I buried my uncle recently in Galena, Kansas, a depressing place located in the extreme southeast corner of the state. A few miles east is Missouri, and a few miles southwest is Oklahoma.
He lies in Hillcrest Cemetery, next to my mother, who is next to my father, who is one row away from grandparents and other uncles — all on my mom’s side of the family.
Galena used to be a mining town of 4,000. Now, it looks like only 400 residents remain. My mom and dad grew up there. My father was an only child, and I’m an only child, so all the relatives were my mom’s. She had four brothers and one sister. They graduated from Galena High School, then left the area to earn a living.
My parents took me to Galena often while we lived in St. Louis. We celebrated every major holiday by driving the 300 miles southwest on old Route 66. Galena was the first town in Kansas as you headed west on that famous highway. Today, Interstate 44 is five miles away, but travelers following the old highway still stop to take pictures of what’s left of small-town middle America.
I remember one day in St. Louis my mom got a phone call and started crying.
My grandfather, her dad, had died in Galena. That seemed to initiate a succession of deaths I’ve had to deal with: another grandfather, both grandmothers, my father (just before my 20th birthday), two uncles, my mother, an aunt and now my uncle Lester.
I never really thought about uncle Les dying. For 32 years, he served the role of my dad. He came to my graduations, my daughter’s high school graduation, and was planning on attending her college graduation. We talked by phone almost every Friday night.
The tragic thing is my uncle Les had been married only three weeks when he died in the intensive care recovery room following triple-by-pass surgery. He was 79 and had just married his longtime girl friend, also 79. It was the first marriage for both, and after dating 43 years, their wedding was front page news in the Colorado Springs Gazette, accompanied by a color photo.
Since they had no children, I was the closest relative available to make all the final arrangements for two services; a memorial in Colorado Springs for his friends, and the final service in Galena.
Here’s what this is all about. The services became a celebration of Lester’s life rather than an event of sadness over his death.
I was able to remember all the good times because I was free of any guilt from things I hadn’t done. I conversed with him frequently, sent him copies of the Keene Star, and had just visited him on New Year’s Day.
I was able to make economically sound business decisions regarding the final arrangements because I was not motivated by guilt to purchase unnecessary and expensive items as some sort of restitution for things I didn’t do. I had done the most important thing that a close relative or friend could desire, I had taken the time to visit him in person.
And, Uncle Les did something for me.
Many questions were answered because he had a will. Just three weeks before his marriage, he wrote a new will, explaining exactly what he wanted done with the assets and which charities got what gifts.
And that’s the real point. Rethink whatever it is you think is so important and demanding of your time, and go visit in person your grandmother, aunt, uncle, or whoever it is that you have been avoiding.
And if you really love your children, prepare a legally written will. Your death will not come one day sooner if you do, and your death could be a celebration of your life because you did.
Paul Gnadt is the editor of the Keene Star. He can be reached via e-mail at keenestar@thestargroup.com
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Did William Barrett Travis really draw that line 173 years ago?
I visited San Antonio recently and, as I always do when there, drove downtown to the Alamo, which observed the 173rd anniversary of the famous battle on March 6.
I had first met Travis, Bowie, Bonham, Crockett and the other Defenders of Freedom while teaching five years of seventh grade Texas history.
I became fascinated with the events preceding and following the massacre at the old Spanish mission called San Antonio de Valero.
One point of interest I really enjoy is watching the movie about the battle. The “Price of Freedom” is shown continuously at the IMAX Theater, across the street from the Alamo in the River Center Shopping Center.
The movie is factually accurate in depicting such events as the women and children who were spared and permitted to leave, the defender Louis Rose electing to depart before Santa Anna attacked, Bowie’s illness and method of execution, the location where Crockett fought and fell, and the disposal of the Heroes’ remains.
One moving moment in the movie is when 29-year-old William Barrett Travis assembles the men and tells them Bonham’s lonely rides to rally assistance from nearby troops has been unsuccessful. He tells them help isn’t coming and they are destined to die in the Alamo.
Unless, of course, anyone chooses to leave.
Standing before them, he takes out his sword and traces a line in the sandy soil. The line separates Travis from the others.
Next, Travis asks for all who will stay and fight to step across the line. Anyone who doesn’t is free to leave and there’ll be no hard feelings. All step across except Rose.
Their fate sealed with one step of defiance, they raise a shout of final determination.
After the massacre, after the final pyre has become smoldering ashes, and Santa Anna declares it was “just a minor inconvenience,” the movie’s final scene is the Alamo as it looks today.
