Have you noticed how you can not watch television _ most particularly cable news channels — without seeing and HEARING people yelling at each other? If one person does not agree with the second word out of another person’s mouth then that is the cue to holler objections back. At least that seems to be the rule.
Television hosts/guests are not the only offenders. Talk radio is equally hard on the ears. We are now letting it overflow into our public meetings. Yell, boo, talk over others’ comments, turn red faced and mumble to all around you — that’s the new American way of discussion. A key part of this new discussion process is to NOT believe anyone except those who are agreeing with us.
You might want to listen at your own home and see if this is not even happening in your family. No longer is it just a little stubborn 2’s or rebellious teen talk. Everyone talks “over” other people’s conversation. There was a time this was not tolerated by the adults in the family.
Some experts say there is too much violence on television and that it is hurting our children. I grew up with “Road Runner” and “Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd,”— that was violence. I am more worried how our children (and adults) are being taught that being civil with one another is now ‘out’ in our culture.
Well done Moody!
Thursday we published a front page lead story of Moody AFB falling short of a passing grade during a recent Inspector General evaluation. The review showed that the Airmen did not meet expectations for rapid deployment of people, aircraft and equipment. I know the Airmen at Moody did not like their home base community seeing this announcement but I was impressed by the fact that Colonel Gary Henderson, the Wing Commander, thought it important for us to know. Being ready means our airmen will be successful on their future missions. For all the family and friends they leave behind, it means their loved ones are prepared for their safety. Our Airmen at Moody are some of the best in the world and I know in January during the re-evaluation they will be on the top of their game.
That little decimal does matter! In school most of us thought we would never use all the math we were being taught. This week, I saw a lesson in action as to why math really is important. When gas went to $2.17 per gallon this week, one station posted $21.79. That little decimal does make a difference; in this case $19.62 per gallon difference. I did not see anyone in line at the pumps either.
Come on now!
While standing in line at a fast food restaurant, the customer ahead of me ordered – from the Senior Menu — a meal with French fries. “Cook them fresh and not too crispy.” And I guess next time they will want to pick out their potatoes and have them sliced at the counter. I wondered to myself as I heard this, ‘have you ever thought about eating at home?’
What We Think
From the publisher: Why are we mean to each other?
- What We Think
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. - More What We Think Headlines
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
