|
MANAGER’S MEMO 8/27/10
“Text Messaging”
An interesting topic on our WFIW Facebook page drew some rather stunning information this week.
I had been reading some national figures about youth using their cell phones to text messages….and the data indicated that the average teenager sends and receives 5000 texts per month. I thought that was alarmingly high until I read some of the responses to our Facebook survey.
One listener said her children sends 25,000 text messages…others were in the range of 10,000 to 20,000 per month.
I understand it is the rage….and a new form of communication for youngsters….but I also think numbers into the tens of thousands are somewhat alarming.
Some natural questions spring to mind-----When do these kids sleep? Do they sacrifice their interpersonal communication skills by putting everything into text code? And, are they sharp enough to leave the phone alone when they are dealing with the challenges of driving?
On the latter point, I think kids and phones while driving are about as dangerous as the obvious problem of underaged drinking and driving.
My kids are grown….but I am not sure I wouldn’t feel compelled to ride herd on their phone usage and monitor the amount of their texting. It would certainly have become a tool for me in encouraging good behavior.
Parents have used television as a carrot and stick for decades. This might be more effective….
“Can’t follow the rules? Hand over that cell phone, Junior.”
MANAGER’S MEMO 8/24/10
“Your Comments are Appreciated”
I wanted to take a moment to thank all of the listeners who regularly take time to provide their opinions to our website comment page.
Twice a week I give you my thoughts on a topic of public discussion. We get many responders to the Manager’s Memo. Some agree….and many more find fault with my logic. That is the beauty of the first amendment. We don’t always agree…and in our American society….we need to find a way of furthering the dialogue without making the matter personal. Disagree all you want…but remember that civility should always survive.
Recently, I spoke about my opinion concerning the construction of a mosque at Ground Zero. Many posted responses. Probably no one’s mind was changed. It is sort of like arguing whose religious beliefs are correct…or best. There is no one answer….so we express ourselves and move along.
And that’s what we did……after the discussion appeared to splinter….we moved along.
Our research indicates the comment page of our website is one of the most heavily visited pages for our listeners….and the visitors come from all over the planet. I personally appreciate the folks that listen to and read the memos and take time to regularly respond. In fact, I will even extend another feature to our comment page today. If you want to send me a mug shot of yourself when you post, we will include that thumbnail image with your opinion.
Then maybe you can experience what I experience when I go to the grocery store.
“Hey Dave….hand me that cereal…and oh, by the way….you are dead wrong on that mosque.”
MANAGER’S MEMO 8/20/10
“Reduce the County Board”
Despite the best efforts of the Wayne County Board, you and I will have an opportunity to vote for less government this November….and I’m ready.
First, I want to express my admiration for the work of Darin Hopper….a citizen who has taken matters into his own hands and proved one person can make a difference. Hopper decided we only really need seven county board members….and not the 14 who occupy seats at the county courthouse. He put the leather to the street and collected 740 signatures from all corners of the county to get the question on the ballot.
Of course, the majority of the county board had another thought. They voted against letting the taxpayers have a say in the size of the county board. One of my county board members told me personally that he voted against the measure because it takes a lot of time for committee meetings…..and eliminates many young people from running because employers would not want to let them off during the day for committee meetings. My other county board members thinks there would be too much power in too few hands.
I say…how about streamlining the committee process…..cut down the number of committees….meet at night or weekends.
Allow me to be blunt. This board has not been a shining beacon of efficiency at work for decades. Some members have taken it upon themselves to micro-manage certain county offices. State’s Attorney David Williams made it pretty clear at their last meeting…don’t do this, because by law, you cannot.
You make your own decision…..I’m on the wagon to cut the county board in half.
In my simple view……Less is More.
MANAGER’S MEMO 8/17/10
“Mosque at Ground Zero”
This past weekend, the President made me do some research.
I looked back to September 15, 1963 to read about a bomb that exploded outside Sunday services at the predominately black 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. On that fateful day, four little girls died…all under age 14.
It took almost 14 years before justice caught up with the former Ku Klux Klansman who was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. It actually took until the year 2000 before the entire story was released by the FBI that a KKK splinter group had been totally responsible for the explosion.
I wonder? What do you think the president or his followers would say about the establishment of a Ku Klux Klan Center a couple of blocks away from 16th Street in Birmingham?
So why do you think this is any different from the deafness displayed by the Administration when it pretty much proclaimed it supported the construction of a Moslem Mosque only a few blocks from Ground Zero….the former home of the World Trade Center? Three thousand Americans died at the hands of Islamic extremists….and our president is okay with the Mosque?
How about Muslims? Aren’t they the least bit worried about the appearance of insensitivity towards the United States?
I know this memo might border on political incorrectness. But I find our nation’s leadership to be so out of touch with basic common sense that I cannot sit quietly by.
A mosque next to Ground Zero?
No way. No how…..
Not while 9/11 lives in our memory.
MANAGER’S MEMO 8/13/10
“Igniting the Cards”
This week’s Cardinal/Cincinnati Red series….I have to say…..has been very exciting.
Not since the San Francisco Giants’ Jeffrey Leonard insulted St. Louis fans by running around the bases with “one flap down” have we seen such a dynamic and motivating act by a Cardinal opponent.
The Reds have a second baseman who helped do what hasn’t happened all year…..he ignited the Cards.
Brandon Phillips entered the series telling a reporter that he hated the St. Louisans….and went on to call them a name that we don’t use on this radio station.
The result of Phillip’s words was an agitated Yadier Molina. When Phillips came to the plate Tuesday night and playfully tapped on Molina’s shin guard….the two teams erupted. The fight showed some revealing things. It showed former Card third baseman Scott Rolen is a stand-up guy who desperately tried to stop the altercation. It also showed Cincinnati pitcher Johnny Cueto needs some time off. Cueto kicked both Chris Carpenter….and catcher Jason Larue with his spikes.
Molina showed himself to be a team leader….and someone who stood up for his teammates.
All in all, it made for an exciting series that the Cards swept. Cardinal fans know what it is like to be in a pennant chase. Unfortunately, players in Cincinnati…and in Chicago….don’t.
If the Cardinals go on to win the division it will be because of their great pitching…..their 1-2 punch of Pujols and Holliday-------or it could very well be the poor judgment of a loose-lipped second baseman from Ohio.
Thank you Brandon Phillips.
MANAGER’S MEMO 8/10/10
“Financial Meltdown”
So you think we’ve got it bad here in Illinois? Economically speaking, I mean.
Well, we aren’t alone. This nation is tottering….
A few examples I was able to pull from a website compiled by Mike Sedlock:
In Las Vegas recently the city had a $70 million dollars shortfall. The Mayor is calling for eight percent cuts for all employees in order to save 170 city workers who will be furloughed without the cuts.
In Peach County, Georgia…..they say they have only two choices….either lay off 39 teachers which will eliminate every art, music, and PE class----or---go to a four day school week.
In California, while the budget shortfall approaches $13-billion dollars….the legislature has voted to establish the first week of March as a “cuss free month.” If I lived there, you would have heard some real cussing when I heard my legislators were voting on such an inane measure while the state was bordering on insolvency.
And of course we know that our state is also bordering on insolvency.
On the national scene, the response from the White House is predictable…George Bush is to blame. He did it. We are just victims of his poor leadership.
Barack Obama was elected to solve problems….not lay it back on the previous leadership.
We are in trouble….deep trouble all around this nation. We are close to another financial meltdown.
And I don’t see the serious leadership at the White House….or in Congress to avert it.
MANAGER’S MEMO 8/6/10
“A Liberal Judge Decides”
An interesting problem for our president has emerged in California where this week a judge struck down the state’s ban on gay marriage. This is interesting, because Barack Obama has come down on the side of keeping marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
The ruling toppled Proposition 8 in California….a referendum where seven-million people voted to keep the sanctity of the union of marriage as it has been since time began. All the more interesting is the President’s left leaning choices for the United States Supreme Court…which most assuredly will get this case. Will they go against the President’s stated opinion about same-sex marriage…..or support the California judge’s ruling?
Personally----I don’t think this issue comes close to the desperate situation the country faces economically….our deteriorating job market…..or for that matter, the war in Afghanistan. I, for one, don’t stay awake at night worrying about whether a gay couple can get a marriage license. They are going to live together anyway…and many will form legal unions that probably resemble marriage without actually gaining the right to call it marriage.
But then it is not my issue. It was the president’s….he’s the one who said he opposed it when on the campaign trail. Figure that one out…..the same guy who wants to abolish “Don’t ask…Don’t tell” in our military.
My beef is with an activist judge taking away seven-million votes. In California, they decided. They didn’t want gay marriages. Since there is nothing remotely addressing this issue in the Constitution….it takes a liberal judge to decide seven million voters don’t count.
Look for this one in the Supreme Court…where your right to vote on social issues will either be validated….or greatly damaged.
MANAGER’S MEMO 8/3/10
“Time to Drain the Swamp”
Nancy Pelosi was clear when she took over as House Speaker two years ago.
She was going to “drain the swamp.”
In other words, she was going to run the most ethical House of Representatives in the modern era. Congressmen and women would toe the line, be transparent and do the right thing.
Given recent events, Pelosi’s comments ring terribly hollow. While the President even has suggested 80-year-old Congressman Charles Rangel should consider retirement…..Pelosi stands put. When California’s Maxine Waters was singled out for ethical problems…..again….Pelosi refused to comment about her own party’s cesspool.
The charges are rather serious. Rangel has been investigated for over two years. At the heart of the charges are allegations that the New York Democrat failed to pay taxes on hundreds of thousands of dollars of rental income from property owned off shore. It is significant because the Congressman sat on the committee that makes tax law.
Waters allegedly intervened with the Treasury Department during the 2008 banking crisis on behalf of a minority bank in which her husband owned more than $250,000 in stock. If true….it is a clear conflict of interest.
The GOP had a slew of these types of cases in the latter years of the Bush administration….and it dearly cost them in the 2008 election. If Rangel and Waters choose to fight these charges…as they are expected to do….it will certainly hurt the Democrats in November.
