counter back in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Then Whites vilified a Muhammad Ali for refusing to serve in a USA military.
As some laws demanded equality, i.e., civil rights, voting rights and federal laws prohibiting job discrimination, White people still get pissed off if a person of color dares to speak his political opinion or protest against or for a cause. An NFL player kneeling during the National Anthem sets off the anger of a President who lied about a his own physical disability to avoid military service for that country. Fox News anchor, Laura Ingraham probably epitomized that 'White' superior attitude when after NBA player LaBron James spoke out about politics. Ingraham said, "I'm not interested in the political advice from someone who gets paid 100 million dollars a year to bounce a ball...shut up and dribble." Ingraham also took the opportunity to make light of James' language skills saying his speech was "Barely intelligible and ungrammatical." She could have added what many Whites have said for centuries, 'Those people need to know their place.' Perhaps Trump said it another way when on the heels of the NBA boycotting games after a police killing of a Black man, Trump suggested The NBA is a political organization. In short a group largely comprised of Blacks should not have an opinion.
I am a privileged White American. Thank God I was not born Black in this country. I cannot imagine the hardships facing my brothers and sisters of color. Make no mistake this imbedded sin of bigotry and racism in our beloved America is coming to a sociological crescendo with the 2020 Presidential election. This election is all about COLORS: It's about Green, White & Black; not Red, White & Blue.
Long after the emancipation of Blacks the obstacles for them to achieve were difficult if not nearly impossible. In track and field White America applauded a Black guy named Jessie Owens who stuck it in Adolf Hitler's ass during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Before that Boxing Champion, Jack Johnson caught America's eyes. It was in the late 1940's that Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby endured the slings, arrows and race baiting ugliness of White baseball fans and other White players. Even as the Black man proved his worthiness on the sports' stage it wasn't good enough to earn him a place at the table, same restrooms or any bus seat with Whites. Nothing illustrates this better than when a 22 year old Cassius Clay dethroned Sonny Liston to claim the World Boxing Championship but later realizing he would be denied service at a lunch counter back in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Then Whites vilified a Muhammad Ali for refusing to serve in a USA military.
As some laws demanded equality, i.e., civil rights, voting rights and federal laws prohibiting job discrimination, White people still get pissed off if a person of color dares to speak his political opinion or protest against or for a cause. An NFL player kneeling during the National Anthem sets off the anger of a President who lied about a his own physical disability to avoid military service for that country. Fox News anchor, Laura Ingraham probably epitomized that 'White' superior attitude when after NBA player LaBron James spoke out about politics. Ingraham said, "I'm not interested in the political advice from someone who gets paid 100 million dollars a year to bounce a ball...shut up and dribble." Ingraham also took the opportunity to make light of James' language skills saying his speech was "Barely intelligible and ungrammatical." She could have added what many Whites have said for centuries, 'Those people need to know their place.' Perhaps Trump said it another way when on the heels of the NBA boycotting games after a police killing of a Black man, Trump suggested The NBA is a political organization. In short a group largely comprised of Blacks should not have an opinion.
I am a privileged White American. Thank God I was not born Black in this country. I cannot imagine the hardships facing my brothers and sisters of color. Make no mistake this imbedded sin of bigotry and racism in our beloved America is coming to a sociological crescendo with the 2020 Presidential election. This election is all about COLORS: It's about Green, White & Black; not Red, White & Blue.
Saturday, August 15, 2020
'Us Against Them' Sadly Within
I cannot say that I predicted what has become apparent in this year 2020, but in hindsight and based upon my experiences it sadly makes perfect sense. No, I'm not talking about the coronavirus pandemic. Only few could have imagined that nightmare. I am talking about making openly known that which has always existed, America's 'Bigotry' and Racism.' The catalyst or vehicle bringing this issue into the light of day has been the speech act of one President Donald J. Trump. It began with veiled subtleties, innuendos and coded language.