Suddenly, the scene of the Defenders shouting defiance is superimposed on the screen and you think they’re just outside, still hoping Fannin will arrive.
It also hits you just exactly what they did.
My eyes get teary and sniffles start.
The first year, I told the seventh graders I was simply tired. In subsequent years, after the lights went down and the image of 29-year-old James Butler Bonham appears on the screen, riding alone through hostile territory to report to Travis, I headed for the back to sit alone.
I know what’s going to happen when the final scene appears.
Recently, there has been speculation Travis really didn’t draw that line in the sand. It is only a legend; it isn’t true.
I think about what those men stood for, and how generations of other Americans, male and female, have made the same sacrifice so I can have the freedom to write this column.
Friday was one such day to remember them.
I am glad recent movies such as “Saving Private Ryan” and books like “Flags of Our Fathers” remind us of the horror they endured and the price they paid.
Regardless of where they were at the time, their stores are just as heroic and there fate is just as certain.
It could have been in Vietnam, or Korea, on the sands at Iwo Jima, or a beach called Omaha.
Did they really do the courageous things we hear about?
Did William Barrett Travis really draw that line?
Of course he did.
Paul Gnadt is the editor for the Keene Star. He can be reached via e-mail at keenestar@thestargroup.com.
I had first met Travis, Bowie, Bonham, Crockett and the other Defenders of Freedom while teaching five years of seventh grade Texas history.
I became fascinated with the events preceding and following the massacre at the old Spanish mission called San Antonio de Valero.
One point of interest I really enjoy is watching the movie about the battle. The “Price of Freedom” is shown continuously at the IMAX Theater, across the street from the Alamo in the River Center Shopping Center.
The movie is factually accurate in depicting such events as the women and children who were spared and permitted to leave, the defender Louis Rose electing to depart before Santa Anna attacked, Bowie’s illness and method of execution, the location where Crockett fought and fell, and the disposal of the Heroes’ remains.
One moving moment in the movie is when 29-year-old William Barrett Travis assembles the men and tells them Bonham’s lonely rides to rally assistance from nearby troops has been unsuccessful. He tells them help isn’t coming and they are destined to die in the Alamo.
Unless, of course, anyone chooses to leave.
Standing before them, he takes out his sword and traces a line in the sandy soil. The line separates Travis from the others.
Next, Travis asks for all who will stay and fight to step across the line. Anyone who doesn’t is free to leave and there’ll be no hard feelings. All step across except Rose.
Their fate sealed with one step of defiance, they raise a shout of final determination.
After the massacre, after the final pyre has become smoldering ashes, and Santa Anna declares it was “just a minor inconvenience,” the movie’s final scene is the Alamo as it looks today.
Suddenly, the scene of the Defenders shouting defiance is superimposed on the screen and you think they’re just outside, still hoping Fannin will arrive.
It also hits you just exactly what they did.
My eyes get teary and sniffles start.
The first year, I told the seventh graders I was simply tired. In subsequent years, after the lights went down and the image of 29-year-old James Butler Bonham appears on the screen, riding alone through hostile territory to report to Travis, I headed for the back to sit alone.
I know what’s going to happen when the final scene appears.
Recently, there has been speculation Travis really didn’t draw that line in the sand. It is only a legend; it isn’t true.
I think about what those men stood for, and how generations of other Americans, male and female, have made the same sacrifice so I can have the freedom to write this column.
Friday was one such day to remember them.
I am glad recent movies such as “Saving Private Ryan” and books like “Flags of Our Fathers” remind us of the horror they endured and the price they paid.
Regardless of where they were at the time, their stores are just as heroic and there fate is just as certain.
It could have been in Vietnam, or Korea, on the sands at Iwo Jima, or a beach called Omaha.
Did they really do the courageous things we hear about?
Did William Barrett Travis really draw that line?
Of course he did.
Paul Gnadt is the editor for the Keene Star. He can be reached via e-mail at keenestar@thestargroup.com.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Diabetes can devastate
My family’s heartache of losing two young members
In 1972, my 28-year-old sister-in-law died from type 1 diabetes. She left behind two precious little girls and a grieving family.
She had been diagnosed at the age of 16.
To say our family has been deeply affected by diabetes would be an obvious understatement. At the time of her death we had no way of knowing this dreadful disease would also claim the life of her younger daughter at the age of 11. The coronary defects which killed her were linked to her mother’s diabetes.
They had gone undetected. Our family was devastated.
Research has come so far since then. Her older daughter, my oldest niece, is living with the same disease in a completely different atmosphere. Her two boys are healthy and thriving but the risk of their developing diabetes is real.