This is not a problem driven by ideology……it is a problem driven by an absence of term limits.
Even though she doesn’t apparently live by her own words….I agree with the sentiment offered by the Speaker 24 months ago.
Time to drain the swamp.
MANAGER’S MEMO 7/30/10
“Another Great Vacation”
I would first like to thank four individuals for filling this time over the past two weeks while I took some time off….Police Chief Brad Winter, local businessman Chris Jenkins, Mayor Mickey Borah, and my dad, Tom Land. All had good things to say and all were very willing to take their time to do this for me.
A few random thoughts about our family vacation…traffic on the interstates was as busy as ever. The cruise could be set at 78 (in a 70 mph zone) and you would stay right with the traffic. I saw many state troopers on the roads, especially in Georgia and Florida. I unfortunately saw a terrible accident in the median of I-75 near Gainesville, Florida that claimed four lives. Another mishap had a motorcycle and its rider on the pavement near Hopkinsville, KY.
Where we stay in Florida was as crowded as it has ever been in the 26 years we’ve been going. Finding a parking space one night required that we circle the lot until someone left. So what’s with this economy? I concluded that people always find money for what they really want to do. There was no sign of a bad economy this year.
I noticed one or two upscale restaurants had closed. But, commercial building and renovating of existing structures seemed to be in full swing. And the weather? Hot, but not as suffocating as southern Illinois. Being close to the ocean provides a relaxing breeze, not to mention the salty scent that reminds you you’re a long way from home.
Would I like to reside in the Sunshine State year round? No. But I am jealous of those I know who will spend six to eight weeks there from mid January to mid March. Someday ol’ Dave will join you all.
Only five of our family made it this year…but we sure had a good time. And as we headed home, it was fun to talk about what we’ll do different next year. Probably nothing.
MANAGER’S MEMO 7/27/10 (Tom Land, Chairman of Wayne County Broadcasting)
“Senior Moments”
Today’s Commentary is entitled “Senior Moments” and was contained in an issue of the Saturday Evening Post about 4 years ago. We quote:
An elderly gentleman had serious hearing problems for many years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100 percent. The gentleman went back in a month to the doctor, and the doctor said, “Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again.” The gentleman replied, “Oh I haven’t told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I’ve changed my will three times!”
Two senior gentleman from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under a tree when one turns to the other and says: “Slim, I’m 83 years old now and I’m just full of aches and pains. I know you’re about my age. How do you feel?” “I feel just like a newborn baby,” Slim replied. “Really!? Like a newborn baby?” “Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.”
A senior couple had dinner at another couple’s house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen. The two husbands were talking, and one said, “Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly.” The other man said “What is the name of the restaurant?” The first man thought and thought and finally said, “What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know…the one that’s red and has thorns.” “Do you mean a rose?” “Yes, that’s the one,” replied the man. He then turned toward the kitchen and yelled, “Rose, what’s the name of that restaurant we went to last night?”
A retired Floridian called 911 on her cell phone to report that her car had been broken into. She was hysterical as she explained her situation to the dispatcher: “They’ve stolen the stereo, the steering wheel, the brake pedal, and even the accelerator!” she cried. The dispatcher said, “Stay calm. An officer is on the way.” A few minutes later, the officer radioed in. “Disregard,” he said. “She got in the back seat by mistake.”
“Senior Moments”---something difficult to avoid as old age takes over.
MANAGER’S MEMO 7/23/10 (Mayor of Fairfield Mickey Borah)
“Keeping Fairfield Attractive”
Recently much attention has been given to our community’s ongoing campaign to clean up unkempt lawns and properties where junk has been strewn about. But credit must be given to the majority of Fairfield’s citizens who take pride in their property and work hard to keep it looking clean and attractive.
The City of Fairfield goes a long way to help in their efforts by regularly picking up landscaping and yard waste. The City also provides curb side pickup services for special items such as appliances and furniture during the first week of each month.
Our citizens are not billed for these services, but the annual cost to the City of Fairfield is nearly $300,000. In spite of our ongoing struggle with shrinking revenues, we intend to continue these services.
We will continue enforcing those ordinances that were enacted to protect citizens who value their property from the few who don’t.
Thank you.
MANAGER’S MEMO 7/20/10 (Chris Jenkins)
"Stop This Sinking Ship"
This November 2nd should be a great day for America. This is the day when We The People decide which direction this country is heading. Do we want to keep a democrat majority in congress and continue to head towards a socialist entitlement state or do we want to keep the America we grew up in; a free market capitalist society that has made America the benchmark and exceptional for over 200 years. Too many Americans are upset with the direction this nation is heading (62% according to Rasmussen) see November 2nd as a kind of second Independence Day. We The People have the power to stop this agenda at the mid-term elections and correct the mistake that we made in 2008 by electing a good teleprompter reader.
This administration does not understand that they work for We The People and we need to take back both the House of Representatives and the Senate on November 2nd. Many polls right now suggest that we will but we can’t take anything for granted. Make sure that you vote and get your non political friends and family out to the polls. It seems that the majority of Americans have been against most of the actions, results and bills that have passed since this administration has been in office. Look at the monstrosity of the healthcare bill that no one read or could understand, the 787 billion dollar stimulus package that created no jobs, almost 10% unemployment and now this administration is planning on suing Arizona for their new Immigration Law SB 1070. 70% of Arizona’s citizens approve of the new law as well as 64% of American citizens. These numbers closely resemble the resistance to the healthcare bill before it passed. It seems that this administration knows better than you, goes against the majority of its citizens and will do just about anything to continue with their agenda to change America. If we can take back both houses of congress we can use these majorities not to fund the healthcare bill and to in essence repeal it.
November 2nd is the day that We The People can stop this sinking ship and change course to restore this great nation to the most prosperous and most exceptional country in the world.
MANAGER’S MEMO 7/16/10 (Fairfield Police Chief Brad Winter)
“Kids In Motion”
One of my favorite parts of my job is dealing with the kids. Ask anyone who knows me, knows I’m a sucker for kids. Over the years we’ve developed a lot of partnerships in town with schools, healthcare, and other organizations but none have been more rewarding than the work we do with Kids in Motion.
About ten years ago Kids in Motion called and asked us if we’d stop by and visit once a week to talk to the kids about, well, stuff kids ought to know. We took them up on it and, now, ten years later, we’ve sort of adopted each other. Kids in Motion takes kids from k thru 8th grade and gives them something to do in the summer, but it’s much more than that.
The Kids in Motion schedule is filled, not with just with fun stuff, but with field trips, education, and all kinds of beneficial activities. The kids come from all sorts of homes but many are “at risk” kids from single parent or low income households. Enrollment fees are set on a sliding scale rate which means that a lot of parents who couldn’t afford conventional child care can enroll their kids in the program while the parents continue to work.
The kids get breakfast, lunch, and snacks every day as part of the program. While part of this expense is reimbursed by programs like “Project Child” and the Illinois Summer Food Program, recent cutbacks in social services across the state have eliminated some of the grants that Kids in Motion has run on for 16 years. The remainder is made up through private donations. The staff and volunteers at Kids in Motion do a fantastic job of running the program on a tight budget. So far this year they have over 90 kids enrolled and that number keeps growing.
In my visits I’ve watched some of these kids grow up and some of them are now volunteers or paid staff members with the program who can tell you what a difference it made in their young lives. There are literally hundreds of kids in our community who were spared unsupervised summers, not much to eat at home, and running the streets all summer and were given the chance to continue to grow and learn all year because of the Kids in Motion program. I can think of few other programs that give such a return on their investment of time and caring for our kids and I just wanted to recognize and wish them great success in the future.
MANAGER’S MEMO 7/13/10
“Summer as a Kid”
Evansville Courier columnist John Lucas wrote a “Good Morning” column last week that I certainly enjoyed. He wrote that, in his mind, summers were longer in his childhood. I could not agree more.
It caused me to think about summers when I was in the age range of 12 to 14. We lived on the east highway and a big time for us was playing “kick the can.” As a fairly fast runner, I could hold my own…even being able to beat Charlie Boster to kicking that tin can. And when I did, I recall how he wanted to kick MY can. Or, a real slow evening found us catching lightning bugs in a jar. I guess mom dumped them out after we went to bed because they weren’t to be found the next morning.
A trip to Sportsman’s Park on Grand Avenue in St. Louis was awesome. Dad always found good seats and we got to the stadium in time to watch batting practice and get autographs. Yes, more than one player would stand by the dugout and sign anything you had or wore. Only Stan Musial told me to see him after the game for an autograph. Never did get his.
The band concerts at Leo French Park, in what was then the sprinkler pool where the current concessions stand is located always drew nice crowds. We still swam in the big pool just a few feet away. More than once we were told to quit screaming as we jumped off the high dive. I seem to recall that June (Martin) Wilson had to bench me on occasion.
I recall these happy days because I just don’t see many of today’s youngsters doing what we did as kids. New technology has caused some of this, but do today’s parents encourage their kids to “go out and play” as we were? And as John Lucas wrote, summer lasted a long time when you were a child. And here we are today, already talking about getting back to school.
My high school health teacher, Don J. Wood was the first adult to tell me that as you get older, the faster time flies. He was so right. Five years ago seems like a month ago. Our kids are grown and it’s not always easy to recall details of the many pleasant times we all had.
Thinking about summers past is making me enjoy every day as much as I can. Hope you do too.
MANAGER’S MEMO 7/9/10
“It’s the Economy, Stupid”
James Carville, the Cajun who guided Bill Clinton to a 1992 election victory….boiled down his strategy to one simple phrase….”It’s the economy, stupid.” Here we are 18 years later and Carville’s words ring like a formula for any election challenger for Congress.
It’s not the oil in the gulf….not two wars….and it certainly isn’t something that we can continue to hang around the previous administration’s neck. It is the economy, stupid. And it is getting worse….especially in our president’s home state.