To best connect the dots, I would offer my formative experiences of the 1940's and 1950's. I was raised by hardworking, God worshiping parents and an extended family in multicultural/diversified East St. Louis, a city of some 80,000 people who understood the unspoken boundaries of forced and unforced separation. Many second generation immigrants continued to intentionally settle in geographical pockets, which afforded the desired comforts of practiced language and customs similarities. I don't recall shared fears that folks from Poland, Italy, Ireland, Checloslavia, France, etc. would move into your neighborhood but woe betide should the 'Colored' people from the 'Southend' move in. Oh, it was okay if Black women came into those White neighborhoods to do domestic work but they best be on a City bus headed to their 'own' area come four o'clock. Those folks best 'know their place.' The Blacks of that period were denied many good paying union jobs and forced to live in slums. Whites could then point to them in a condescending tone suggesting 'laziness.' However if a black man looked to be energetic and bent on upward mobility, White folks could label him as an 'uppity ni*#er.' I heard it over and over.
I can't speak for other cities but I can for St. Louis and East St. Louis when I state that ignorant prejudices unsubstantiated by facts were muted and consealed in those times but nevertheless existed. I heard those conversation that promoted those 'white-man' fears and negative attitudes towards people of color. It was confusing. Most in my neighborhood were Church going people. Following the teachings of Christ but sure the hell not living those teachings. (And Christians today weigh-in on abortion and gay-lesbian rights while ignoring racism as obvious as brown children locked in cages separated from parents).
In the past three and one half years our President, propped-up a complicit Republican Party has gone from negative racially charged coded hate language, ie, "Drug dealers, Thugs and rapist," to the less subtle fear mongering about safety in the suburbs should he (Trump) not be re-elected..."Your home will go down in value." Trump sells the fear of Blacks coming into your neighborhood would cause crime to go up while home values and safety decreases.
America's hate filled divisiveness nurtured by a President who wishes to play upon fears promotes racial intolerance and rippens the field for conflict, which may soon culminate with horrible sights in our streets. I fear circumstances following our 2020, Presidential election. The most powerful nation in the world can defeat all outside enemies but cannot protect from within.
"A house divided against itself cannot stand." Abraham Lincoln
To best connect the dots, I would offer my formative experiences of the 1940's and 1950's. I was raised by hardworking, God worshiping parents and an extended family in multicultural/diversified East St. Louis, a city of some 80,000 people who understood the unspoken boundaries of forced and unforced separation. Many second generation immigrants continued to intentionally settle in geographical pockets, which afforded the desired comforts of practiced language and customs similarities. I don't recall shared fears that folks from Poland, Italy, Ireland, Checloslavia, France, etc. would move into your neighborhood but woe betide should the 'Colored' people from the 'Southend' move in. Oh, it was okay if Black women came into those White neighborhoods to do domestic work but they best be on a City bus headed to their 'own' area come four o'clock. Those folks best 'know their place.' The Blacks of that period were denied many good paying union jobs and forced to live in slums. Whites could then point to them in a condescending tone suggesting 'laziness.' However if a black man looked to be energetic and bent on upward mobility, White folks could label him as an 'uppity ni*#er.' I heard it over and over.
I can't speak for other cities but I can for St. Louis and East St. Louis when I state that ignorant prejudices unsubstantiated by facts were muted and consealed in those times but nevertheless existed. I heard those conversation that promoted those 'white-man' fears and negative attitudes towards people of color. It was confusing. Most in my neighborhood were Church going people. Following the teachings of Christ but sure the hell not living those teachings. (And Christians today weigh-in on abortion and gay-lesbian rights while ignoring racism as obvious as brown children locked in cages separated from parents).
In the past three and one half years our President, propped-up a complicit Republican Party has gone from negative racially charged coded hate language, ie, "Drug dealers, Thugs and rapist," to the less subtle fear mongering about safety in the suburbs should he (Trump) not be re-elected..."Your home will go down in value." Trump sells the fear of Blacks coming into your neighborhood would cause crime to go up while home values and safety decreases.
