October 8 , 2009

I'm just saying . . .
For some reason sorry seems to be the hardest word
By James Cook, Times Editor

First of all I want to send out my deepest sympathies and prayers to the family of JoAnne McIntosh Freeman. JoAnne was a kind, child-loving, friendly, happy-go-lucky, always had a smile, Christian woman who I came to know as part of my church family.
She will be missed by all of us, even if you did not know her I am sure that she has touched someone's life that has in turn touched yours. She was remarkable.
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Now I want to touch on a subject that seems to be part of the political landscape and is catching on in the rest of society. It is called dodging the apology or as I like to call it, Fonz-alitis.
Back in the 70's there was the television show we all watched called Happy Days. It was a look at the 50's and the personalities that were easily identifiable to everyone. There was the staight-and-narrow kid, the nerds, the authoritative parent that mellowed out and of course the cool guy. That "cool guy" was know as the Fonz.
The Fonz could do anything except say he was sorry. He would nearly choke on it as he tried to say he was wrong about something or trying to say he was sorry would just about kill him.
It seems that the politicans are doing the same.
A few weeks ago a Republican Congressman, Joe Wilson, yelled out to President Barak Obama "you lie" as he discussed his health care plan. An immediate apology was issued that evening and the White House accepted it.
Now a Democrat Congressman Alan Grayson put on a display in the House saying that the Republicans health care plan calls for people to "die quickly." An apology was asked for and his reply went something like he would apologize to those who died and their families in this "American Holocaust", referring to our current health care system. No apology.
Of course, the Anti-Defamation League asked for an apology since he compared the holocaust to health care - which in no way can there ever be a comparison. Grayson's response was simple, he would not use that term again. No apology.
Despite it all, despite his show antics on the House Floor, no apology. Apparently he does not feel as if he was wrong.
By the way, despite apologizing and it being accepted, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi chose not to accept Wilson's and the House voted to censure him. Nothing has been done to Grayson and Pelosi acts as if she has no idea what the fuss is about.
How hard is it to say you are sorry? Now if you believe you're right then stick to your guns. But for the House to show no regard for fairness and set forth a double standard could be just one more lever pulled on the other side come next November. Americans will tolerate a lot of things, but two sets of rules for the have's and have not's will never be accepted.
So let me start a new trend here. If I have offended you or misspelled something, I am sorry. My opinion is just that, my opinion, but at least we all need to be civil about it. If not, then be prepared to reap the whirlwind you called for. That may be a letter, an e-mail or a lost election. I am ready, what about Congress? Senators? Presidents? local politicians?
I'm just saying . . .

P.S. - For those who feel I am too far to the right, refer to the first two sentences in last paragraph.

View fom the Mountain:
Man's second invention - the walking stick
By David J. Griffin, Times Reporter

For most of my life I have been a collector and an avid user of wooden walking sticks. My grandfather (Pop) taught me how to make several varieties, and he also instructed me in the proper use of such a useful tool. He never considered entering the woods without either his shotgun or a wooden walking stick.
During a bit of research regarding Kentucky walking sticks, I found the following debate. “Man’s second invention, which occurred about 5,000 years ago, was the wooden walking stick, which was used to uproot the first invention, which was the rock.” This situation is much like the old question – which came first the chicken or the egg?
Pop really did not care about the history of this very useful tool, he just thought you should have one if you were venturing into the woods, and I am in perfect agreement with him. He used the stick to stabilize his walking, to clear spider webs in his path, to part thick bushes, and to use as a defensive weapon when necessary, especially against stray dogs. Because of his advice, I never venture into the woods without one of my own walking sticks.
I have made use of this functional and practical tool since I was a small boy. After becoming an adult, I began to collect walking sticks from the interesting places that I have visited. Some of my favorites are from the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Smoky Mountains, and many from state parks in Kentucky. Many others came from my own woods and various places in Powell County.
My friend Larry understands how much I love walking sticks, so about ten years ago he decided to make me one from a hickory stick from our woods as a Christmas present. He hand carved this beauty, and I think it is still one of my favorites.
A few years ago, Kathy and I drove to Colorado to spend some time at Steamboat Springs and to visit the Colorado Rockies. While crossing the Continental Divide, we spotted a bull moose drinking from a small lake. After taking many photographs of the animal, I told my wife that I wanted to purchase a nice walking stick at the gift shop as a remembrance of the day. When we went into the gift shop, I found just exactly what I wanted. I decided to wait until we were ready to leave to make my purchase. Guess what? I forgot the stick. I still complain to my wife for letting that one slip by me. If ever I return to this picturesque area of the US, I will definitely bring home that cool staff to add to my collection.
Another of my much-loved walking sticks is made from sassafras, which came from West Virginia. While camping at Holly River State Park, I discovered a wonderful trout site on the Holly River. I was successful with my trusty rod and reel, catching several plump members of this species. I got that walking stick as a keepsake of the day and the experience. I have it in my collection today.
Occasionally, Kathy and I give each other hints about Christmas presents that we would like to receive. Last week I was looking through a catalog and noticed one of the finest walking sticks I have ever seen. It is called a Shillelagh or Irish Walking Stick, and it is made from the blackthorn tree. Because this tree is extremely hard and durable, it takes a very skilled craftsman to sculpt and carve them. Traditionally, this stick is carried by Irish men, and it is thought to be very distinctive and unique. I told my wife just how much I would love to add that one to my collection. It costs a mere $49!
There is another walking stick that I especially cherish that is made from a tobacco stick. Although we lived on a small farm in Rockcastle County, we did not raise tobacco. But our neighbors did, and I played in that old barn for many years. We would choose one of those sticks to use as a “stick horse” and ride through the woods behind my house like Lash Larue or Johnny Mac Brown.
While traveling in Tennessee a few years ago, I found a walking stick made from a tobacco stick that even had a deer’s head carved into the handle. Of course, you know I had to have it for my collection. Owning this walker is like owning a piece of local history.
I found an unknown quote from a Backpacker magazine that says, “Use me along the paths that you search and seek, rely on my strength as you climb to the peak!” I think that is precisely why I have a love affair with walking sticks – they give me physical (and moral) support when I venture into the woods to observe nature in all of its glory.

(You can reach me at mtnman@mis.net or you can drop me a line at P.O. Box 927 – Stanton, KY 40380. I appreciate your suggestions and comments.)