Mike Madigan and Pat Quinn…the two most identifiable leaders in Illinois State Government….don’t have any answers. The President seems to be leaning towards another government influx of printed money.
For just a moment consider this-----Illinois is five billion dollars behind in paying schools, rehab centers, child care and schools from the smallest grade school….to the U of I. Our state lawmakers left Springfield without deciding to pay 26 percent of the state budget. They just left. Governor Quinn proposes to borrow over $3.5 billion dollars just to make state pension payments. ….a step that will cost about a billion in just interest payments.
Nationally, it is as bleak as ever. And yet, the administration is focused on immigration and carbon emissions…and slapping around the military.
Almost makes you yearn for the good old days when Bill Clinton was president.
Don’t forget how he got the office.
One simple phrase.
It’s the economy, stupid.
Until someone recognizes that simple phrase……the pain will likely continue.
MANAGER’S MEMO 7/6/10
“There Are Positives Out There”
So much of today’s news is bleak. Just about any time you turn on the radio or TV or pick up a newspaper it’s downright depressing.
But think about it seriously for a moment…there are positives out there. Yes, there’s turmoil in our country and worldwide. But we have many things to be thankful for. Most of us are working, have a roof over our head, eat well and are able to buy several “luxury” items. And I strongly believe it is essential we stay positive and forward looking.
I’m finding that more businesses are putting more attention on customer service for a good reason. For a business to SEE more customers, the business owner wants to be sure, more than ever, to meet the customer’s needs. Maybe a simple handshake…a big smile…just an honest effort to ensure customer satisfaction. Trust me, here at our radio stations, we value our advertisers more than ever and we are working harder at showing it.
Please know that this company will work harder at earning both our listeners and advertisers confidence. As we start the final six months of this year, we are dedicated to doing our best for you.
It is my belief that our country is still the greatest on earth. It has survived many challenges in the past…and will most assuredly survive today’s challenges…and will be stronger for it.
MANAGER’S MEMO 7/2/10
“4th of July”
I came across a very good editorial in the Daily Herald, a newspaper published in Provo, Utah. The writer, Marc J. Ellison had excellent thoughts on our Independence Day. Here’s what he wrote:
July 4th is synonymous with freedom. That same freedom that promotes free-will or personal-agency that is paramount to all other man-made institutions, rules, or regulations.
I think of the Founding Fathers laying everything on the line for personal liberty. In the midst of overwhelming odds that even a betting man would blush at, they drew the line in the sand. On July 4, America had no navy, even though Britain had more than 100 ships. The "continental army" soldiers were professionally seasoned soldiers like the British had, yet the Founding Fathers risked everything, on principle.
Are we willing, as benefactors of these great men, to lay everything on the table for the sake of freedom?
Are we willing to put our neck on the chopping block of secularism, big government or political correctness? As I hear accounts of individuals that left countries where government did not honor personal liberty, I bemoan the fact that some of my fellow Americans do not share the same passion for personal liberty.
Most of the world has lived and died under tyranny and oppression. Let us today, revive the Spirit of '76 and preserve the same ideals found in the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution that protects us against the pitfalls of human nature.
• Marc J. Ellison
MANAGER’S MEMO 6/29/10
“FCHS Tie Votes”
I was not at last Thursday’s Fairfield Community High School’s monthly board meeting. I did hear our detailed news story the next morning. As a listener, here’s what I heard…
On the “pay to play” athletics vote, it was 3 to 3, which is a defeat. The problem with this is that the public was not informed that this particular issue was to be discussed. The official agenda sent to us said “Motion to set student fees for the 2010-2011 school year.” At first blush, that means to me that book fees, or perhaps student insurance would be discussed.
Larry Vest, board President did the right thing. This subject was not specifically listed on the agenda…so, you leave it alone. Three people from the public attended this meeting…two of them were news reporters and the third was an interested citizen.
I may be wrong, but I’ll wager that there would have been more at this meeting if the “pay to play” topic was specifically mentioned to be voted on.
Fees to play athletics may be okay…but please let folks be informed that this issue is coming up. That’s only fair.
On the 3 to 3 vote concerning the Prevailing Wage Ordinance….what’s going on with that? What happens if tonight the roof is blown off the building? It’s my understanding we could not get some state money to help out because we failed to pass the Prevailing Wage Ordinance. Was the board trying to show Springfield that they can’t dictate what we have to pay? I’m missing something here. We may not like it, but that’s the way it works.
My hope is that at next month’s meeting the Prevailing Wage issue is passed and that there is detailed information to discuss about paying to play sports.
But let’s keep all discussion non-heated….and let’s have all seven board members in attendance.
MANAGER’S MEMO 6/25/10
“The Disaster Continues”
In a year when being a Democrat is a liability…..the GOP in Illinois has once again pulled out a pistol…aimed carefully….and shot themselves squarely in the boot.
This is the party that gave us the Ryan’s….George and Jim….and who only has to point to the testimony at the Blagojevich trial to show just how corrupt the Democratic Party is here in the Prairie State. All they had to do is find a candidate with a clean slate who could speak well and look somewhat independent of the good old boys network in Springfield.
What Republicans did…..was pick Mark Kirk. Oops…another disaster.
Kirk immediately raced out to a big lead over sitting state treasurer Alex Giannoulias to take over the vacant seat of Barack Obama….the seat that the Governor allegedly tried to turn into cash. Then the bad news started to find its way into the headlines.
Kirk, a commander in the Navy Reserves, lost the frontrunner status when a series of articles showed he had embellished his military career. Among the false claims----being shot at several times----that he was a Desert Storm veteran----that he commanded the Pentagon’s “war room” and had been named Navy Intelligence Officer of the Year in 1999. And his comeback when asked by the Chicago newspapers about the erroneous claims? –Quote---“I simply misremembered it wrong.”
And there’s other stuff…..still being researched by the Tribune and Sun Times. He claims to have taught nursery school in New York….and studying in England. The truth will ultimately come out as to whether his misremembered those tidbits too…..
Giannoulias is no prize….but Kirk is an utter disaster.
We look at the sorry state of this state and we cry out for leadership. What we get is a Grand Old Party that can only do one thing over and over.
Another slug in the foot. Another election with only one party fielding serious candidates.
MANAGER’S MEMO 6/22/10
“To Shoot or Not to Shoot”
Recently, I was in a discussion about the death penalty. Are you for it…or against it? My simple answer was, yes, I’m for the death penalty…however, it’s an easy way out.
Does the Bible directly address this issue? The Old Testament law commanded the death penalty for various acts including murder, kidnapping, prostitution and rape, and several other crimes. I am not of the opinion that we should rejoice when the death penalty is employed, but at the same time, I will not be against the government’s right to execute the perpetrators of the most evil of crimes.
Here’s another take on capital punishment from Fox News guy Bill O’Reilly. In June 2001, he wrote a column opposing the death penalty for Timothy McVeigh, and proposed "a better way" which is: Killers, rapists, drug kingpins and terrorists should all be subjected to life in prison without parole in a federal work camp. This special prison system would be run military style and be located on federal land in Alaska. It would be in effect a gulag.
Here the worst criminals in the country would be banished and forced to labor eight hours a day, six days a week in the harsh climate. They would be denied television, computers, exercise equipment (as if they'd need it) and most other "comfort" items. Their mail would be screened, and they would only be allowed a few visitors per year. If the criminal did not cooperate with the work detail, his food rations would be cut, and he would be placed in solitary confinement.
A Utah man, Ronnie Lee Gardner, was executed by firing squad last week in Draper, Utah. He chose this method. Some witnesses were “shocked” because when his chest was hit by four bullets, he clenched his fist, his arm pulled up slowly as if he were lifting something and then released. The motion repeated… and he was pronounced dead with two minutes.
The fact is, when a convicted criminal is put to death, he will NEVER commit another crime. If jailed “for life,” he could escape…or the law could change to free him after serving a pittance of his sentence.
Those are my thoughts…what do you think?
MANAGER’S MEMO 6/18/10
“Facebook takes over Texting”
For almost two years, our radio stations have sent text alerts for bad weather, news bulletins, the local forecast…even advertising messages. That has changed.
The reliability of a text message being received in a timely fashion has become a real problem. Earlier this week, we attempted to send out three severe weather messages, only to receive them as much as 30 or 45 minutes after the watch or warning expired.
That is not good…and we know it.
What can we do to replace that service? Something we’ve been using for the last six months. Facebook. With close to 1,600 fans of the WFIW Facebook page, we will use this network to send important local information. A big number of our current fans can check messages from their phone 24/7. Facebook also allows us to put much more information in our messages.
This is a totally free service. Just go to Facebook.com and follow the directions. Is it secure? We’re comfortable with it. You have total control over who visits your site and how much information you want anyone to see.
Bottom line…our texting has ended…our Facebook is ramping up.
And to you WFIW Facebook fans, thank you. We will keep you informed as you have asked us to do. It’s our privilege.
MANAGER’S MEMO 6/15/10
“More Spending”
It happened in the dark of the night….late Saturday night when network news anchors were lounging at home and White House correspondents were at their favorite bars.
That is when the President decided to propose another huge spending bill designed to help teachers, police officers and firefighters.
I believe it was longtime Illinois Senator Everett Dirksen who once said….and I quote…”A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you're talking about real money.” This time Obama is talking about $50-billion more in federal spending despite the unprecedented deficit rolled up in the last 18 months.
He won’t be able to blame this on Bush…..and he won’t even be able to blame it on Republicans…because many Democrats are having a rough time with more unchecked spending.
I want to save teachers, police officers and firefighters. I just want one simple thing when these proposals get dragged out at midnight on the weekend……some way to pay for it all. Don’t you think this proposal would have had a greater chance of gaining legs if the administration had just said they were cutting $50-billion or so from other entitlements…..or foreign aid? But no…..this falls right into place with Obamacare and the House’s passage of climate legislation…all costly proposals funded by going deeper in debt.
Treat this like it’s a family budget. You want to buy a new car? Then you have to cut somewhere else in order to remain solvent.
