American people, although kind-hearted when world tragedies strike, find themselves becoming more divisive, mean spirited and intolerant...and there is an obvious cause...Media Overexposure.
Let's return to those earlier days of news dissemination...the 1950's news cycle and reporting.
I recall local and national news 'print' (newspapers) that indeed slanted towards a political viewpoint however, those newspapers were on a 24 hour release mode. Consumers had 'down time' to digest and 'chill out.' The television nightly news was conducted by individuals the likes of John Cameren Swayze, Walter Cronkite, Chet Huntley and David Brinkley. The verbal news delivery from these gentlemen was packaged with a calmness and even a somewhat reassuring stability...the 'sky was NOT falling' every night at 6:00 PM on the three major television channels. The 'news-disseminating people were not constantly interpreting the news and 'telling' us how to 'think' as so many of today's TV pundits.
Today the news information is constant and unrelenting. It is presented 24/7 on several politically slanted cable networks. Most of these cable news networks overstate the phrase 'Breaking News.' The competition for ratings is driven by sensationalism and finger-pointing angry debate. Our general public is in a state of on-going fault-finding rather than solution finding.
Add to this national news-presentation-phenomenon the personal blogs and Twitter, we American folks appear to be in a never-ending state of frustration or as my Mammy Bennett use to say, "You got yourself worked into a dither."
Many of our presidential candidates demonstrate a less than calm-leadership temperament. Those candidate hopefuls are calling people 'chicken shit' and offering crazy talk of bombing countries 'until the sand glows.'
GOP Presidential Candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz are fear mongering as they jump on the recent tragic terrorists killings in Paris and San Bernadino. Their over-the-top hate rhetoric plays to the most undesirable hateful prejudice attitudes amongst us.
Any level-headed Christ-like thinking follower knows that this is not what we wish to have as a President...then again, perhaps like the news reporting, the reader and viewer has changed.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Protecting All School Campuses
My 'out-of-the-box' thinking is stirred by Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr.'s recent proposal. Falwell, Jr. believes it is time for his students, staff and faculty to get conceal and carry gun permits. The Christian University leader believes that more guns are better and will deter these mass shootings. In Falwell's words, "Let's teach them a lesson if they ever show up here." The Godly man continues, "I've always thought if more 'good' people had conceal and carry permits, then we could end those Muslims before they walk in." (Speculation: I believe Falwell's definition of 'good' people runs along some color, ethnic and religious barometer lines; just my guess).
It is time for Americans to listen to a Falwell. You recall years ago, the late senior Reverend Falwell warned this Nation about those 'TeleTubbies' and how they were designed to cause children to become 'gay.' Most ignored those warnings and you can readily see the problems we have today.
I believe Falwell, JR. is on the right path with this increased numbers of guns on campuses. Actually, the notion causes me to offer an extension of the Falwell concept. I remember when I was a 5th grader at Woodrow Wilson Grade School East St. Louis, Illinois. That school had a ' Patrol Boy' program. These older boys were charged with the responsibility to assist younger less street smart students how to negotiate neighborhood auto traffic to get across streets. Why not initiate a 'Gun Boy' program. Identify 5th & 6th grade boys who would take gun-shooting classes. They could then be equipped with firearms ready to counter-attack any school-intruders intent on shooting people. We should include female students in the gun program to avoid messy ACLU lawsuits and unpleasant PTA Meetings.
We could call this student-gun initiative, 'Patrol Killer Kids Program.'
This should not cost tax payers any money. The NRA would likely fund.
It is time for Americans to listen to a Falwell. You recall years ago, the late senior Reverend Falwell warned this Nation about those 'TeleTubbies' and how they were designed to cause children to become 'gay.' Most ignored those warnings and you can readily see the problems we have today.
I believe Falwell, JR. is on the right path with this increased numbers of guns on campuses. Actually, the notion causes me to offer an extension of the Falwell concept. I remember when I was a 5th grader at Woodrow Wilson Grade School East St. Louis, Illinois. That school had a ' Patrol Boy' program. These older boys were charged with the responsibility to assist younger less street smart students how to negotiate neighborhood auto traffic to get across streets. Why not initiate a 'Gun Boy' program. Identify 5th & 6th grade boys who would take gun-shooting classes. They could then be equipped with firearms ready to counter-attack any school-intruders intent on shooting people. We should include female students in the gun program to avoid messy ACLU lawsuits and unpleasant PTA Meetings.
We could call this student-gun initiative, 'Patrol Killer Kids Program.'
This should not cost tax payers any money. The NRA would likely fund.
Monday, December 7, 2015
A Special Place
It was nice spending time this past Saturday in Jacksonville. The twenty-one years our family lived there and I had the privilege to coach the JHS Crimsons and work for WLDS radio. Those experiences created special memories and wonderful friendships.
