And then I wrote...

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that even though I frequently had to work part of the weekend, when I was employed, I was as guilty as everyone else of looking forward to weekends.

For me, this past weekend was a reminder that not all weekends will be fondly remembered.

All three of the state’s major football teams suffered losses. Iowa’s poor showing against the North Dakota team was no doubt the most surprising, Sounds as if UNI made a good showing. And ISU was supposed to lose.

And then there were the Cubs. After backing into a division title, they promptly lost three of four to a lowly Milwaukee team. Even winners are ill-advised to practice losing!

Then Sunday night’s news was filled with reports of more attacks apparently by Muslim terrorists. As of this Monday morning, the one in relatively nearby St. Cloud, MN was by a man calling on Allah, removing doubt. The ones in New York City and New Jersey may not be as clear, but authorities were looking for an Afghan native who is a naturalized U.S. citizen, and some of his associates.

All that is becoming way too routine.

Also way too routine is the constant carping on the national political scene.

Status of the candidates’ health and tax returns make “news” to an obscene degree. I was reminded of the old pre-teen, boy/girl exchange, “you show me yours and I’ll show you mine!”

Both candidates are obviously rich. So what’s the point? Tax evasion? All rich folks take advantage of all available loopholes. Gifts to charity? What constitutes a charity?

As far as health is concerned, both have reached the age where chronic illnesses may be a problem, but “unexpected” death is a threat at any age.

We didn’t used to worry about that as much.

Lots of people were not aware of FDR’s crippling handicap, and those who were didn’t care when they re-elected him. Jack Kennedy had known and lesser known health problems, but majorities of citizens didn’t hold that against him. Ike was a war hero. Did he suffer from post traumatic stress? Did anyone ask? Ford was a major college football lineman. Surely he must have suffered a concussion or two. Did that ever come up?

I blame the media to a degree for keeping comments and innuendoes alive for days on end, because it is easier than digging for really important news.
And by the way.

I wish that Trump woman would quit calling me. Three times in one day. Isn’t that harassment? I’ve tried to tell her I am too old to consider any kind of a relationship, but she just keeps on talking!