If this was something the President was proud of …..do you really think he would have announced it on Saturday night?
With respect to Senator Dirksen….a trillion here….and a trillion there…..before long you’ll bury this country so we will never see the light of day.
MANAGER’S MEMO 6/11/10
“How Old Are You”
The author of today’s memo is unknown. It was read at my dad’s 90th birthday dinner earlier this year. No matter your age, I think you’ll enjoy this. It’s titled “How Old Are You.”
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we’re kids? If you’re less than ten years old, you’re so excited about aging that you think in fractions. “How old are you?” “I’m four-and-a-half.” You’re never 36-and-a-half…you’re four-and-a-half going on five.”
You get into your teens and you jump to the next number. “How old are you?” “I’m gonna be 16.” Then the great day of your life…you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. You BECOME 21…Yes!
Then you turn 30. What happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk. He TURNED and we had to throw him out. What’s wrong? What changed? You BECOME 21…you TURN 30. Then you’re PUSHING 40. You REACH 50.
You BECOME 21…you TURN 30…you’re PUSHING 40…you REACH 50…then you MAKE IT to 60. By then you’ve built up so much speed, you HIT 70. After that, it’s a day by day thing. You HIT Wednesday. You get into your 80’s you HIT lunch…you hit 4:30.
My grandmother won’t even buy green bananas. “Well, it’s an investment, you know, and maybe a bad one.” And it doesn’t end there…into the 90’s, you start going backwards. “I was JUST 92.” Then a strange thing happens, if you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. “I’m 100-and-a-half.”
MANAGER’S MEMO 6/8/10
“Leadership is Missing”
Remember when Rush Limbaugh was severely criticized for suggesting that he hoped the Obama presidency would fail? His excuse for such a statement was his utter contempt for the policies that he saw coming down the pike. As a conservative, he worried about their potential success…and what it would mean for the country.
Having said that….it is becoming increasingly obvious to me that this president and the people who surround him…are hopelessly overwhelmed by the demands of leadership. This is not Chicago. And yet that is the style they have chosen…..it is the style they are comfortable with….and it is a style that does not serve the nation.
Obama wants to have dialogue with Iran, North Korea and enemies of Israel. They reject his overtures. Obama cuts deals to clear the fields for important Senate seats….and backs people who can’t win. Obama wants everyone to know he cares about what’s happening in the Gulf while he travels doing fundraisers and hosting music shows at the White House. His administration condemns an entire state for trying to protect their borders while pushing immigration reform to the back burner. New jobs? Only thing he can do is create government jobs. As soon as the census is complete, unemployment will start climbing again.
He asked us to allow him to lead. He convinced us he was smart and could deliver a dynamite speech.
I guess we are learning that it takes more than an Ivy League degree and the ability to effectively read a teleprompter.
Limbaugh can stop worrying. From what I’ve seen, this president’s policies are going to die under the weight of a bigger problem. Namely….his inability to lead.
MANAGER’S MEMO 6/4/10
“Blago/Sestak”
This is the week former Illinois Governor Rob Blagojevich is scheduled to start his trial. Last week we learned that the President, through his chief of staff and former President Bill Clinton, tried to fix a political problem with a job offer. I wonder-----why haven’t I heard these two significant news stories connected by the mainstream media?
They both smell. They smell like Chicago politics….and if no one else is going to say it…..I will.
Blago is charged with trying to sell Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder. He desperately wants to have all of the recorded phone conversations that he had with Rahm Emanuel added to the record. I think it is because there was more involvement by the Democratic power brokers than anyone has suggested previously. Blago was on the inside….and he knows what the tapes will reveal.
The potential purchase of Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Sestak also smells. Emanuel sends Bill
Clinton to talk to him…..offering a non-paid advisory committee seat in exchange for Sestak’s withdrawal from a Senate race with Arlen Specter?
I’m sorry….I am convinced there is more to this story. While it might not be illegal…it certainly smells and doesn’t hold muster with the President’s theme of a new kind of Washington. It smells like the same old Chicago southside politics that we have come to know and expect here in the Prairie State.
For a moment…..do you see the similarities?
Blago was fishing for a deal in exchange for his appointment……Obama sent Clinton to see if a deal could be brokered to get Sestak out of the way to help out Arlen Specter.
Richard Daley….the senior would be proud.
Hizzonner might be long dead…..but his legacy lives on at the statehouse and the White House.
MANAGER’S MEMO 5/31/10
“Memorial Day”
A broadcaster friend of mine in Ontario, Canada sent the text for today’s memo. He was not the writer and did not know who authored this piece about Memorial Day. It’s very good…as we should never forget the importance of today. Here it is….
Memorial Day is more than just another Monday.
It’s more than a day off.
It’s more than a day for cookouts.
It’s more than the start of summer.
It’s more than a day for sales on cars and couches.
It’s more than watching war movies on TV.
Memorial Day is about honoring those who paid the ultimate price in defense of our country.
Memorial Day is about celebrating the lives of those who have left us.
Memorial Day is about remembering. Memorial Day is about giving thanks.
Our present is only possible because of their past service.
We have a future... because they sacrificed theirs. So today, we want to say thank you.
To them.
MANAGER’S MEMO 5/28/10
“Arizona Law”
Recent events surrounding immigration in America….and a recently enacted Arizona law….have set the stage for one of the most shameful days in this country’s recent history. I’m referring to the recent state visit of the Mexican president and his rant against one of our sovereign states. It is unprecedented.
Felipe Calderon stood in front of the Congress of the United States and said….his country….retains its “firm rejection to criminalize migration so that people that work and provide things to this nation will be treated as criminals.” He went on to say Mexico firmly opposes the Arizona law because it is “discriminatory.”
Well, where do I start? First, how dare a foreign leader walk into our halls of government and lecture us on our laws. We don’t need an outsider….our current president is doing fine as a solo act. Second…this isn’t migration. We aren’t talking about seagulls….we are talking about illegal aliens who come here…and stay. Finally, if allowing non-citizens free access is okay for America, why isn’t it okay for Mexico? See Article 67 of Mexico’s own law which states that all Mexican authorities----federal, state or local---are REQUIRED to DEMAND that foreigners prove their legal presence in that country.
Worse yet….while Calderon was insulting Arizona….members of our current administration and Democratic lawmakers were applauding…some even stood up to applaud.
I guess I don’t have any ill-will towards Calderon. He was just being a good guest mimicking his host. In fact, we’ve heard this script before.
The author usually reads it off a teleprompter.
MANAGER’S MEMO 5/25/10
“Misspoke?”
I am disgusted with a story from Connecticut involving that state’s sitting Attorney General. He is also a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Chris Dodd.
It was revealed in a New York Times article that Richard Blumenthal often would tell audiences of his time as a combat veteran who served in Vietnam. It helped him when he spoke to veteran’s groups.
The problem with that strategy was……Blumenthal never went to Viet Nam. In fact, he got five deferments and never left the continent, serving instead in the Marine Reserves. When called on his lie, Blumenthal held a press conference, put uniformed veterans behind him as the backdrop for cameras, and said he had “misspoke.”
After the press conference Blumenthal did not quell the controversy, but he did send an e-mail to a friendly columnist at a newspaper in his state where he said he had made mistakes and was sorry.
This kind of story really hacks me off. I served in the Army….and was stationed in Oklahoma. Didn’t go to Nam but would have shipped out if Uncle Sam had ordered me to do so. The deferments accumulated by Blumenthal don’t bother me……what bothers me is that he would use the story that he served in Vietnam to win political support. Need I remind you that 58,000 brave Americans died in Southeast Asia? What do you think the hundreds of thousands that did go to Vietnam think about Blumenthal?
He totally exacerbated the problem by not just apologizing and saying he didn’t tell the truth. Instead, he said he “misspoke.”
That’s not the kind of person I want in the U.S. Senate. It speaks to character….
Richard Blumenthal did not “misspeak”……
He lied…and the valor of all of the soldiers who did go was cheapened by his cheesy attempt to pick up a few votes.
MANAGER’S MEMO 5/21/10
“Thank you, Grace Sullivan”
A remarkable record of public service will be observed tomorrow, Saturday, May 22nd at the Fairfield Public Library.
At that time, Grace B. Sullivan will mark her retirement from the Library Board after serving 39 years. With only a few absences, Grace has attended to the business of the library in some 460 monthly meetings, serving as an officer numerous times.
Grace’s name often makes our newscasts this time of year. She is a noted proponent of education. Only recently, she awarded a $500 scholarship to Samantha Gill of Cisne to attend Frontier Community College this fall.
Speaking of Frontier, she has been a major proponent of the college, serving on its Foundation board for many years and being a leader in the fundraising for the Richard L. Mason building. Her contributions to the Fairfield Public Library are legendary. In fact, Grace’s mother, Winona Blackburn, served in the same capacity for 33 years before Grace. Her family has had a presence on the board for 72 years.
Simply put…Grace Sullivan is a pillar in this community. She has given her time to forward the cause of literacy. She’s done so quietly, but her decades of service speak loudly of her passion for Fairfield…the youth…and the cause of education.
On behalf of many, I say to my friend and neighbor, “thank you, Grace.”
MANAGER’S MEMO 5/18/10
“Tuesday is the Favorite”
Today’s memo comes from an article from Employment News & Trends and written by Lisa Johnson Mandell. It shows a recent study conducted by a British research firm that the most productive time of the week for workers is at exactly 11:33 a.m. Tuesday.
It makes perfect sense: Mondays are spent recovering from the weekend, catching up, and organizing the week to come. By Tuesday you're ready to dig in and get things done, before you start losing steam. Believe it or not, the majority of the workers surveyed said that energy and enthusiasm begin to slow down as soon as Wednesday.
A poll of 3,000 employees revealed that on Tuesday, 93 percent of workers mean business: They're at their peak, organized and rarin' to go. Tuesday is also the best day for staff meetings, as the energy and focus of that day bring up the best ideas. Four of 10 people said they schedule Tuesday meetings for this very reason.