In 2000, diabetes killed 224,092 people in this country, according to the American Diabetes Association.
The statistics surrounding diabetes are startling.
While our population, as a whole, gains more weight, the risk of contracting diabetes increases as well. The unbelievable fact, to me, is in most cases, type 2 diabetes is mostly preventable.
There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States — or 7 percent of the population — who have diabetes.
While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 6.2 million people are unaware they have the disease.
While the symptoms may be duplicitous, it is always wise to inform your physician of any concerns you may have about your health.
After all, no one knows your body as well as you do.
Two years ago I was shocked to hear my doctor tell me I was pre-diabetic. My biological family had no history of diabetes. He told me if I didn’t take immediate action my health would suffer irreparably.
I lost 30 pounds and began a walking regimen. It wasn’t easy or overnight but I thought my children and grandchildren might one day appreciate it. I know I do.
The American Diabetes Association tells us 54 million Americans have pre-diabetes, which puts them at greatest risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Among the primary risk factors for type 2 are being overweight, sedentary, over the age of 45 and having a family history of diabetes. African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders are at an increased risk, as are women who have had babies weighing more than nine pounds at birth.
Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by disease in this country and has no known cure.
As the 21st Annual American Diabetes Alert Day, March 24, approaches, I implore each of you to have yourself tested for this insidious disease. Taking care of yourself is a gift to your family.
Candy McMichen is editor of the Everman Star and may be reached by email at evermanstar@thestargroup.com.
In 1972, my 28-year-old sister-in-law died from type 1 diabetes. She left behind two precious little girls and a grieving family.
She had been diagnosed at the age of 16.
To say our family has been deeply affected by diabetes would be an obvious understatement. At the time of her death we had no way of knowing this dreadful disease would also claim the life of her younger daughter at the age of 11. The coronary defects which killed her were linked to her mother’s diabetes.
They had gone undetected. Our family was devastated.
Research has come so far since then. Her older daughter, my oldest niece, is living with the same disease in a completely different atmosphere. Her two boys are healthy and thriving but the risk of their developing diabetes is real.
In 2000, diabetes killed 224,092 people in this country, according to the American Diabetes Association.
The statistics surrounding diabetes are startling.
While our population, as a whole, gains more weight, the risk of contracting diabetes increases as well. The unbelievable fact, to me, is in most cases, type 2 diabetes is mostly preventable.
There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States — or 7 percent of the population — who have diabetes.
While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 6.2 million people are unaware they have the disease.
While the symptoms may be duplicitous, it is always wise to inform your physician of any concerns you may have about your health.
After all, no one knows your body as well as you do.
Two years ago I was shocked to hear my doctor tell me I was pre-diabetic. My biological family had no history of diabetes. He told me if I didn’t take immediate action my health would suffer irreparably.
I lost 30 pounds and began a walking regimen. It wasn’t easy or overnight but I thought my children and grandchildren might one day appreciate it. I know I do.
The American Diabetes Association tells us 54 million Americans have pre-diabetes, which puts them at greatest risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Among the primary risk factors for type 2 are being overweight, sedentary, over the age of 45 and having a family history of diabetes. African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders are at an increased risk, as are women who have had babies weighing more than nine pounds at birth.
Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by disease in this country and has no known cure.
As the 21st Annual American Diabetes Alert Day, March 24, approaches, I implore each of you to have yourself tested for this insidious disease. Taking care of yourself is a gift to your family.
Candy McMichen is editor of the Everman Star and may be reached by email at evermanstar@thestargroup.com.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Oh, beautiful for spacious skies...
America is alive and well in Texas.
The evidence was there for all to see Thursday night during the annual Burleson Chamber of Commerce awards banquet.
No, there weren’t 76 trombones blaring or even 100 flags flying. There were just scores of folks like you and me wrapped in the love and freedom that makes the United States of America the envy of the world.
Even with our problems, millions would love to enjoy what we often take for granted.
First we were allowed a peaceful assembly. There were no guards to keep us out. There was no one to search us as we came through the door. In fact, no police officers were seen.
What we did see and hear were happy young people saying “hi” and “go on in.”
In a lot of countries this would not be allowed.
Here were people anxious to greet a newcomer to the community with a personalized card, handshakes a smile and a genuine desire to help if need be.
America, alive and well.
A ladies choir clad in bright clothes with their voices loud and strong rallied us all with America the Beautiful, God Bless America and the National Anthem. People young and old lifted their voices together in a salute to the USA.