America's hate filled divisiveness nurtured by a President who wishes to play upon fears promotes racial intolerance and rippens the field for conflict, which may soon culminate with horrible sights in our streets. I fear circumstances following our 2020, Presidential election. The most powerful nation in the world can defeat all outside enemies but cannot protect from within.
"A house divided against itself cannot stand." Abraham Lincoln
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Time To Sell...Sellers Market.
We Americans have little control if any control over the events governing our nation. I once thought that our voting exercise was powerful but between the foreign influence from Russia and the fraud laced mail-in voting reported by our current President, it (voting) is 'smoke n' mirrors.' If reasonable minded countrymen (a fast dwindling number) would step back and clear their heads they would see all kinds of indications suggesting the time is ripe to cut a deal and sell America. Relax! Don't work yourself into a dither or tell me to "Love America or Leave it." I love this country but I've been paying attention to the obvious things that support this notion to 'sell.' Hear me out...
It's been a terrific run. Starting with the Pilgrims, the Westward expansion, the industrialization and high technology, we did ourselves proud notwithstanding a few moral missteps along the way, i.e., cheating and massacring Native Americans, enslaving Black people, operating Japanese Internment Camps and turning away Hispanic immigrants while they support our economy with the cheap wages given to those illegals we ignore. We got filled with ourselves and got cocky. Bob Hope and Bing Crosby made all those 'Road Movies' back in the 1940' & '50's and it pissed off the Arab nations who slowly starting getting even with us. The Mexicans never got over their war lost to America and the land we stole from them and now the descendants of Santa Ana keep sneaking into our country screwing up the economy, our schools and the health care system, however they do keep our lawns looking good. If you have been paying attention foreign countries have been buying up American land.
Today, we got a pandemic that soon will kill over 200,000 Americans and obviously our leaders cannot make intentional and intelligent decisions to arrest the plague. We need to 'sell' America to the highest bidder and that's not an irrational statement. An irrational statement is when somebody says, "The Spanish Flu of 1917 caused a lot of soldiers to get sick and probably ended World War II."
America has already allowed foreign countries to control and manage our Port Terminals, as well as selling off United States' tollways and bridges to foreign countries. If we check into an American hotel or motel these days or visit a 7/11 Store, we are frequently greeted by a Middle Eastern person whose grandfather owns the property.
I'm convinced we can get a good price for the country along with some important desirable perks. Consider: 1) Give us reservations just like the Indians have but make sure it's gated so we don't have to live next to people who don't look like us. 2) Make sure we can get cheap gas for our SUV and plenty of beer and brats for our tailgating parties. 3) No restrictions on hunting game with semi-automatics. 4) Television access for porn movies, preacher programs, game shows, reality shows and sports. Since the national passtime will become Camel racing, we should be guaranteed revenue off one Camel race track ownership. (Note: We would give the profits to our educational system).
It's been a terrific run. Starting with the Pilgrims, the Westward expansion, the industrialization and high technology, we did ourselves proud notwithstanding a few moral missteps along the way, i.e., cheating and massacring Native Americans, enslaving Black people, operating Japanese Internment Camps and turning away Hispanic immigrants while they support our economy with the cheap wages given to those illegals we ignore. We got filled with ourselves and got cocky. Bob Hope and Bing Crosby made all those 'Road Movies' back in the 1940' & '50's and it pissed off the Arab nations who slowly starting getting even with us. The Mexicans never got over their war lost to America and the land we stole from them and now the descendants of Santa Ana keep sneaking into our country screwing up the economy, our schools and the health care system, however they do keep our lawns looking good. If you have been paying attention foreign countries have been buying up American land.
Today, we got a pandemic that soon will kill over 200,000 Americans and obviously our leaders cannot make intentional and intelligent decisions to arrest the plague. We need to 'sell' America to the highest bidder and that's not an irrational statement. An irrational statement is when somebody says, "The Spanish Flu of 1917 caused a lot of soldiers to get sick and probably ended World War II."
America has already allowed foreign countries to control and manage our Port Terminals, as well as selling off United States' tollways and bridges to foreign countries. If we check into an American hotel or motel these days or visit a 7/11 Store, we are frequently greeted by a Middle Eastern person whose grandfather owns the property.