On Monday, workers are busy revving themselves up, battling hangovers or exhaustion from an active weekend, catching up on gossip, answering e-mails and preparing for all those Tuesday meetings and presentations.
By Wednesday they start lengthening their break periods. Twenty-four percent admitted that they're already looking forward to and planning for weekend activities by Wednesday. The majority of workers surveyed say they purposely plan a lighter workload for Thursday and Friday. Thirty percent of the workers surveyed say that Friday is the worst day of the week for them.
Overall, Tuesday, seems to be the favorite of both employers and employees, with performance peaking just prior to lunch. Just watch: Slackers will use this information to goof around even more during the rest of the week, but the savvy employee will use it to get a leg up on everyone else on the other days. What's your first impulse?
MANAGER’S MEMO 5/14/10
“Finding Memos”
There are days when coming up with a Manager’s Memo is not easy. In fact, there are days when I wish I would never had started them. But, there are times when I have so much to comment on that two days a week are not enough.
Memo material is gathered from many places including local news, national web sites, items sent to me, and many times, just watching people and hearing what they have to say can be wonderful thought starters.
As I look at a popular news web site right now, which is Thursday or yesterday as you hear or read this, I see headlines that link to stories such as “Bill Clinton offers himself as lottery prize to pay off Hillary’s debts”…”Dog attacked with machete in Baltimore”…”Congress to examine restroom inequalities”…and I love this one, “Man charged for touching judge’s butt saying cerebral palsy made him do it!”
Those are all true reports and commenting on any of them would be fun. But, none make any difference in my life. Usually, my comments concern what affects me. Not always, but often.
Do I know today what I’ll have to say next week? As a matter of fact, I already have next week’s memos prepared…but, that’s not the norm. I’ve been told that my memos on local issues usually are better than spouting off about something national. Could be. As I comment on a political issue, believe me, it’s usually an issue that certainly plays a part in my life now and the future. Sorry, but I just can’t believe how screwed up our government is. I’m including both parties, state and federal.
I welcome suggestions…and I welcome comments. With any comment you send me, it will not be posted without your first and last name, and town. Anything unsigned gets trashed.
MANAGER’S MEMO 5/11/10
“Cards/Cubs”
Two teams…..two different directions.
The Chicago Cubs Manager Lou Piniella decided to stay with Ryan Dempster on the mound during Sunday’s game against Cincinnati. His team was in the lead…..one pitch later…..they were down. A home run by the Reds left Chicago with a 1-5 road trip and watched them slip to 14-18 for the season. Meanwhile over in Pittsburgh, the Cards were thumping the Pirates 11-4 to improve to 20-12 and move six full games in front of their rivals from the Windy City.
The Cards continue to establish themselves as the team to beat….and the Cubs seem to be a beaten team.
Cardinal skipper Tony LaRussa and Piniella are from the same era…..but LaRussa’s job is to keep his team focused on playing to their abilities….while Piniella is looking for some hint of ability. St. Louis’ weak spot is its bullpen….Chicago’s problems are too many to enumerate in a short commentary.
It’s sad to see such a disparity among our two closest major league teams. It hurts the rivalry when one team’s attempts are so futile.
I don’t say these things to incite any backlash from my friends who follow the Cubs. God Bless them….they live lives of quiet desperation. Ticker-tape for the next World Championship parade is boxed and waiting in buildings along Michigan Avenue. It has been there since the Wright Brothers first engaged in manned-flight.
And if the first quarter of this baseball season is any indicator…..it is going stay in those boxes for yet another year.
On the other hand….. at least we have one team going in the right direction….
It is due west of here.
MANAGER'S MEMO 5/7/2010
“Eyesores Begone”
Fairfield Mayor Mickey Borah has said----enough is enough.
Hizzonner the Mayor told the city council last week that the city has started taking court action against property owners in the city who like to collect unsightly junk. To that, I say, go get ‘em Mayor.
In a city that possesses so many attributes------a beautiful Leo French Park….an energetic group working on the town’s golf course…..and a very impressive downtown commerce area…..there are too many eyesores that need to be cleaned up. Pronto.
Borah and his police chief Brad Winter are tackling the problem by using a city ordinance already in the books that take property owners to court where they could get fines of up to $500 per day for non-compliance.
This isn’t government gone crazy. This is regulation to protect folks that have pride in their community and pride in their individual property. Why break your back on that flower garden only to have it overshadowed by that ‘73 AMC Gremlin with a family of raccoons living under the hood. There is no excuse for this kind of disregard to the beauty of the community.
This isn’t easy work and Mayor Borah is asking for a fight every time he has city attorney Mike Molt cite a property owner. It would be all too easy to just ignore the problem. But the City of Fairfield is doing the right thing…and I am grateful for leadership that it takes to make such a commitment.
As always, it is only a few that run into trouble of the city’s laws…and to those people….especially those that have been repeatedly warned…..
Enough is enough.
MANAGER’S MEMO 5/4/10
“Arizona Immigration Law”
Several pundits on the weekend talk shows bloviated about the immigration issue and the new state law in Arizona. Where’s the fairness, they asked? I asked this question----Where’s the common sense?
The critics of the new Arizona immigration law are….for the most part…people who live outside of the state. That expansive border with Mexico has been overun by illegal immigrants, many peddling violence and clogging the state’s vital services, such as emergency rooms and social services. It is easy to criticize from afar and turn this matter into a racial matter….one that can promote political gain.
Those who despise the Arizona law say it is unfair. Unfair to people of color. Unfair because authorities will use it in a form of racial profiling to harass Hispanic citizens. Personally, I think everyone has missed the point. How fair is it for the people of Arizona to expect that laws already on the books should be enforced by the federal government? How fair is it for them to fear for the lives of their children because Washington can’t find a way to secure the border.
Another problem here….The opponents to the Arizona law say that building a fence is impractical. So was going to the moon….but we accomplished that. The simple fact…the common sense fact is….until the border is secure….none of the protests mean anything. There are 11-million illegals inside the country. We need to find a way to escort them out…or make them earn citizenship.
You don’t want police asking people if they are in the country illegally? Then build a fence and build a bi-partisan national solution.
In the meantime, respect the folks that live on the border’s wishes. Their approach is fair to them…and full of common sense.
MANAGER’S MEMO 4/30/10
“Noelle Marie Kirkpatrick”
Our family suffered a loss just days ago. A young, precious little girl in our lives was taken away suddenly, without any warning. She was but seven months old, having never experienced what life is all about. What she knew was that two loving parents took care of her every need, whether it was a feeding, changing a diaper to make her comfortable, or having her bed ready with clean linens for a good night's sleep.
Noelle Marie Kirkpatrick had a difficulty in her young heart that caused her breathing to stop. CPR was performed...an ambulance raced her to the hospital with both parents following closely behind. A pediatric medical team at St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville immediately began procedures to get this little girl back to life. It was very serious as Noelle had been without a supply of oxygen to her brain for over 40 minutes. But they still did everything their training had taught them to make this have a positive outcome.
Her grandparents were called to come to Evansville. On our arrival on the fourth floor at St. Mary's Hospital Pediatric Trauma Unit, we were faced with meeting Coy, the hospital chaplain. Coy ushered us to a private room where we were told news we had prayed we would not hear. Noelle's lack of needed oxygen to the brain had been too long. Her young brain had suffered serious injury. Expectations of a recovery were less than five percent. This is a time in your life when you try to wake yourself up from a nightmare.
The attending physician, Dr. Michael Verive and his outstanding staff, told us everything they knew about the trauma Noelle's brain had suffered. The compassion they showed was welcomed as we did our best to process this information. A time frame of 24 to 48 hours was given as we understood the swelling of the brain would continue. All measures to detect what might be going on in Noelle's small body were done. She was so healthy and full of life just minutes before her breathing failed.
All four grandparents and Noelle's parents, Meredith and Ryan, surrounded her constantly. We held her hands, stroked her head and gave her kisses. She looked so healthy. What was going on to cause this?
The medical professionals had done everything humanly possible. More treatment and medication could not help. Baby Noelle made her decision for us to let go. The fight was over. But the little girl fought so hard. It was discovered later that her heart was not the way it should be. A very rare and unnamed condition had made her courageous battle not winnable. There is no doubt she went painlessly and peacefully.
Noelle gave her parents, grandparents and other family members seven months of joy that we will never forget. Noelle Marie will be remembered by the joy and happiness she brought into this world. You couldn’t miss her for the big bows that were always on her head! Noelle was a beautiful baby girl who touched so many lives. She meant the world to her parents and everyone around her.
Kathy and I want to thank those who offered prayers, and brought food and other items to our house. The support of friends at this time has helped us tremendously as we had to remain strong to support our daughter and son-in-law. An extra hug to our other three grandchildren will always be there.
We will never forget the wonderful memories of baby Noelle Marie Kirkpatrick.
MANAGER’S MEMO 4/23/10
“The List”
Our news department reports that over 300 outstanding warrants have piled up at the Wayne County courthouse. State’s Attorney David Williams says it is not unusual for counties to have several outstanding warrants but added that 300 is a bit above normal.
According to reports, Williams, for his part, has asked local law enforcement to serve the warrants. He wrote a letter to them last November and never got any feedback.
It is important to understand….we are not talking about murderers or rapists here. Offenses do include criminal felonies and misdemeanors, and even a few traffic violations. Some of the offenders are no longer in the region. Bond forfeitures could add needed money to the county’s coffers. But the fact remains…the State’s Attorney’s office has done its job. Now it’s up to law enforcement.
Of course, we currently have a lame duck sheriff in Wayne County…and I think it would be a very positive thing for him to go out on a strong note. Why not “work the list” before a new sheriff takes the chair. If you worked at serving 25 warrants a week…heck….in three months you’d have a better idea just how realistic the list is.
Here at the radio station we are hoping to help the process. We have posted the list of offenders on our web site. That way the public might get involved and call the Crimestoppers Hotline if they know the whereabouts of the offender.