Four young men from Burleson High, spiffy in their ROTC program uniforms flawlessly presented the colors just perfectly, marching together to place the U.S. and Texas flags in their proper places next to the head table.
Thank you young men, it is people like you that will ensure that the future of America is strong.
As we pledged our allegiance everyone was respectful, hands over hearts, voicing the words we should never take for granted. There were no protesters and everyone was in accord. Words caught in the throats of some and tears were in evidence.
Yes, America is alive and well.
Awards were given and people were honored for their selfless commitment to the community. Men, women, young, old, winding a thread of service that binds us together as one nation.
Businesses owners and managers who believe in America and our community were honored. One drew special praise for helping a young person along the way academically. One said it was great just to make someone smile Yes, people really do care.
After the applause, the awards, the pats on the back a woman who reflects the American dreamed challenged the crowd. A black woman from a small town in Texas, she has climbed out of tough early childhood into a successful career in real estate and public speaking. Yes, only in America could her success be found.
Burleson is a great example of what all America is about, she declared. What about the problems we’re experiencing in America? “We are a nation that has learned to stick together...an example to the world. We have survived. We are a people with a will to win. We will rise to the top. We will!”
In that meeting there were Republicans, Democrats, no doubt independents, and probably some who don’t know what to call themselves, politically. That’s okay, but we are all Americans. Look around today. Can you see America for what it is, a land of the free and home of the brave.
Sing it with me:
America, America, God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good, with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.
The evidence was there for all to see Thursday night during the annual Burleson Chamber of Commerce awards banquet.
No, there weren’t 76 trombones blaring or even 100 flags flying. There were just scores of folks like you and me wrapped in the love and freedom that makes the United States of America the envy of the world.
Even with our problems, millions would love to enjoy what we often take for granted.
First we were allowed a peaceful assembly. There were no guards to keep us out. There was no one to search us as we came through the door. In fact, no police officers were seen.
What we did see and hear were happy young people saying “hi” and “go on in.”
In a lot of countries this would not be allowed.
Here were people anxious to greet a newcomer to the community with a personalized card, handshakes a smile and a genuine desire to help if need be.
America, alive and well.
A ladies choir clad in bright clothes with their voices loud and strong rallied us all with America the Beautiful, God Bless America and the National Anthem. People young and old lifted their voices together in a salute to the USA.
Four young men from Burleson High, spiffy in their ROTC program uniforms flawlessly presented the colors just perfectly, marching together to place the U.S. and Texas flags in their proper places next to the head table.
Thank you young men, it is people like you that will ensure that the future of America is strong.
As we pledged our allegiance everyone was respectful, hands over hearts, voicing the words we should never take for granted. There were no protesters and everyone was in accord. Words caught in the throats of some and tears were in evidence.
Yes, America is alive and well.
Awards were given and people were honored for their selfless commitment to the community. Men, women, young, old, winding a thread of service that binds us together as one nation.
Businesses owners and managers who believe in America and our community were honored. One drew special praise for helping a young person along the way academically. One said it was great just to make someone smile Yes, people really do care.
After the applause, the awards, the pats on the back a woman who reflects the American dreamed challenged the crowd. A black woman from a small town in Texas, she has climbed out of tough early childhood into a successful career in real estate and public speaking. Yes, only in America could her success be found.
Burleson is a great example of what all America is about, she declared. What about the problems we’re experiencing in America? “We are a nation that has learned to stick together...an example to the world. We have survived. We are a people with a will to win. We will rise to the top. We will!”
In that meeting there were Republicans, Democrats, no doubt independents, and probably some who don’t know what to call themselves, politically. That’s okay, but we are all Americans. Look around today. Can you see America for what it is, a land of the free and home of the brave.
Sing it with me:
America, America, God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good, with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Spending more ‘change’
The issue: Both houses of Congress and the president have proposed an unprecedented spending bill of almost $1 trillion.
We say: The bill, which will significantly add to the national debt, is a partisan and aggressive move that will not directly address most of the problems the country is facing — many of which were caused by the government in the first place.
The huge $789 billion spending bill, which is being called a stimulus package by the president and key members of his party, is nothing short of the biggest redistribution of wealth program and grab by the federal government in the history of the U.S.
Forget the fact the latest version of the almost $1 trillion spending bill, brokered by the party promising to be transparent and bipartisan, was scribbled together behind closed doors — immediately breaking president Obama’s promise to “reform congressional rules to require all legislative sessions, including committee mark-ups and conference committees ... be conducted in public.”
Mr. Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid seem determined to achieve exactly the opposite result of promises made to the American people.