Sharing over an hour of conversation with Gary Scott, Buford Green and Ron Tendick on the WLDS Saturday Morning Sportsline was fun as always. Everyone can point to certain friendships that instantly explode with delightful interaction and exchange regardless the time between meetings. Most of my friendships in Jacksonville are thusly characterized...I am fortunate to know such good people.
After the radio gig, which Gary Scott kindly orchestrated to promote my book, 'Game Laughter' The Sunny Side of Sport, I spent an hour and a half signing books at Steak n' Shake on Morton Avenue. Enjoyed meeting many new folks and certainly happy to have conversation with Bob Hoffman and the Bettis'.
A quick stop at 'Our Town Books' on the Jacksonville square with more old friends who were wishing to purchase a book and chat awhile.
Sometimes we 'can go back' and when we can, we should.
Sharing over an hour of conversation with Gary Scott, Buford Green and Ron Tendick on the WLDS Saturday Morning Sportsline was fun as always. Everyone can point to certain friendships that instantly explode with delightful interaction and exchange regardless the time between meetings. Most of my friendships in Jacksonville are thusly characterized...I am fortunate to know such good people.
After the radio gig, which Gary Scott kindly orchestrated to promote my book, 'Game Laughter' The Sunny Side of Sport, I spent an hour and a half signing books at Steak n' Shake on Morton Avenue. Enjoyed meeting many new folks and certainly happy to have conversation with Bob Hoffman and the Bettis'.
A quick stop at 'Our Town Books' on the Jacksonville square with more old friends who were wishing to purchase a book and chat awhile.
Sometimes we 'can go back' and when we can, we should.
Friday, December 4, 2015
The Star
My wife has been finishing up her indoor Christmas decoration. Next to the family room fire place, she placed a miniature Christmas tree and on top of the tree she placed a rather large gold-metal star with a blue light. That star is sixty-five years old. I recall when my Dad put it on top of our family tree at 5401 Rosemont Avenue Washington Park (East St. Louis). I was eleven years old.
Last night, I turned off all the lights in the family room except the blue bulb on that old star. I put Ray Charles' 'Spirit of Christmas' CD in the player and stared at that star while listening to Ray. A flood of memories rushed through this aging brain. I recalled the early days when Mammy and Grandpa E.V. Bennett's home was the Christmas Eve setting. I hung around E.V. because he was always near Mammy's homemade custard.
I remember getting a 'used' RoadMaster bike at age seven. I was ecstatic. Before we moved to Rosemont there was the Christmas times on Hallows Avenue where brother Tom and I waited for Santa.
Many years later my parents had moved to Collinsville where Dad regaled in decorating the outside of his large (corner lot home) especially the outside winding staircase. If one of those light bulbs burned out, he was on it like stink on a Skunk. One thing for certain, no matter where Gerry and I lived, no matter the winter weather, we knew we had to be at Mom and Dad's house Christmas Eve.
The last Christmas with a parent was with my mother at Meridian Village Home in Glen Carbon. That was three years ago. I remember it like yesterday. My children and many of the grandkids crowded into her small living quarters to shower her with love and gifts. She died a few weeks later days shy of Christmas.
That old 'Star' always brings back precious memories and a flood of tears.
Last night, I turned off all the lights in the family room except the blue bulb on that old star. I put Ray Charles' 'Spirit of Christmas' CD in the player and stared at that star while listening to Ray. A flood of memories rushed through this aging brain. I recalled the early days when Mammy and Grandpa E.V. Bennett's home was the Christmas Eve setting. I hung around E.V. because he was always near Mammy's homemade custard.
I remember getting a 'used' RoadMaster bike at age seven. I was ecstatic. Before we moved to Rosemont there was the Christmas times on Hallows Avenue where brother Tom and I waited for Santa.
Many years later my parents had moved to Collinsville where Dad regaled in decorating the outside of his large (corner lot home) especially the outside winding staircase. If one of those light bulbs burned out, he was on it like stink on a Skunk. One thing for certain, no matter where Gerry and I lived, no matter the winter weather, we knew we had to be at Mom and Dad's house Christmas Eve.
The last Christmas with a parent was with my mother at Meridian Village Home in Glen Carbon. That was three years ago. I remember it like yesterday. My children and many of the grandkids crowded into her small living quarters to shower her with love and gifts. She died a few weeks later days shy of Christmas.
That old 'Star' always brings back precious memories and a flood of tears.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Too Quick on the Draw
The fatal shooting of a 13 year old St. Louis boy who was rummaging through an unlocked car looking for 'change' with which to buy snacks has created a firestorm controversy and debate. Apparently the automobile was parked inside the homeowner's fenced property when the trespass occurred after the midnight hour.
As expected the controversy centers around the homeowner's property rights and perceived self-defense versus what some claim was the unnecessary use of excessive force with a firearm. Those supporting the shooter would argue he had every right to protect his property. The counter argument suggests the homeowner could have called police, made a noise or perhaps fired his gun into the air to scare off the intruder.