And even if they don’t call in…….maybe those at the local cop shop or over at the green roof inn will grab the list and pay them a visit.
MANAGER’S MEMO 4/20/10
“Paddling Returns”
An interesting thing has happened in Temple, Texas. The school board there…..by unanimous vote….brought back corporal punishment to the city’s 14 schools. Yep, the board of education brought back the “board” of education.
Temple, a town of 60,000, was having many discipline problems in their schools and decided it was time to stop sparing the rod….and spoiling the child.
You might not realize that corporal punishment remains legal in 20 states in the union….including Texas.
Does Illinois law permit corporal punishment in public schools? No. Corporal punishment has been outlawed in Illinois public schools. In certain situations schools can use "physical restraint," but paddling is a thing of the past. The law that prohibits corporal punishment in schools isn't as easy to find as it should be, but it is Section 24-24 of the Illinois School Code. It's located in volume 105 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes.
And, on cue, a New York Democratic congresswoman is going to try and shut the door on the remaining 20 states. Carolyn McCarthy was asked about the resurgence of paddling and said she plans to write legislation immediately to outlaw it everywhere in these here United States.
Personally, the paddle was one of the few instruments that kept me in line during my formative years. I knew just how far I could push a classroom teacher without being asked out in the hall. And I didn’t often cross the line. I have great sympathy for today’s teachers who have nothing but detentions and demerits to hand out to keep control, which to me are a joke.
If corporal punishment is so bad…..why are there generations of Americans that turned out so good?
The ACLU has also chimed in…..saying in a report….and I quote….”paddling makes students lose respect for their teachers.” What? I think it does just the opposite.
In Temple, the school board president says the announcement that paddling was coming back has had a dramatic effect on discipline. And only one kid has been swatted.
They all know where the line is……and they aren’t crossing it.
MANAGER’S MEMO 4/16/10
“Race Card?”
Recently, a talking head on MSNBC opined that Newt Gingrich was possibly crossing the line when he used a basketball metaphor to describe the president’s economic policy. She suggested that it might be racist to use basketball lingo to in any way disparage America’s first African American president.
Personally, I thought it was rather racist to raise the issue. But that is what is happening anytime someone has a negative thing to say about the policies flowing from this administration. When in doubt, play the race card.
We are currently drowning in red ink as a country….and expanding government to historic proportions…and yet….when people demonstrate against that fact….all too often…the liberal national media is willing to play the race card to dismiss the movement as a bunch of southern rednecks who merely want to disparage Barack Obama.
In fact, the first person to publicly play the race card in this was former President Jimmy Carter who said he was worried about the racist nature of the Tea Party.
It makes me wonder----Is this a ploy by the folks in power? I mean they have seen the power of angry overburdened taxpayers as they vaulted a Republican to Ted Kennedy’s former seat in the Senate. They have seen the crowds that flock to these Tea Party events. Isn’t it a smart ploy to try and make the movement look more like the Ku Klux Klan than a movement of conservatives and independents who want to see less government?
I have not seen one piece of video where any detractor of the president has used the issue of race to demean his policies or views. But I see people who support him regularly try to bludgeon the opposition with race as the club.
Make no mistake, race is still an issue in the United States. I just happen to think people have a right to disagree with this president without fear that they will have the race card played on them.
Jeff Foxworthy has made a fortune with his “You might be a redneck” routine. I just want to make sure no one can say “you may be a racist” if you disagree with Barack Obama. Dissent doesn’t equal intolerance.
MANAGER’S MEMO
"Tiger’s Mistakes"Something changed for me over the weekend as I periodically dropped into television coverage of the Masters Golf Tournament. I no longer was rooting for Tiger Woods…..in fact…..I found myself rooting for almost everyone else.
I’ve long admired the incredible skills of Tiger. He is a gifted athlete and often has made the difficult game of golf appear easy. I appreciate people with gifts. I marvel at people who squander their gifts.
Woods made mistakes and all of us do. For most of us however, the mistakes merely require a straightforward apology….some remorse….and a genuine sense of guilt for our lapse. In Tiger’s case, the mistakes were many….have never been fully addressed by him publicly.
I’m not saying it is time to pick up stones….but let’s call this what it is….this guy lead a secret life for years. Just because he can turn a buck for the networks or sell some merchandise doesn’t make this all go away for me.
The winner, Phil Mickelson, used the victory to make a statement about a disease that has afflicted both his mother and wife. His wife is currently struggling with breast cancer and her appearance at the end of the tourney was both courageous and touching. Touching, because it was clear that Mickelson was devoted to the mother of his children. Touching, because it’s clear that hasn’t been Tiger’s focus.
People make mistakes. They are supposed to be forgiven. I know that.
I guess for me it helps if these celebrities honestly and sincerely acknowledge their shortcomings and promise to do better. That’s the true mark of character.
That’s one gift that has escaped Tiger Woods.
MANAGER’S MEMO 4/9/10
“Big Brother/Uncle Sam”
Somewhere in Hell, Karl Marx is smiling.
His best efforts at communism and socialism have finally taken root…..in of all places…..the United States of America. Marx would have loved the phrase “income redistribution”….a phrase used liberally by members of our sitting administration. It even rolls off the lips of our president.
Here’s the fact that should stun everyone who grew up believing in the American dream-----Nearly half of the households in the US….escape paying any federal income taxes. Nada….zip…..none. In fact, the Tax Policy Center, a Washington research organization, says about 47 percent of Americans let the other 53-percent pay their way. In other words…socialism is knocking at the door.
According to the Associated Press, the tax cuts that President Obama and Congress rail against for the wealthy were also occurring to the middle and lower class and the result is many of them make money from the federal government…and don’t pay a dime. Those less noticed tax cuts were expanded when Obama signed the massive economic recovery last year. The result, again according to the AP, is that the top 10-percent of earners in America….pay the freight for 73-percent of the people.
But this should not be any great surprise to any of you. It was clear that Obama was going to try and use the federal government to level the playing field and enact a Robin Hood philosophy that stole from the rich….and redistributed the wealth to the poor. The more folks at the bottom end of the economic ladder who can survive without growing, improving and working harder….the more we make government essential to their lives….and the more Democrats get elected. It is a vicious circle…a circle that is counter to the free market ideas that made this a great country.
It’s simple really. The more taxes paid by Wayne County Broadcasting, the less we want to reinvest into the business which leads to a smaller and less effective business with less of a need for competent over achieving employees. No incentive to get ahead…..just the desire to sit back and collect from big Brother. Marx would love it. Big Brother rules.
In this case, Big Brother has another name.
Uncle Sam.
MANAGER’S MEMO 4/6/10
“Corrupt Karzai”
It wasn’t that long ago that pundits and protesters were hammering the administration of George W. Bush for his misguided policy in Iraq. We were told about body bags flying back from the Middle East and the media regularly marked the body count….1,000, 2,000, 3,000 bodies…..American blood being spilled because of Bush’s war.
Last week, Sgt. Frank World, a Marine from New York, died from hostile fire. He’s the 1034th American to die in Afghanistan… I don’t remember any stories about the 1000th death. Do you?
I make this comparison at a time when the leader of the Afghan nation is hammering away at the United States every day. President Karzai says he might join the Taliban to fight against the US if we don’t stop meddling in his affairs. Karzai is one of the most corrupt leaders in the world. His country’s chief export is opium. He lives under the protective umbrella of 100,000 American troops. And yet, Karzai weekly goes on anti-American rants..
Where are the protests from anti-war groups in this country? Where’s the vitriol for a president that “doubled” the fighting force and now expects those soldiers to clean up several hot spots in a foreign country where the political leadership takes pot shots at us on a regular basis?
I don’t get it. And I don’t buy that this is Bush’s war. President Obama bought it lock, stock and barrel when he doubled down and sent in 30,000 more troops earlier this year. Remember when the media wanted permission to show flag draped coffins lined up on the tarmac at Dover Air Force Base? Where are those requests now?
Here’s what has to happen. Karzai needs to shut up….now. We need to expose his crooked government instead of propping it up. And we need to recognize the American blood that is being spilled on foreign soil. It’s time for this president to accept responsibility for the problems….the same problems that he battered the former president for during the last campaign.
One thousand thirty four lives have been expended. Time for a solution….Time for some leadership.
MANAGER’S MEMO 4/2/10
“Militia Wackos”
I’m having problems with the news reports concerning a radical militia group that allegedly had the murder of police on their minds. My problem is with how the media seems to be focused on one word when they identify the mob…..they are always referring to them as “Christians.”
I find that hard to swallow. There is nothing Christian about them…It’s not too different than the repeated references to the crazy church in Kansas that protests at soldier’s funerals and says it is a “Baptist” Church. Labels aren’t always accurate.
FBI agents say the militia group….known as the Hutaree…plotted to make a false 911 call, kill responding police officers and then use a bomb to kill many more at the funeral. Where is that in the Bible? Mine says “thou shalt not kill.” They must not be using the King James version.
The nine suspects were charged with seditious conspiracy - plotting to levy war against the U.S. - possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, teaching the use of explosives and attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction - homemade bombs. Eight appeared in court Monday, with seven asking to be represented by public defenders. It was not immediately clear Tuesday whether attorneys had been appointed.
FBI agents moved quickly against Hutaree because its members were planning an attack sometime in April. Members had been undergoing paramilitary training, including learning how to shoot guns and make bombs, since 2008. Hutaree says its name means “Christian warrior.” I think they are nuts using Christianity as a dodge.
The group quotes several Bible passages and declares: "We believe that one day, as prophecy says, there will be an Anti-Christ. ... Jesus wanted us to be ready to defend ourselves using the sword and stay alive using equipment." I haven’t found that passage in the good book…and I suspect an AK-47 won’t likely work on Lucifer. He’s already dead.
Look, these guys are nutburgers….and do not deserve to be called Christians….they are terrorists and should be identified as such.
Call them Timothy McVeigh wannabes….but don’t call them Christians. There is nothing Christian about them.
