Okay, shall we agree that both the Democratic AND Republican parties are both to blame for having no resolve in the illegal immigrant-broken Mexican border problem?
Well, hold on to your cap cousin, I have the solution. That's right, the dumb-ass basketball coach. You surely cannot be surprised. I was the basketball coach that had the State's best high school under the basket out of bounds play for four consecutive years. That would be the four years I coached Greg Ahart at Edwardsville high school. We just tossed the ball high above our rim and Ahart with his 40" vertical jump did the rest!
Back to solving the border, illegal immigrant problem. Simply incarcerate anybody who hires (employs) illegal immigrants. They will stop hiring illegals and soon ALL illegals will return to Mexico where they CAN get jobs.
I'm sure both Democrats and Republicans could agree with this concept.
Okay...your turn. I know you're chopping at the bit to tell me where I am wrong...GO!
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Babes in Boots
I have participated in fund raising efforts for the 'Wounded Warriors Project.' I suppose that I am one of millions emotionally motivated watching leg less, armless and maimed military veterans in television ads and promos for the 'Project.' We likely all agree that our hearts ache for those horrifically injured men and women whose lives are changed forever from crippling injuries sustained while protecting our Nation. I pray for them nightly.
The aforementioned embraced, I find it in disgustingly sick taste for politicians, government officials or news reporters to use the term, 'boots on the ground' when speaking of military soldiers sent into war-zone-battles. The term is an insult to the mothers who birthed these lives. The term 'boots on the ground' subliminally minimizes the value of life. Therefore, when you hear some War hawks flippantly suggest, "We need more boots on the ground," remember they are talking about 'babes on the ground;' a mother's child in THOSE boots.
The aforementioned embraced, I find it in disgustingly sick taste for politicians, government officials or news reporters to use the term, 'boots on the ground' when speaking of military soldiers sent into war-zone-battles. The term is an insult to the mothers who birthed these lives. The term 'boots on the ground' subliminally minimizes the value of life. Therefore, when you hear some War hawks flippantly suggest, "We need more boots on the ground," remember they are talking about 'babes on the ground;' a mother's child in THOSE boots.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Blessed to have Shared
My wife and I traveled to Mason City, Illinois yesterday to visit with long time friends, Nash and Darlene Shawgo. The Shawgos have been dear friends since my coaching days in Mason City (1964 through 1967). I have always said that the Mason City basketbal coaching position was my biggest career break. Mason City was a community of dedicated players, avid fans and a deep winning tradition.
Nash and Darlene were established local folks who lived directly behind our Tonica Street home. Darlene was very close and helpful with the birth of baby Dawn in 1965. Nash was one of those crazy high school basketball fans and on more than one occasion when hazardous Mason County winter roadways made it problematic to scout an opponent, Nash fired up his propane truck and took Coach Roustio on that scouting trip. Nash also owned a local appliance store. When the Roustios needed a new refrigerator, Nash found one in his store that he could 'discount' because it just happened to have a scratch and dent thus allowing him to apply for the manufacturer's discount.
Through the years, we would occasionally hook up with the Shawgos for a luncheon. Recently, Darlene's Alzheimer's worsened making those get togethers more difficult. This past Sunday evening Nash and Darlene's oldest son, Brian telephoned to tell us his dad's cancer had aggressively invaded his bones. His journey is near its end.
Gerry and I had a two hour visit with Nash and Darlene, Monday. Nash was alert but uncomfortable even with the heavy morphine dose. Darlene occasionally recognized Gerry but never made the connection with me.
Left alone for thirty minutes, Nash and I remminisced a bit but talked extensively about his circumstance. He was a blessing for me because his spiritual strength is profound. Before we departed, Nash and I prayed as Gerry, Darlene and Brian locked hands with us.
Driving out of Mason City heading towards Lincoln, I had flash back moments of the laughter and wonderful times shared with Nash, Gene Blessman and Bud Jones who were nearby neighbor's and great supporters of the Coach. Gene and Bud are gone and Nash is nearing the end. I hurt inside. The high school is no longer Mason City high school but Illini Central high, which is a consolidated district. The school colors and mascot are but a memory recall as are this old coach's buddies.
I did live a richer life for having those fellas in that life...I thank you,God.