I'm convinced we can get a good price for the country along with some important desirable perks. Consider: 1) Give us reservations just like the Indians have but make sure it's gated so we don't have to live next to people who don't look like us. 2) Make sure we can get cheap gas for our SUV and plenty of beer and brats for our tailgating parties. 3) No restrictions on hunting game with semi-automatics. 4) Television access for porn movies, preacher programs, game shows, reality shows and sports. Since the national passtime will become Camel racing, we should be guaranteed revenue off one Camel race track ownership. (Note: We would give the profits to our educational system).
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Beholden to Lou
Word came a few days ago that former University of Illinois basketball coach Lou Henson died at age 88. Without question, Lou Henson was a true gentleman in every manner. He was also somebody that helped my basketball program immensely. Let me explain. At the close of the 1984-85 basketball season, Andy Kaufmann had completed his freshmen basketball year at Jacksonville Routt Catholic high school where he led the team in scoring. The summer before his sophomore season, Kaufman attended an Illini basketball camp where he impressed the entire coaching staff and namely, Head Coach Lou Henson. Henson suggested to Andy and his father, Bill that Andy would benefit playing a larger school schedule than Routt's. The rest as the say is history. Andy enrolled at Jacksonville high school where he would lead the state in scoring three consecutive years and catapult the Crimsons to a Sweet 16 birth in 1988.
As I recall the recruiting process of Kaufmann, I cannot help but think of Henson's style and demeanor. Lou was kind, smooth and always ready to compliment the high school mentor. I suppose many college coaches think that their targeted recruit is going to listen to their high school coach when deciding which college they would attend. That may be true in many cases but not in this coach's case. I never did attempt to influence my players in their college choice because I knew very well they'd have good days and bad days at whichever college they attended and therefore it was important that college choice was the student-athletes and not their high school coach. That said, the buttering up of the high school coach remains a factor. From 1986 to 1987, Henson and assistant, Dick Nagy became fixtures in Jacksonville. Henson would attend some JHS home games and during warm ups he'd come down to courtside to visit with me and the opposing coach...visual, very visual for fans and community. Lou and Nagy once asked what time of the school day did Andy eat lunch. After sharing that information within a couple of days Henson and Nagy ate lunch with me in the school cafeteria...visual, very visual for Andy and his JHS school mates. At the end of Andy's sophomore season, Coach Henson asked me to be on a Coaches Panel at his Illini Coaches Clinic. Chicago King's Coach Sonny Cox was the only other panelist. Sonny and I answered one question about the high school coach's approach handling communications to their players. I was paid $500.00 for that answer. I told Henson that I thought Kaufmann would make a choice between Illinois and Iowa. Before Andy made that choice, I warned Lou that he might have issues with Andy at the college level that I did not have. I suggested, "Lou, Andy never met a shot he didn't like. I can at times control his passion for offense by posting him. At the college level you cannot post a 6'5" player so easily." Lou simply shrugged off the notion. It's fair to say that Lou at times was frustrated with Andy but needed his incredible scoring ability on the floor. Andy ranks 11th on the all-time individual scoring list. Enough said! During Andy's Illini pre-season, Coach Henson brought his Illinois team to The Bowl (JHS) where they played an intra-squad game before a packed house at $5.00 per ticket. The proceeds went to the Jacksonville Crimsons' basketball program. As I said, Lou Henson was a true gentleman in every manner. May he Rest In Peace. I feel blessed that our paths intertwined during our respective journeys.