And, where will the $1.17 trillion, after $347 billion in interest, come from?
Every tax payer in the U.S. — not just the rich, not just the corporations or some one else.
It is you, your children, grandchildren, relatives, friends and neighbors who will be made to pay for this spending bill, without which the president says you can’t survive.
In order to “save us,” and pay for the unprecedented spending bill, every person in the U.S. would need to send a check to Washington for about $3,830 — right now.
So, since your money is being taken from you to be given to someone, somewhere else, where will your money — which if we don’t spend right now, we’re all doomed — be spent?
Pelosi will be getting $30 million for her pet project to protect the salt marsh harvest mouse near San Francisco. $300 million will go for new hybrid and electric cars for government workers, and $650 million will be used for TV converter box coupons. $750 million will go for a National Computer Center, $1 billion for administrative costs and construction of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration office buildings, about $20 billion for food stamps, $53.6 billion for states to balance their budgets, $7.6 billion for “rural community advancement programs,” $36 billion for expanded unemployment benefits, $89 billion for Medicaid and $15 billion for boosting Pell Grant college scholarships. The list goes on and on.
The final bill contains about $507 billion in spending programs.
There is room to continue trimming the bill to only what is necessary — perhaps even to $0.
Of course, while the spending bill draws the majority of the attention, the new Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, announced a $2.5 trillion “rescue plan” for the banking system.
Even though the amount of this plan is more than double the social spending, pork-filled bill being hammered out by the Democratic leaders in Congress, almost none of the details are available.
Mr. Obama promised change in Washington, and so far he has delivered — by spending more “change” from your pocket than any other president. And, he’s doing it in fewer than his first 30 days.
We say: The bill, which will significantly add to the national debt, is a partisan and aggressive move that will not directly address most of the problems the country is facing — many of which were caused by the government in the first place.
The huge $789 billion spending bill, which is being called a stimulus package by the president and key members of his party, is nothing short of the biggest redistribution of wealth program and grab by the federal government in the history of the U.S.
Forget the fact the latest version of the almost $1 trillion spending bill, brokered by the party promising to be transparent and bipartisan, was scribbled together behind closed doors — immediately breaking president Obama’s promise to “reform congressional rules to require all legislative sessions, including committee mark-ups and conference committees ... be conducted in public.”
Mr. Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid seem determined to achieve exactly the opposite result of promises made to the American people.
And, where will the $1.17 trillion, after $347 billion in interest, come from?
Every tax payer in the U.S. — not just the rich, not just the corporations or some one else.
It is you, your children, grandchildren, relatives, friends and neighbors who will be made to pay for this spending bill, without which the president says you can’t survive.
In order to “save us,” and pay for the unprecedented spending bill, every person in the U.S. would need to send a check to Washington for about $3,830 — right now.
So, since your money is being taken from you to be given to someone, somewhere else, where will your money — which if we don’t spend right now, we’re all doomed — be spent?
Pelosi will be getting $30 million for her pet project to protect the salt marsh harvest mouse near San Francisco. $300 million will go for new hybrid and electric cars for government workers, and $650 million will be used for TV converter box coupons. $750 million will go for a National Computer Center, $1 billion for administrative costs and construction of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration office buildings, about $20 billion for food stamps, $53.6 billion for states to balance their budgets, $7.6 billion for “rural community advancement programs,” $36 billion for expanded unemployment benefits, $89 billion for Medicaid and $15 billion for boosting Pell Grant college scholarships. The list goes on and on.
The final bill contains about $507 billion in spending programs.
There is room to continue trimming the bill to only what is necessary — perhaps even to $0.
Of course, while the spending bill draws the majority of the attention, the new Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, announced a $2.5 trillion “rescue plan” for the banking system.
Even though the amount of this plan is more than double the social spending, pork-filled bill being hammered out by the Democratic leaders in Congress, almost none of the details are available.
Mr. Obama promised change in Washington, and so far he has delivered — by spending more “change” from your pocket than any other president. And, he’s doing it in fewer than his first 30 days.
Friday, January 30, 2009
English you can understand
Many cities in the United States have become truly international. Just look around when you’re shopping and you’ll see what I mean.
Walking through a mall or grocery store you’ll hear all kinds of languages. Some people like it, some don’t. But, that’s America. We should be honored folks from overseas want to be in the good old USA.
Nashville, TN residents last week rejected legislation to make English the only language for doing business with government.
The proposal read: No person shall have a right to government services in any other language.
Opponents said the measure was “negative and invites discrimination.”
In a newspaper editorial the Tennessean said the legislation would “exclude and marginalize those residents and visitors to Nashville simply because English is not their native tongue.”