I would anticipate 'no charges.' However, a young life ends too soon.
I recall the 12 year old pranks carried out by me and my neighborhood friends. We went into people's yards and turned over trash cans, we threw water-filled balloons at passing cars and opened front doors. I even recall setting fire to a bag-filled with feces on Mrs. Leroy's front stoop.
Thank goodness Mr. Jacknewitz and Mr. Vargo didn't shoot us.
As expected the controversy centers around the homeowner's property rights and perceived self-defense versus what some claim was the unnecessary use of excessive force with a firearm. Those supporting the shooter would argue he had every right to protect his property. The counter argument suggests the homeowner could have called police, made a noise or perhaps fired his gun into the air to scare off the intruder.
I would anticipate 'no charges.' However, a young life ends too soon.
I recall the 12 year old pranks carried out by me and my neighborhood friends. We went into people's yards and turned over trash cans, we threw water-filled balloons at passing cars and opened front doors. I even recall setting fire to a bag-filled with feces on Mrs. Leroy's front stoop.
Thank goodness Mr. Jacknewitz and Mr. Vargo didn't shoot us.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
He's My Best Buddy
James Wilkerson Yoder is seven years old today. Oh, excuse me, that is my eight pound Toy Poodle, 'Yodie.'
I can tell scrolling Facebook entries that the American people are crazy dog lovers. Those who don't care for dogs are just crazy.
I have had a dog my entire life. The first dog I called mine was actually my mothers dog when she was a teenager. 'Pal' was a medium size mixed breed. A lovable dog. I could take you to the spot where Grandpa E.V. Bennett buried that old dog. My wife and I have held too many old dogs that were 'put-down' due to various irreversible health issues. Hope I don't have to do that again.
As a young boy, I remember talking to my dogs when we were alone. I don't do that these days; I talk to Yodie ALL the time regardless if alone or in a crowd. One of my daughters said that I treat Yodie better than I treated my kids...never did understand the point she was making.
I have never been good training dogs. Once I house break them I stop bugging my dogs. Yodie, however has done a good job training me. I know what a soft growl means vs. a deep growl and a right rear leg 'raking' has a different meaning than a left rear leg 'rake.' I'll tell you something else about Yodie...he defines unconditional love.
Who ever said, "Dog is man's best friend" was right on! Happy birthday, little buddy.
I can tell scrolling Facebook entries that the American people are crazy dog lovers. Those who don't care for dogs are just crazy.
I have had a dog my entire life. The first dog I called mine was actually my mothers dog when she was a teenager. 'Pal' was a medium size mixed breed. A lovable dog. I could take you to the spot where Grandpa E.V. Bennett buried that old dog. My wife and I have held too many old dogs that were 'put-down' due to various irreversible health issues. Hope I don't have to do that again.
As a young boy, I remember talking to my dogs when we were alone. I don't do that these days; I talk to Yodie ALL the time regardless if alone or in a crowd. One of my daughters said that I treat Yodie better than I treated my kids...never did understand the point she was making.
I have never been good training dogs. Once I house break them I stop bugging my dogs. Yodie, however has done a good job training me. I know what a soft growl means vs. a deep growl and a right rear leg 'raking' has a different meaning than a left rear leg 'rake.' I'll tell you something else about Yodie...he defines unconditional love.
Who ever said, "Dog is man's best friend" was right on! Happy birthday, little buddy.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Another Entitlement ?
I am very aware of the tendency for older people to be very critical of the younger generation. I have kept that thought in the front of my mind. I wish NOT to ever embrace that posture. The easiest things to do is raise someone else's kid or coach the other guy's team. Not falling for that trap.
That position does not disqualify me from pointing out observations that signify change, which is foreign to me. I have shared with you that I coordinate an eight team boys Thanksgiving basketball tournament for Decatur. We hire several police officers for security purposes however, we have never had any issues but one never knows with 8400 people attending throughout the week.
I kid you not when I tell you that several police officers sat and engage their cell phones. I suppose they are scrolling Facebook entries...God Bless. I suppose the motto is: 'Serve and Protect' (if you can get my attention).
I don't know your 'take' but I think cells phones should be out of sight when the individual is 'on' the job.
That position does not disqualify me from pointing out observations that signify change, which is foreign to me. I have shared with you that I coordinate an eight team boys Thanksgiving basketball tournament for Decatur. We hire several police officers for security purposes however, we have never had any issues but one never knows with 8400 people attending throughout the week.
I kid you not when I tell you that several police officers sat and engage their cell phones. I suppose they are scrolling Facebook entries...God Bless. I suppose the motto is: 'Serve and Protect' (if you can get my attention).
I don't know your 'take' but I think cells phones should be out of sight when the individual is 'on' the job.
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