As I recall the recruiting process of Kaufmann, I cannot help but think of Henson's style and demeanor. Lou was kind, smooth and always ready to compliment the high school mentor. I suppose many college coaches think that their targeted recruit is going to listen to their high school coach when deciding which college they would attend. That may be true in many cases but not in this coach's case. I never did attempt to influence my players in their college choice because I knew very well they'd have good days and bad days at whichever college they attended and therefore it was important that college choice was the student-athletes and not their high school coach. That said, the buttering up of the high school coach remains a factor. From 1986 to 1987, Henson and assistant, Dick Nagy became fixtures in Jacksonville. Henson would attend some JHS home games and during warm ups he'd come down to courtside to visit with me and the opposing coach...visual, very visual for fans and community. Lou and Nagy once asked what time of the school day did Andy eat lunch. After sharing that information within a couple of days Henson and Nagy ate lunch with me in the school cafeteria...visual, very visual for Andy and his JHS school mates. At the end of Andy's sophomore season, Coach Henson asked me to be on a Coaches Panel at his Illini Coaches Clinic. Chicago King's Coach Sonny Cox was the only other panelist. Sonny and I answered one question about the high school coach's approach handling communications to their players. I was paid $500.00 for that answer. I told Henson that I thought Kaufmann would make a choice between Illinois and Iowa. Before Andy made that choice, I warned Lou that he might have issues with Andy at the college level that I did not have. I suggested, "Lou, Andy never met a shot he didn't like. I can at times control his passion for offense by posting him. At the college level you cannot post a 6'5" player so easily." Lou simply shrugged off the notion. It's fair to say that Lou at times was frustrated with Andy but needed his incredible scoring ability on the floor. Andy ranks 11th on the all-time individual scoring list. Enough said! During Andy's Illini pre-season, Coach Henson brought his Illinois team to The Bowl (JHS) where they played an intra-squad game before a packed house at $5.00 per ticket. The proceeds went to the Jacksonville Crimsons' basketball program. As I said, Lou Henson was a true gentleman in every manner. May he Rest In Peace. I feel blessed that our paths intertwined during our respective journeys.
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Slip Sliding Solidarity
"USA, USA, USA!" We all feel that patriotism, togetherness and solidarity when the USA Women's Gymnastic Team garners Gold. We feel a warm union and affinity belonging to a country that ranks above all other countries in Olympic medal count. Times as these are uplifting as we are reassured through sports that We're Number One. I'm sure you as I get a similar boastful love of country when seeing military reviews or hearing our National Anthem.
These days our country tops another leader board, which hardly elevates joyous pride and feelings of ethonocentrism. The United States of America is number one in total coronavirus cases during this world wide pandemic and it is certainly not causing celebratory nationalistic chants. To the contrary, America's response to this deadly virus has become fractured at the least and building towards deadly chaos in our streets.
Americans have a documented history of meaningful and essential solidarity when facing nature's tragedies and attacks of foes. Despite differences our people came together facing two world wars, a President's assassination, earthquakes, hurricanes and terrorists attacks.
Unfortunately, America has slowly but surely developed enemies within. We seem to quickly view things from a perspective of self-interest and 'us' versus 'them.' A nation which once embraced immigrants is now in a free fall fight about accepting the traveler. We are a people who debate the scientific realities of global warming and a killer virus. We have a large population segment that claim constitutional freedoms and thus refuse to do things for the good of the order.
Recently, I learned of a central Illinois school district that offered to pay the internet service for students to facilitate online education. Several of the internet providers rejected some families in the process because they have outstanding delinquent payments. Really? During a nation wide pandemic!
It has been said through the centuries that difficult and challenging times make great men. I would add it also makes for great women. For that greatest to come forth somebody must demonstrate courage and intentional unifying leadership. We need that now becausemour solidarity is quickly
slip sliding away.
These days our country tops another leader board, which hardly elevates joyous pride and feelings of ethonocentrism. The United States of America is number one in total coronavirus cases during this world wide pandemic and it is certainly not causing celebratory nationalistic chants. To the contrary, America's response to this deadly virus has become fractured at the least and building towards deadly chaos in our streets.
Americans have a documented history of meaningful and essential solidarity when facing nature's tragedies and attacks of foes. Despite differences our people came together facing two world wars, a President's assassination, earthquakes, hurricanes and terrorists attacks.
