In my Humble Opinion – Governments get more comical
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In My Humble Opinion
Jodi McDade
Governments get more comical
Before I get into the current events or political events I’d like to speak to all the veterans out there. I attended the funeral of my last uncle on my mother’s side last week at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio and saw my first military funeral. He was a retired senior master sergeant with 20 years of service in the U.S. Air Force and another 10 years with the National Security Agency. Part of the wonder of this event was being surrounded by all of the thousands of tombstones of the veterans (and spouses) who have been buried there. This was a very moving experience that is available to all honorably discharged veterans (and their spouses) and is provided free of charge by our grateful country. I was interested in seeing this ceremony because I have decided to have my husband’s ashes buried in the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo and to then have mine also interred there when that time comes. We had never discussed this, but I knew when I heard about it that Larry would be honored to be buried alongside so many others who served our country.
If you or your spouse is eligible for this honor, I strongly suggest you consider it. There are options to choose from whether you are to be buried or cremated, whether you are to be interred in a National Cemetery or a family/public cemetery, and whether you want a service related headstone or foot stone. For more information, please contact our local VA representative, Nicole Goodman, in Alexander City or call the National Cemetery in which you are interested.
I am still not following much news these days, but some things you just can’t avoid. This week gave us the verdict in the trial of the police officer charged in the death of George Floyd. I have very mixed feelings – the situation could and possibly should have been handled differently, but IF current police protocol was followed, I’m not sure the verdict was justified. Our law enforcement officers have to have the ability to subdue the people they are trying to take into custody using approved methods. Like our military that have Rules of Engagement, the officers cannot be more concerned about their own consequences than in doing their job safely and correctly when they are involved with a suspect. There is a very simple solution to the problem if the public would just comply with the instructions of the officers if they are having any interaction with them. And yes, I also think the officers should not overreact to situations.
Defunding police departments is NOT the answer. I just don’t think law-abiding citizens are in favor of that, but I can see where criminals or people with no regard for authority would certainly think it sounds good. I know I don’t want to live anywhere there is no law enforcement!
Meanwhile here in Alabama, Sen. Del Marsh and his sidekicks are still trying to get a gambling bill through the legislature. While most people want a vote on a lottery, this group continues to tie it to casino gambling and sports betting. And, they continue to only want their cronies to have an opportunity for the licenses for these establishments. The winners have already been chosen, and they are NOT the citizens of Alabama. Even just a lottery, if it is earmarked for education, is (in my opinion) a theft of money being wasted on the current education system in Alabama. The money would NOT end up in the classrooms to provide a quality education to our children.
At the same time, the bills to repeal Common Core have gone nowhere, again. I think that idea was used as a carrot dangled out front to entice the legislature to approve the gambling bill. Two bad ideas don’t make a good one. So, another generation of our children will graduate without a comprehensive education that will prevent them from having to take remedial classes if they decide to go to college. BUT, another great idea on the education front is a bill to change FAILING schools to CHALLENGED schools – we don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings! And, we certainly don’t want to do anything to improve failing schools or open more charter schools to provide a quality education. Since 1965, all we have done is dummy down more every year. Johnny still can’t read, and Sue still can’t add or subtract.
But the very BEST bill I have seen in the Alabama Legislature is the one to fight “period poverty.” This bill would require all school boards to provide feminine hygiene products in girls’ restrooms FREE OF CHARGE for girls in fifth–twelfth grades. What about the transgender girls in those restrooms? Will they be offended or feel left out? OR, will we need to add them to the boys’ restrooms later so everyone has access to them? Remember, we can’t discriminate against anyone!
Our governments just get more and more comical. They want to be the sole provider of every possible need (or want) the citizens have so they can get and keep total control of us. Personal responsibility and common sense are a part of history that is being erased faster and faster.
Keep the faith, folks! If you don’t like what’s going on, SPEAK UP! Remember – silence is regarded as approval. And, keep those prayers coming!