The rejection of this move is fine with me. But this issue cranked my mind about use of language by some of America’s biggest corporations.
Recently our company was having a technical problem with phone/internet service. After several days and several telephone calls, we simply gave up and tried our own solution. Part of the problem was a language barrier.
I believe I speak fairly good English even if I am from Arkansas.
And, the people on the other end apparently understood English but they sure couldn’t speak my kind.
The conversations would go something like this:
Them: This is XXXXcvSS, what can I xxdldksvvwww for you?
Me: I am having trouble with ...
Them: LDKWLWKW number?
Me: Can you repeat that?
Them: LDKWLWKW number?
Me: I’m sorry, I can’t understand you, and can you repeat it slowly.
Them: L, D, K, W, L, W, K, W number?
Me: I guess you mean our account number.
Them: Yes.
(Whoopee, we were making progress.)
Me: That number is XXXXXXXXXX.
Them: That XXXXOOWW00.
Me: No. I can’t understand you. I guess I’ll have to call someone else.
Guess what, reaching another “customer service” representative didn’t do any good.
I finally asked these people where they were. It seems like all of them were in different locations — out of the U.S.
One, I remember, was in the Far East. Since I was calling during the day, it meant it was night there. Maybe they were all sleepy.
Nah.
Here’s my point: If you sell me your product and promise to service it, please let me talk to someone who can understand and speak English.
And, one other thing, you’re taking American jobs overseas. I don’t like that.
Walking through a mall or grocery store you’ll hear all kinds of languages. Some people like it, some don’t. But, that’s America. We should be honored folks from overseas want to be in the good old USA.
Nashville, TN residents last week rejected legislation to make English the only language for doing business with government.
The proposal read: No person shall have a right to government services in any other language.
Opponents said the measure was “negative and invites discrimination.”
In a newspaper editorial the Tennessean said the legislation would “exclude and marginalize those residents and visitors to Nashville simply because English is not their native tongue.”
The rejection of this move is fine with me. But this issue cranked my mind about use of language by some of America’s biggest corporations.
Recently our company was having a technical problem with phone/internet service. After several days and several telephone calls, we simply gave up and tried our own solution. Part of the problem was a language barrier.
I believe I speak fairly good English even if I am from Arkansas.
And, the people on the other end apparently understood English but they sure couldn’t speak my kind.
The conversations would go something like this:
Them: This is XXXXcvSS, what can I xxdldksvvwww for you?
Me: I am having trouble with ...
Them: LDKWLWKW number?
Me: Can you repeat that?
Them: LDKWLWKW number?
Me: I’m sorry, I can’t understand you, and can you repeat it slowly.
Them: L, D, K, W, L, W, K, W number?
Me: I guess you mean our account number.
Them: Yes.
(Whoopee, we were making progress.)
Me: That number is XXXXXXXXXX.
Them: That XXXXOOWW00.
Me: No. I can’t understand you. I guess I’ll have to call someone else.
Guess what, reaching another “customer service” representative didn’t do any good.
I finally asked these people where they were. It seems like all of them were in different locations — out of the U.S.
One, I remember, was in the Far East. Since I was calling during the day, it meant it was night there. Maybe they were all sleepy.
Nah.
Here’s my point: If you sell me your product and promise to service it, please let me talk to someone who can understand and speak English.
And, one other thing, you’re taking American jobs overseas. I don’t like that.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Martin Luther King remembered
Monday the U.S. observed the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
Government offices, banks and some businesses closed their doors for business as the day King was born was remembered. It would have been his 80th birthday.
The day of King’s birth has been celebrated in this country since I was senior in high school, and two years after the rock band U2 made the day of King’s assassination — April 4 — immortal in their song “Pride (In the Name of Love).” I find it hard to remember when King’s birthday was not remembered.
I often wonder what King would think of the state of the country today.
From what I know and have studied about him, I think King would be both heartened and disheartened at the state of relations between people of all races, religious backgrounds and social standing.
King was a civil rights leader, not just for the cause of equality among different races, but for equality for all people no matter what differences separate them. By the time he was assassinated, he was largely working to end poverty and the Vietnam war.
King would be elated to see how far we, as a people, have come. To see children of all races playing together and not seeing differences based on race would have been a sight I believe he would have liked to have witnessed.
But, the very thing that is one of the biggest strengths of Americans, our diversity, is the one thing that is possibly our biggest weakness — and the thing driving the biggest wedge between people. This would have disheartened King.
