It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these, but with major happenings afoot in our country and in our world, well, the time seems ripe for pickin’ a few fruits off the vine for cheering or jeering.
Jeers to Hurricane Helene – The Category 4 hurricane Helene made landfall last Thursday night in Florida, and left more than 100 people dead in several southeastern states. The catastrophic storm has left many communities isolated, in shambles and without power. Rescue, relief and clean-up efforts are already underway, but it will take a long time for things to get back to any semblance of normalcy for those affected by this catastrophe.
Cheers to govt. shutdown being averted – but jeers to the dog and pony show that has become standard accompanying fare with the process of funding the government. We the People are tired of this nonsense. A continuing resolution was passed to fund the govt. until Dec. 20, but partisan bickering and theatrics will accompany the next move, of course. Again, We the People are beyond tired of it all.
Cheers to Jimmy Carter turning 100 – The former president Jimmy Carter celebrated his 100th trip around the sun on Tuesday. Although Carter has been under hospice care since the beginning of 2023, family members indicate that he is still going strong, albeit with severe physical limitations. Reportedly, Mr. Carter, who is completely retired from public life, enjoys early morning discussions of politics, watching his beloved Atlanta Braves play and having breakfast foods for dinner. That combination could very well be the secret to longevity. Who knows? In any case, here’s a big “Happy Birthday!” salute to a true-blue servant and one of the most genuinely good people to ever set a foot into the political realm.
Jeers to ableist language in campaigning – At a recent campaign stop, former President Donald Trump referred to his opponent Kamala Harris as likely being “mentally impaired” since birth, while also using such language to describe President Joe Biden. This, folks, is not disagreeing with someone on policy differences. This is hateful, ableist and tacitly mocks those who are living with mental disabilities. Language matters and how you treat people matters. Disagree with someone on policies, sure, but leave the schoolyard hate speech at home.
Cheers to a Cross Canadian Ragweed reunion – Those boys from Oklahoma have been up to something. In recent weeks, cryptic activity on social media platforms has indicated a possible reunion in the works. On Tuesday, the legendary quartet announced a reunion show scheduled for next April. Dubbed “The Boys From Oklahoma” (naturally), CCR will share the stage next April in Stillwater at T. Boone Pickens Stadium with Turnpike Troubadours, Jason Boland, the Great Divide and Stoney LaRue. Other shows could materialize if there is enough interest, according to frontman Cody Canada.
There are many of us who got to experience this life-changing band back when and miss them even more than Koe Wetzel does. However, for those of us old-school fans, we’re excited about the prospect of kids of Wetzel’s generation (and younger) getting to experience the magic of Ragweed live.
R.I.P. Kristofferson – Lastly, a big tip of the hat to the late, great Kris Kristofferson – If anyone embodied the term “Renaissance Man” in American culture, it was Kristofferson, who died on Saturday at the age of 88.
With songs such as “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” “Me and Bobbie McGee” and so, so, so many others, Kristofferson elevated the consciousness of what a song could be, and do, for people. Kristofferson joins the heavenly song-swap to pick alongside Hank, Townes, Guy, Merle, Waylon and others, just leaving Willie Nelson here among us. Enjoy these treasures while they’re still here, folks. The legends aren’t getting any younger.