Unfortunately, America has slowly but surely developed enemies within. We seem to quickly view things from a perspective of self-interest and 'us' versus 'them.' A nation which once embraced immigrants is now in a free fall fight about accepting the traveler. We are a people who debate the scientific realities of global warming and a killer virus. We have a large population segment that claim constitutional freedoms and thus refuse to do things for the good of the order.
Recently, I learned of a central Illinois school district that offered to pay the internet service for students to facilitate online education. Several of the internet providers rejected some families in the process because they have outstanding delinquent payments. Really? During a nation wide pandemic!
It has been said through the centuries that difficult and challenging times make great men. I would add it also makes for great women. For that greatest to come forth somebody must demonstrate courage and intentional unifying leadership. We need that now becausemour solidarity is quickly
slip sliding away.
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Change So Subtle, But Change Indeed.
Certainly considering the current backdrop of Americana, the news was not tragic but it saddened me
nonetheless. The opening sentence in the Decatur Herald-Review letter read: "Beginning August 17, 2020 the Herald-Review will transition from printing seven days a week to five days a week (Tuesday through Saturday)." Obviously, it is a business decision driven by a profit-loss reality. Slowly but surely another indicator of cultural change or more likely defined by generational cultural erosion.
From my East St. Louis growing-up days of the 1940's and 1950's, I recall the hawk-call of the early evening when a paper boy meandered the neighborhood streets calling out: "PAPER, Morning Globe!" And later the next day, you could peruse another St. Louis paper, the Post Dispatch or the East St. Louis Journal. No wonder why the Boy Scouts had an annual Paper Drive, we had papers!
I understand the instantaneous internet and cable television news availability and perhaps it's convenience, yet I also wonder about the greater incidence of today's stress, anxiety and the 35% increase of suicides in the United States over the past twenty years. No, I don't suggest that America's decline in newspaper circulation causes these aforementioned maladies, however it may be reflective of a society's larger decline, the loss of innocence, which gives way to cable news wrapped with angry agendas. Today's informational news is more often cloaked in a political philosophy begging one to view the events as how it affects 'Us' and 'Them' and suggests who's winning.
Old habits die hard and I'm an old guy with habits. Several years ago, the late sports writer, Jim Barnhart wrote a piece for the Bloomington Pantagraph promoting a book I had penned. During our conversation, I shared with Jim that I was not a big Internet news gleaner, but I still enjoyed turning the printed pages at my own leisurely pace and noticing ink left on my fingers.
A simpler place-in-time to which there is no return. The old man must get with it or get off the train.
nonetheless. The opening sentence in the Decatur Herald-Review letter read: "Beginning August 17, 2020 the Herald-Review will transition from printing seven days a week to five days a week (Tuesday through Saturday)." Obviously, it is a business decision driven by a profit-loss reality. Slowly but surely another indicator of cultural change or more likely defined by generational cultural erosion.
From my East St. Louis growing-up days of the 1940's and 1950's, I recall the hawk-call of the early evening when a paper boy meandered the neighborhood streets calling out: "PAPER, Morning Globe!" And later the next day, you could peruse another St. Louis paper, the Post Dispatch or the East St. Louis Journal. No wonder why the Boy Scouts had an annual Paper Drive, we had papers!
I understand the instantaneous internet and cable television news availability and perhaps it's convenience, yet I also wonder about the greater incidence of today's stress, anxiety and the 35% increase of suicides in the United States over the past twenty years. No, I don't suggest that America's decline in newspaper circulation causes these aforementioned maladies, however it may be reflective of a society's larger decline, the loss of innocence, which gives way to cable news wrapped with angry agendas. Today's informational news is more often cloaked in a political philosophy begging one to view the events as how it affects 'Us' and 'Them' and suggests who's winning.
Old habits die hard and I'm an old guy with habits. Several years ago, the late sports writer, Jim Barnhart wrote a piece for the Bloomington Pantagraph promoting a book I had penned. During our conversation, I shared with Jim that I was not a big Internet news gleaner, but I still enjoyed turning the printed pages at my own leisurely pace and noticing ink left on my fingers.
A simpler place-in-time to which there is no return. The old man must get with it or get off the train.
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