He would have cringed at the thought some of the people he surrounded himself with have gone on to propagate division among all Americans. He paid the ultimate price to bring people together and those who walked with him and listened to him speak have turned their back on what he stood for, causing divisiveness at every turn.
King’s famous speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial helped lead to the passage of the Civil Rights Act one year later.
To let the so-called leaders of today’s civil rights movement use King’s name to promote their own political or social agenda is something King would rise against — both physically and spiritually.
We should remember the man for who he was, and what he did. He was a man, like so many other great leaders, cut down before his time. Cut down because some did not like the truth in his words. Cut down because they couldn’t twist what was happening to serve their own desires.
I hope all people everywhere will discover the true lessons King tried to teach, and not listen to the distortions of the politicians of today as they seek to use King to provoke an emotional response.
Blake Ovard is the managing editor for the Star Group Newspapers and can be reached via e-mail at blake@blakeovard.com.
Government offices, banks and some businesses closed their doors for business as the day King was born was remembered. It would have been his 80th birthday.
The day of King’s birth has been celebrated in this country since I was senior in high school, and two years after the rock band U2 made the day of King’s assassination — April 4 — immortal in their song “Pride (In the Name of Love).” I find it hard to remember when King’s birthday was not remembered.
I often wonder what King would think of the state of the country today.
From what I know and have studied about him, I think King would be both heartened and disheartened at the state of relations between people of all races, religious backgrounds and social standing.
King was a civil rights leader, not just for the cause of equality among different races, but for equality for all people no matter what differences separate them. By the time he was assassinated, he was largely working to end poverty and the Vietnam war.
King would be elated to see how far we, as a people, have come. To see children of all races playing together and not seeing differences based on race would have been a sight I believe he would have liked to have witnessed.
But, the very thing that is one of the biggest strengths of Americans, our diversity, is the one thing that is possibly our biggest weakness — and the thing driving the biggest wedge between people. This would have disheartened King.
He would have cringed at the thought some of the people he surrounded himself with have gone on to propagate division among all Americans. He paid the ultimate price to bring people together and those who walked with him and listened to him speak have turned their back on what he stood for, causing divisiveness at every turn.
King’s famous speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial helped lead to the passage of the Civil Rights Act one year later.
To let the so-called leaders of today’s civil rights movement use King’s name to promote their own political or social agenda is something King would rise against — both physically and spiritually.
We should remember the man for who he was, and what he did. He was a man, like so many other great leaders, cut down before his time. Cut down because some did not like the truth in his words. Cut down because they couldn’t twist what was happening to serve their own desires.
I hope all people everywhere will discover the true lessons King tried to teach, and not listen to the distortions of the politicians of today as they seek to use King to provoke an emotional response.
Blake Ovard is the managing editor for the Star Group Newspapers and can be reached via e-mail at blake@blakeovard.com.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Sporting officials should set example for students
Often we wonder what kind of example we are setting for our youth and ask ourselves what kind of role models our young people are given to look up to.
Adults from all walks of life randomly come in contact with youth every day, but our youth mostly interact on a regular basis with individuals who volunteer to spend time with them. We, as a society, count on those who spend the majority of time with our youth to teach young people good character and ethics.
Because our youth spend a majority of their time with teachers, coaches and others involved with school activities, we count on those people more than any others to foster high standards of ethics and set a good example for students to follow.
Sometimes some of those charged with setting the bar high and teaching our young people the value of having high standards of character, ethics and responsibility fall short of that goal.
Such was the case during a basketball game I attended Saturday afternoon — and what I witnessed appalled and saddened me at what we have let become role models for our children.
An official, Wes Cope — sanctioned by the Fort Worth Chapter of the Texas Association of Sports Officials, displayed actions, verbal taunting of fans and the haughtiest demeanor I have ever seen an official demonstrate.
It is sad to see an official sink so low, especially when he affects so many.
Bad and missed calls are a part of the game, and I do not have an issue with a call an official has made — I believe officials call games to the best of their ability, even if it is the wrong call.
The problem with the call Cope made, was that the clock — with 4.2 seconds on it — wasn’t started on the inbound of the ball, it was started after the ball passed mid court. The resulting shot, at the buzzer, sent the game into the second overtime period.
Needless to say, fans of the team that would have won went nuts pointing out the clock had not started correctly — many stating the clock should be reset and play done over. This would have probably been the best way to handle the situation, but Cope decided he did not want to re-play the time.
While the two other officials conversed with the coaches from both teams, Cope decided to show students what a demonstration of bad sportsmanship, a lack of cooperation and questionable ethics looked like.