MANAGER’S MEMO 3/30/10
“Militia Groups”
So, what do you make of these militia groups? Is it just a problem in certain areas of the country…or are there cells everywhere just waiting to strike in a huge, organized way?
Some have clearly stated that they hate the government, especially with a black president. It’s also been reported that many of these groups have organized to protest our tax system. As many as 50 new militia training groups have formed in the past two years. One of the groups you may have heard about, the Oath Keepers, is made up of current and ex-soldiers and police officers. Their main concerns are about a coming dictatorship, concentration camps, and a “New World Order.”
Some of these militia folks have been seen at Tea Party protests and health care town hall meetings. At some protest gatherings, it’s not uncommon to see several members armed with pistols and semiautomatic assault rifles.
For years we’ve heard about these organizations…for years many of us just haven’t paid a whole lot of serious attention to them. But things may be changing. One group that was targeted recently was making their headquarters in northern Indiana…just next door.
We’ve seen how the movies portray these militia outfits…and it’s not very pretty. They may have started out with some acceptable ideas, but what I see now is out of control. We may not like what is happening in government, but the way you fight that is in the voting booth.
What is happening right now with homegrown militia groups is another form of domestic terrorism that the Feds and other law enforcement agencies will be dealing with more and more. I look at these militia groups as very undemocratic. We can’t underestimate them.
MANAGER’S MEMO 3/26/10
“The C Word”
It is time to consider the dreaded “C” word in Wayne County.
I recently saw where former Jasper Superintendent and current Wayne City School chief Jeff Mitchell had the guts to utter the “C” word when discussing the financial situation of our local schools. The “C” word is consolidation….and it has been a word that often gets right thinking people verbally slapped in this county if they utter it.
For a moment, can we at least consider consolidation?
There are three high schools in this county….and seven school districts. Each district has a superintendent, a finance person……their own fleet of buses….and numerous duplicated extra-curricular activities. One county….seven taxing entities with oodles of duplication and potential savings.
Do you really want to pay higher taxes so junior can start on the New Hope basketball team?
Here’s a better question….Do you really want to pay for seven superintendents when you could get by with one?
The reality of our current situation is that it is not going to get better fast. In fact, it might get a bit worse before it levels out. The State of Illinois is flat broke, on the verge of financial insolvency, and is taxing us to the hilt. No right thinking lawmaker is going to support an increase in the income tax. And the mindset in Springfield does not lead me to believe that they are going to cut the bureaucracy to help local schools.
I know the “C” word cause lots of heartburn out there….but I think it is time for the public to realize that talks need to start between the various local school districts in Wayne County to examine how we might be able to pull together to insure a quality education and---at the same time---give the taxpayers a bit more bang for their tax buck.
Start throwing the rocks my way…..or…. start considering the wisdom of the “C” word.
The time to talk is now.
MANAGER’S MEMO 3/23/10
“Nero Continues to Fiddle”
I wonder if we will see the Obama administration shift gears now. Now, that they have pretty well secured their health care proposal.
Let me read a headline from over the weekend….January unemployment for Wayne County was 12 percent, according to the latest figures from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Hamilton County had a jobless rate of 12.9 percent, Clay County 16.1 percent, Marion County 15 percent and Jefferson County 12.2 percent. The IDES said all sectors recorded employment losses during January, except for health care.
Let me give you another headline….over 15,000 teachers in Illinois were given pink slips last week. That is happening all over the country, so don’t be shocked when the unemployment rates start to once again creep up into double digits nationally….and approach 20-percent in some Illinois counties.
And we have spent a year on health care. While jobs continued to be lost at almost record rates, the focus of everyone in Congress and everyone on Pennsylvania Avenue has been on health care.
Here’s another reality …..the only proposal as to how to get us out of this mess in Illinois is from the Governor…who wants to up our income taxes to pay for the bulging deficit. Brilliant. Let’s drive business out of the state like St. Patrick drove snakes out of Ireland.
The only way to create jobs is to get out of industry’s pocket. The only way to turn around the unemployment spiral is to create jobs. We are doing neither….in fact….the only jobs created by the health care crusade are federal jobs…the jobs that require more taxes.
So….will we see a shift from the health care debate? No, there are more congressional votes and more wrangling to secure socialized medicine. And while the discussion continues, more jobs will be lost, more kids are going to be crammed into local classrooms…..and Nero continues to fiddle.
Continues to fiddle….while Rome burns around him.
MANAGER’S MEMO 3/19/10
“Thankless Job”
With all due respect to American legend Mark Twain, I find great fault with one of his famous quotes….
Twain allegedly said….and I quote….”God made the Idiot for practice, and then He made the School Board. “
I have no idea what a school board did to Mark Twain….but I do know this….and I have often said it. Being a member of a board of education is simply the most thankless job on the planet… especially if you are on a school board at this point in history….in this state.
No human should have to decide whether or not there will be a school band or whether a tenured and talented teacher should be RIFed. It is an impossible situation and I have an extraordinary amount of compassion for folks in this region who run for elected office as a school board member only to have the community take after them because our state is virtually bankrupt.
Not their fault…but boy….are they are the ones catching the heat for the miserable performance of people in Springfield. They have been stripped of hundreds of thousands of dollars promised to them to run our schools and now have to take the heat for doing what the state appears incapable of doing……balancing the budget.
Sports, band, FFA, office help….the list of potential and real cuts is mind-boggling and of course every taxpayer in the district has his or her own opinion as to what should be cut.
I say it is time to cut these folks some slack. They are in the proverbial no-win situation and are making decisions based on the best information available.
They certainly don’t do it for a dime of compensation. They must do it because they care about kids. And as long as they do the best they can keeping the kids in mind, they have my support.
Thank God for them. When you get ready to unload on your school board member for budget cuts… consider Mark Twain’s disdain for school boards. Then shut up….or better yet……run yourself.
MANAGER’S MEMO 3/16/10
“S. T. R.”
During an outdoor cookout, a friend stumbled and took a little fall. She assured everyone that she was fine. She said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.
They got her cleaned up and a new plate of food. She appeared a bit shaken up, but seemed to be enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Later, she was taken to the hospital where she died. She had suffered a stroke at the cookout. Perhaps she would be alive today if those who tended to her at the cookout had known how to identify the signs of a stroke.
Please listen to this…a neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within three hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke…totally. He said the trick is getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within three hours, which isn’t always easy.
To recognize a stroke, remember the three steps S-T-R. S…ask the individual to SMILE. T…ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE COHERENTLY. R…ask the person to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call an emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
Another new sign of a stroke is to stick out your tongue. If the tongue is ‘crooked,’ if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.
Know this information…it can definitely save a life.
MANAGER'S MEMO 3/12/10
"Obamacare"
As you probably know if you listen to these commentaries, I am not a proponent of Obamacare. I do believe that the nation's healthcare system needs repaired...but I firmly believe the problem should be handled without the creation of another entitlement which will eventually cost taxpayers trillions of dollars.
But what I am most mystified by in their ongoing debate...is the demonization of Republicans. They have been clear from the beginning...they don't like the administration's bill. It is okay to say no. What is confusing to me is why they are the issue. They do not own the White House...they are in the vast minority in both the House and the Senate. Republicans are not holding up Obamacare. They are insignificant. If the president and Congress want to find the bad guy in why their plan is failing, they simply need to look into a mirror.
Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid do not need a single Republican to put this debate behind them. They only need to herd their own party into support of the bill. And let's be clear...if they had the votes, there would be a vote today to conclude debate. There won't be a vote because they cannot use the power of their ideas to convince politicians of their own kind.
And the fault lies with Obama. He left this job to Pelosi and she doesn't have a clue how to work with Republicans. She just doesn't have a clue...period. I have never been more unimpressed with a national leader than I am with the Speaker when I see her in an interview...or commanding a press conference. On the Senate side, Reid got the vote on the Senate version of Obamacare by giving deals to Nebraska and Louisiana. It was Chicago politics at its worst.
This will be a very bad November for Democrats no matter what happens with health care. They will lose many...and it won't be because of more powerful ideas by Republicans.
It will be because of their own inability to get the job done.
They did it to themselves.
MANAGER’S MEMO 3/10/10
“Chamber Annual Dinner”
When I heard Chamber President Michelle Garner say “This year’s Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award goes to a person who was born in 1950 at the new Fairfield hospital,” I quickly scanned the room to check for possible recipients. Then she quickly added “she was the first girl born in the new hospital.” That narrowed it down to Mrs. Monge as she is known to her many students over the years.
Her selection as this year’s award winner is superb. From Geff Grade School to FCHS to the U of I and returning to her hometown to settle into an outstanding teaching career has kept her extremely busy. She has helped so many students over the years…and has helped this community outside the classroom in so many worthwhile projects. Linda, and husband Dee are the parents of three children, Maria, Whitney and Joe who are also very successful in their careers.
Even while Linda was a student in high school, she was able to help several classmates in their mathematics endeavors. Speaking from first hand experience, I may still have been in Mr. Bishop’s Algebra Two class without some guidance from Linda. I laugh now, but was sweating bullets at the time.
Congratulations also go out to Mary Jon and Todd Lehr and all the folks working at the Farmer’s Daughter, under the purple awning in downtown Fairfield. I’m in their store every so often and what an inventory! And it was interesting to hear that several of their dresses have been shipped to customers all over the world.
Monday night’s attendees listened to a very well done re-enactment of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Jerry Crisel and David Frankland were superb…and if nothing else, their display of memorization was unbelievable.
Thank you, Chamber for your work in another enjoyable evening. Our community has so much to offer… and the accomplishments of our award winners should make us all very proud.
MANAGER’S MEMO 3/5/10
“Tough Cuts at IECC”
The damage to local education continues to mount….as the state of Illinois continues to slide towards bankruptcy.
We have already witnessed the severe damage that lies ahead of our local school districts. Jobs are being cut, programs are in severe jeopardy and extra-curricular activities are going to be on the chopping block.