Nash and Darlene were established local folks who lived directly behind our Tonica Street home. Darlene was very close and helpful with the birth of baby Dawn in 1965. Nash was one of those crazy high school basketball fans and on more than one occasion when hazardous Mason County winter roadways made it problematic to scout an opponent, Nash fired up his propane truck and took Coach Roustio on that scouting trip. Nash also owned a local appliance store. When the Roustios needed a new refrigerator, Nash found one in his store that he could 'discount' because it just happened to have a scratch and dent thus allowing him to apply for the manufacturer's discount.
Through the years, we would occasionally hook up with the Shawgos for a luncheon. Recently, Darlene's Alzheimer's worsened making those get togethers more difficult. This past Sunday evening Nash and Darlene's oldest son, Brian telephoned to tell us his dad's cancer had aggressively invaded his bones. His journey is near its end.
Gerry and I had a two hour visit with Nash and Darlene, Monday. Nash was alert but uncomfortable even with the heavy morphine dose. Darlene occasionally recognized Gerry but never made the connection with me.
Left alone for thirty minutes, Nash and I remminisced a bit but talked extensively about his circumstance. He was a blessing for me because his spiritual strength is profound. Before we departed, Nash and I prayed as Gerry, Darlene and Brian locked hands with us.
Driving out of Mason City heading towards Lincoln, I had flash back moments of the laughter and wonderful times shared with Nash, Gene Blessman and Bud Jones who were nearby neighbor's and great supporters of the Coach. Gene and Bud are gone and Nash is nearing the end. I hurt inside. The high school is no longer Mason City high school but Illini Central high, which is a consolidated district. The school colors and mascot are but a memory recall as are this old coach's buddies.
I did live a richer life for having those fellas in that life...I thank you,God.
Monday, December 14, 2015
'The Way I See It...'
Differing 'points of view' is nothing new, we see the SAME thing but digest it through our filters of experiences and conditioned attitudes and desired outcomes, which best serve 'us.'
I was a seventeen old the summer of 1956, working at a St. Louis corrosion-protection plant. One product they produced was lead coils and pipes, which resisted corrosive acids. Frequently, the plant received a box car filled with hundreds of lead-bars. The bars had to be removed from the train-car in St. Louis stifling heat that was near 100 degrees outside and likely 120 stifling-degrees inside the train's box car.
I recall the plant manager telling me at the end of the day, "You should give a work effort every day that causes you total fatigue each night." I did not debate the comment. I was happy to have a summer job paying $1.70 per hour. This 'white-collar' executive who spent the day in air-conditioned comfort guy said a week earlier that while attending a Cardinals baseball game the following happened: A line drive foul ball came his way and he almost caught it with his bare hands. However, the ball fell to the bleacher floor and another fan retrieved the souvenir. He said that he got into a heated exchange with the ball owner suggesting that the baseball should be HIS predicated on the 'perspective' that HE took the 'sting' out of the ball with his bare hands.
The man's comments often reminded me of a movie I saw where a plantation owner sitting on a Southern Mansion veranda sipping mint juleps noted, "The Negroes seem to be coming in early from the fields today."
I was a seventeen old the summer of 1956, working at a St. Louis corrosion-protection plant. One product they produced was lead coils and pipes, which resisted corrosive acids. Frequently, the plant received a box car filled with hundreds of lead-bars. The bars had to be removed from the train-car in St. Louis stifling heat that was near 100 degrees outside and likely 120 stifling-degrees inside the train's box car.
I recall the plant manager telling me at the end of the day, "You should give a work effort every day that causes you total fatigue each night." I did not debate the comment. I was happy to have a summer job paying $1.70 per hour. This 'white-collar' executive who spent the day in air-conditioned comfort guy said a week earlier that while attending a Cardinals baseball game the following happened: A line drive foul ball came his way and he almost caught it with his bare hands. However, the ball fell to the bleacher floor and another fan retrieved the souvenir. He said that he got into a heated exchange with the ball owner suggesting that the baseball should be HIS predicated on the 'perspective' that HE took the 'sting' out of the ball with his bare hands.
The man's comments often reminded me of a movie I saw where a plantation owner sitting on a Southern Mansion veranda sipping mint juleps noted, "The Negroes seem to be coming in early from the fields today."
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Wise Words
Someone once said, 'If you pray don't worry; if you worry don't pray.
Above all do not do both... it is disrespectful to the Lord.'
Above all do not do both... it is disrespectful to the Lord.'