Cope looked toward the stands where several fans were voicing concern about the call being made, smiled widely and mouthed words toward them that can not be printed in this publication.
That action was merely the icing on the cake, as he had made several others like it throughout the course of the game.
It is sad when this passes for proper behavior by someone who should know better and who is a member of an organization which has as one of its purposes, “Fostering a high standard of ethics; encouraging sportsmanship and fair play. Insuring closer cooperation and better understanding among officials, athletic representatives, coaches, players, athletic directors, parents and the media.”
When I approached Cope as he left the court and asked for his name — I did not yet know — he refused to answer. I repeated that I just wanted to know the names of the officials calling the game, and stated it was an official media request. He again refused to answer and asked a police officers to tell me he did not want to speak to anyone.
That doesn’t sound much like cooperation.
Our athletes, students and other young people see plenty of people in the world displaying poor behavior on a regular basis, they shouldn’t be taught it is the proper way to act by those we expect to teach them right from wrong, to hold themselves to a higher standard and have high character.
The officials calling high school sports games should be held to the highest standards, and should be the paragon of ethics, sportsmanship and fair play.
The act of becoming an official should be one for people with the quintessence of character.
I believe 99 percent of officials who officiate games in our area are role models for our youngsters, but those whose deportment is the model of wretched behavior, such as was the case with Cope, should be removed from the positions of influence they occupy.
Blake Ovard is the managing editor for the Star Group Newspapers and can be reached via e-mail at blake@blakeovard.com.
Adults from all walks of life randomly come in contact with youth every day, but our youth mostly interact on a regular basis with individuals who volunteer to spend time with them. We, as a society, count on those who spend the majority of time with our youth to teach young people good character and ethics.
Because our youth spend a majority of their time with teachers, coaches and others involved with school activities, we count on those people more than any others to foster high standards of ethics and set a good example for students to follow.
Sometimes some of those charged with setting the bar high and teaching our young people the value of having high standards of character, ethics and responsibility fall short of that goal.
Such was the case during a basketball game I attended Saturday afternoon — and what I witnessed appalled and saddened me at what we have let become role models for our children.
An official, Wes Cope — sanctioned by the Fort Worth Chapter of the Texas Association of Sports Officials, displayed actions, verbal taunting of fans and the haughtiest demeanor I have ever seen an official demonstrate.
It is sad to see an official sink so low, especially when he affects so many.
Bad and missed calls are a part of the game, and I do not have an issue with a call an official has made — I believe officials call games to the best of their ability, even if it is the wrong call.
The problem with the call Cope made, was that the clock — with 4.2 seconds on it — wasn’t started on the inbound of the ball, it was started after the ball passed mid court. The resulting shot, at the buzzer, sent the game into the second overtime period.
Needless to say, fans of the team that would have won went nuts pointing out the clock had not started correctly — many stating the clock should be reset and play done over. This would have probably been the best way to handle the situation, but Cope decided he did not want to re-play the time.
While the two other officials conversed with the coaches from both teams, Cope decided to show students what a demonstration of bad sportsmanship, a lack of cooperation and questionable ethics looked like.
Cope looked toward the stands where several fans were voicing concern about the call being made, smiled widely and mouthed words toward them that can not be printed in this publication.
That action was merely the icing on the cake, as he had made several others like it throughout the course of the game.
It is sad when this passes for proper behavior by someone who should know better and who is a member of an organization which has as one of its purposes, “Fostering a high standard of ethics; encouraging sportsmanship and fair play. Insuring closer cooperation and better understanding among officials, athletic representatives, coaches, players, athletic directors, parents and the media.”
When I approached Cope as he left the court and asked for his name — I did not yet know — he refused to answer. I repeated that I just wanted to know the names of the officials calling the game, and stated it was an official media request. He again refused to answer and asked a police officers to tell me he did not want to speak to anyone.
That doesn’t sound much like cooperation.
Our athletes, students and other young people see plenty of people in the world displaying poor behavior on a regular basis, they shouldn’t be taught it is the proper way to act by those we expect to teach them right from wrong, to hold themselves to a higher standard and have high character.
The officials calling high school sports games should be held to the highest standards, and should be the paragon of ethics, sportsmanship and fair play.
The act of becoming an official should be one for people with the quintessence of character.
I believe 99 percent of officials who officiate games in our area are role models for our youngsters, but those whose deportment is the model of wretched behavior, such as was the case with Cope, should be removed from the positions of influence they occupy.
Blake Ovard is the managing editor for the Star Group Newspapers and can be reached via e-mail at blake@blakeovard.com.
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