And the cutting continued Wednesday night up in Olney where the Illinois Eastern Community College District announced its cuts, many of which will have an impact on our own Frontier Community College. Understand, FCC has a major economic impact on Fairfield and this part of Southeastern Illinois….and these cuts will have a detrimental effect on all of us.
On the Reduction in Force list were at least two faculty members and the resignations of at least two employees, perhaps getting out while the getting is good. Cuts were spread throughout the district, at FCC, Olney Central, Wabash Valley and Lincoln Trail College. There was no mention in the press release as to whether administrators at any of the colleges or at the District Office were let go. The district claims it had already cut non-faculty staff and administrative salaries and other spending by $2.1 million…but doesn’t list the administrative positions cut.
The first and foremost concern should be the protection of these four campuses. It concerns me that there is no Wayne County representative on the IECC board, although we view Marilyn Wolfe as a great friend to FCC. I understand that this action was taken by the board to save the district from financial ruin. This might be the time to restructure the district and see if there are savings in streamlining administration. FCC must remain open and able to serve this community.
This whole Illinois educational situation illustrates one point……the state needs to do some cutting at its highest levels. We don’t need higher taxes to solve the problem…..we do need to see significant cutting in Springfield….instead of messing with our kid’s educations in southeastern Illinois.
MANAGER’S MEMO 3/2/10
"Say Goodnight, Charlie”
Congressman Charlie Rangel is the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. That’s the committee that writes laws concerning taxes. But Rangel is chin-deep in ethical problems and needs to step down.
To summarize his problems-----He was admonished by the House Ethics Committee for taking two corporate trips to the Caribbean funded by companies that had legislation in the hopper. His excuse? His staff made some errors and he shouldn’t be held accountable for them. The old---“the buck stops there,” defense.
And there’s more---The ethics panel continues to come down on his failure to report bank accounts with hundreds of thousands of dollars for tax purposes…..his income from multiple rent apartments in Harlem…and some off shore bank accounts that also went untaxed.
It smells….and when asked about the issues; people like Nancy Pelosi and Dick Durbin refuse to call on Rangel’s ouster from his chairmanship. The same group that screamed they were going to bring above board politics to Washington are mired in the cesspool of special deals and cronyism.
Rangel isn’t fazed….He’s holding tight and actually says he’s gearing up for a run at a 21st term later this year.
No calls from the White House either. The best that White House Spokesperson Robert Gibbs could utter is that members of Congress “ought to be accountable.” Do ya think?
And you wonder why this Congress has a 10-percent approval rating. And you wonder why they are going to spend the next eight weeks to ram through health care legislation that the vast majority of Americans don’t want.
Charlie Rangel needs to resign from his chairmanship….and even his seat in Congress. He’s devoid of ethics…
Further… Democrats need to have the guts to call this what it is------a total embarrassment.
MANAGER’S MEMO 2/26/10
“Pink Press”
Last week I got out my dollar and paid to get my annual Pink Press as gathered and printed by the folks down at the Wayne County Press. And, I have to tell you, it always provides lots of interesting and entertaining reading.
As you know, the Pink Press annually gives those of us still in Wayne County a look at the lives that have wandered from our area. To anyone else, this probably would be uninteresting. But to those of us who have spent most of our lives here….who know who was the Homecoming Queen in 1965….who can do entire family trees for several locals…..this is very interesting.
It is not too different than the Facebook phenomena…We love to hear about other people’s lives, especially when we were raised together or shared a relative or two.
I especially appreciate the writers who share a little bit about the differences in the culture elsewhere as opposed to how life is handled here…in Wayne County.
We live in a unique culture here in southeastern Illinois. We have a weird magnet…we all know someone who lived through the Sheltons…who listened to Gil Wallace….who struck oil on their property. Fairfield is the home of friendly people and I like keeping track of many of them, especially if they are no longer in our region.
I salute the concept of the Pink Press and I’m sure it’s not an easy task keeping it alive year after year after year. It is “fun” reading that brings on a smile and some mighty fine memories.
Only 51 more weeks until the next Pink Press.
MANAGER’S MEMO 2/23/10
“Advice from a Farmer”
A broadcaster friend of mine in Charleston, WV sent me the following information that I think you’ll find interesting. With many of our listeners involved in farming, he thought this would be rather entertaining. It’s called “Advice from a Farmer.”
Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong. Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor. Words that soak into your ears are whispered…not yelled.
Keep skunks and bankers at a distance. Meanness doesn’t just happen overnight. Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads. Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you. It doesn’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.
You cannot unsay a cruel word. Every path has a few puddles. When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty. The best sermons are lived, not preached. Most of the things people worry about are never going to happen anyway.
Don’t judge folks by their relatives. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. Live a good, honorable life…then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time. Don’t interfere with something that is not bothering you.
If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. The biggest troublemaker you’ll probably ever have to deal with watches you from the mirror every morning. Always drink upstream from the herd. Letting the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier that putting it back in. If you get to thinking you’re a person of influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around. Don’t pick a fight with an old man…if he’s too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.
And always remember…Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
MANAGER’S MEMO 2/19/10
“Viewership Low at CNN”
An item in the national news that caught my attention stated that CNN hit new low viewership totals during prime time last Friday night (7-10pm local time) in both total viewers and 25 to 54 age viewers.
Yes, they were up against NBC’s Olympic Opening Ceremony coverage, but CNN averaged just 85,000 25 to 54 age viewers during Campbell Brown, Larry King and Anderson Cooper. According to the news report, an average that low has not been seen since May 23, 2001. And the total viewer average of 382,000 was the lowest since December 23, 2005.
So what’s the problem at CNN? Those folks commenting on this report offered these gems…”Libs don’t watch the news. They watch the Olympics, American Idol, wrestling and SpongeBob Square Pants.” Another wrote, “Be patient…CNN will eventually go away. The mighty pocketbook will finally be the final nail in the coffin. They will not be able to continue to support the socialist lies and the left wing swill any longer…unless, of course Obama bails them out. Not so far fetched.”
One commented on Larry King saying “rumor has it that they use the old Disney animatronics to simulate life when he’s on the air.” And another said “Keep spinning the news and soon you can lock the doors.”
Here’s what my comment would be…”It is difficult to get all the facts from CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC and MSNBC. Viewers to this group’s news coverage feel the bias to the left. I now find I can get a true picture of what’s happening in our country from the UK Telegraph. They tell it like it is…about the left AND right.”
Whatever FOX News is doing is working. I don’t always agree with the FOX news analysts, but they always make you think and give both sides of a story. If the others followed that policy, all viewers would benefit. And, CNN might not be in the tank.
MANAGER’S MEMO 2/16/10
“Cheney…a Prophet?”
I have never been Dick Cheney’s biggest fan. Never thought he was the huge asset that many people thought he was to President Bush….always thought he came across a little on the “Darth Vader” side of the street.
But I have to say-----these days his opinions and demeanor seem to make a lot of sense. And the irrational comments are coming from the current Vice President.
Cheney has been clear from the beginning of the Obama administration----he thought they are soft on terrorism. And he has been pretty much on target.
They wanted to close Gitmo, which hasn’t happened. They told the CIA to stop interrogating captured terrorists and even threatened to prosecute agents who used enhanced interrogation techniques in the past. They want to try the mastermind of the 9-11 attacks in criminal court in New York….and they gave the Christmas Day bomber a lawyer as soon as he put out the fire in his crotch.
That’s a pretty convincing track record to support Cheney’s suggestion that the Obama administration doesn’t get it….and that we are more vulnerable because of their naiveté.
As for Joe Biden-----he had very little to say on the weekend talk shows that made sense for me. He said Cheney was re-writing history because the Bush administration used the courts to prosecute the shoe bomber.
But the truth is----Bush and Cheney and Congress changed the law after the shoe bomber incident to make sure foreign combatants would be handed over to the military. History is on Cheney’s side.
When Cheney stated his claims---he looked foolish and shrill. But since his points were some of the same points that got Scott Brown elected in Massachusetts, it appears that Cheney is becoming more of a prophet than a fool.
And maybe the current administration should listen to him…..instead of shouting over the top of him.
MANAGER’S MEMO 2/12/10
“Stand Behind Our Troops”
Katie Couric, Charlie Gibson, Brian Williams and a tough old U.S. Marine Sergeant were captured by terrorists in Iraq. The leader of the terrorists told them he’d grant each of them one last request before they were beheaded and dragged naked through the streets.
Katie Couric said, “Well, I’m a Southerner, so I’d like one last plate of fried chicken.” The leader nodded to an underling who left and returned with the chicken. Couric ate it all and said, “Now I can die content.”
Charlie Gibson said, “I’m living in New York, so I’d like to hear the song, The Moon and Me, one more time.” The terrorist leader nodded to another terrorist who had studied the Western world and knew the music. He returned with some rag-tag musicians and played the song. Gibson was satisfied.
Brian Williams said, “I’m a reporter to the end. I want to take out my recorder and describe the scene here and what’s about to happen. Maybe, someday, someone will hear it and know that I was on the job till the end.” The leader directed an aide to hand over the recorder and Williams dictated his comments. He then said, “Now I can die happy.”
The leader turned and asked, “And now, Mr. U.S. Marine, what is your final wish?” “Kick me in the butt,” said the Marine. “What?” asked the leader. “Will you mock us in your last hour?” “No, I’m not kidding. I want you to kick me in the butt,” insisted the Marine.
So the leader shoved him into the yard and kicked him in the butt. The Marine went sprawling, but rolled to his knees, pulled a 9 mm pistol from inside his cammies, and shot the leader dead. In the resulting confusion, he emptied his sidearm on six terrorists, then with his knife he slashed the throat of one, and with an AK-47, which he took from one of the already dead terrorists, sprayed the rest of the terrorists killing another 11. In a flash, all of them were either dead or fleeing for their lives.
As the Marine was untying Couric, Gibson, and Williams, they asked him, “Why didn’t you just shoot them all in the first place? Why did you ask him to kick you in the butt?”
“What?” replied the Marine…”and have you three idiots report that I was the aggressor….?”
If you are not willing to stand behind our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them.
|
|