Friday, December 11, 2015
Tis' The Season to be Irritable
I had several 'Game Laughter' book orders to mail yesterday. Understand, there is a huge United States Post Office just a mile and a half from my family room chair. Another smaller Post Office is in a nearby community approximately five miles from that aforementioned chair.
With that background wrap your brain around this...the Post Office nearest my home charges $2.72 to mail one book while the Post Office the greater distance away charges me $2.08 for the same book. I know what your thinking. You think that I am confused with different rate offers, I.e., First Class vs. Media Mail. Trust me, I know the difference...this is not my first book mailings.
When you have 22 books to mail that calculates to a $14.00+ savings at the smaller, wait longer in the line, farther away...color me there...Post Office.
We can all agree that this time of year must be most stressful for postal workers. Yesterday, the two female workers got to nipping at each other in front of seven people holding huge packages in cramped quarters. As the back and forth snide remarks escalated, I could not stay quiet. Finally, I said, "You ladies sure have my respect at this holiday season...must be crazy days." Another patron spoke up, "I don't know how you gals can go home a sleep at night." Both postal ladies thanked us for positive and supportive comments.
Finally, my business was complete and I departed. I sure hope I have book orders through the holidays. I feel compelled to show up and give pep talks at the little Post Office...must be the 'coach in me.
With that background wrap your brain around this...the Post Office nearest my home charges $2.72 to mail one book while the Post Office the greater distance away charges me $2.08 for the same book. I know what your thinking. You think that I am confused with different rate offers, I.e., First Class vs. Media Mail. Trust me, I know the difference...this is not my first book mailings.
When you have 22 books to mail that calculates to a $14.00+ savings at the smaller, wait longer in the line, farther away...color me there...Post Office.
We can all agree that this time of year must be most stressful for postal workers. Yesterday, the two female workers got to nipping at each other in front of seven people holding huge packages in cramped quarters. As the back and forth snide remarks escalated, I could not stay quiet. Finally, I said, "You ladies sure have my respect at this holiday season...must be crazy days." Another patron spoke up, "I don't know how you gals can go home a sleep at night." Both postal ladies thanked us for positive and supportive comments.
Finally, my business was complete and I departed. I sure hope I have book orders through the holidays. I feel compelled to show up and give pep talks at the little Post Office...must be the 'coach in me.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Dusty & Donald
The year was 1988. Television sports' analyst and 'color' commentator, Jimmy 'The Greek' Snyder was fired by CBS Sports when he said, "If more Blacks get managerial jobs and executive jobs there won't be anything left for 'Whites' to do in the game; 'Blacks' are already taking all the playing positions."
Racist ? You be the judge but first digest the following: The year was 2003. Chicago Cubs manager, Dusty Baker says, "Blacks and Latinos can take summer heat better than 'whites.' This past week (2015), Nationals' baseball manager, Dusty Baker says, " The Nationals need more 'Blacks' and Latinos because they run faster. ( Okay, admit it, you re-read the last two remarks because you thought Archie Bunker not Dusty Baker owned them).
Dusty Baker SHOULD be fired as the Nationals skipper but he won't be fired. Why? Political correctness has created a double-standard. It appears 'people of color' can now be as stupid as 'white folks' in an apparent attempt to even some score. I was not a Jimmy 'The Greek' fan but I defend him on the long-standing constitutional amendment known as the 'goose-gander' amendment.
Dusty Baker's comments suggest bigotry...he is out of the same ilk as Donald Trump...they are just on opposite sides of a sick social color preference.
Racist ? You be the judge but first digest the following: The year was 2003. Chicago Cubs manager, Dusty Baker says, "Blacks and Latinos can take summer heat better than 'whites.' This past week (2015), Nationals' baseball manager, Dusty Baker says, " The Nationals need more 'Blacks' and Latinos because they run faster. ( Okay, admit it, you re-read the last two remarks because you thought Archie Bunker not Dusty Baker owned them).
Dusty Baker SHOULD be fired as the Nationals skipper but he won't be fired. Why? Political correctness has created a double-standard. It appears 'people of color' can now be as stupid as 'white folks' in an apparent attempt to even some score. I was not a Jimmy 'The Greek' fan but I defend him on the long-standing constitutional amendment known as the 'goose-gander' amendment.
Dusty Baker's comments suggest bigotry...he is out of the same ilk as Donald Trump...they are just on opposite sides of a sick social color preference.
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