By MONTE DUTTON Click here. Every time there is a great natural disaster, the 100-year mark, or the 1,000-year mark, is invoked. On the 11 o’clock news, the “staff meteorologist” – this is usually a fellow who does card tricks or juggles on the side – assures us this is “a 1,000-year event.” I don’t …
Tag: politics
A Christmas morning collection of inspiration
By MONTE DUTTON Click here. Merry Christmas. After the sleepless childress have experienced the wonder of the glittering tree and the presents scattered around it, let us find time to contemplate the soul of our being, where we are and where we are going."We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though …
Continue reading A Christmas morning collection of inspiration
Are the Good Times Really Over for Good?
Clinton, South Carolina, Tuesday, September 1, 2002, 8:36 a.m. Wow. It’s September. When will wonders cease? For the first time in my life, something has happened that is as bad as it could be. I’m grading on a curve. In absolute terms, the novel coronavirus COVID-19 – epidemic regionally, pandemic worldwide – could theoretically dwell …
Fifteen Yards for Piling On
Clinton, South Carolina, Thursday, June 4, 2020, 8:54 a.m. This morning I’ve been thinking about significant things I learned from obscure sources. For instance, my highly detailed views on various shades of color derive from very large boxes of Crayolas. “Well, it’s like navy blue, but I think it’s really closer to midnight.” Also, I …
Satire at Sunset
Clinton, South Carolina, Saturday, April 18, 2020, 8:37 a.m. Back when I traveled most of the country, writing about race cars that went ’round and ’round and the mostly white men who drove them, my favorite device was not a shock absorber but its literary equivalent, satire. Once -- it was in Dover, Delaware, I …
What Comes to Mind Today
Clinton, South Carolina, Thursday, April 9, 2020, 11:28 a.m. If the country is pulling together, you can’t prove it by Facebook. I’ll stop blaming President Twitter when he stops blaming everyone else. The best reason to watch replays of old sporting events is that at least it’s sports. The worst thing is that everyone knows …
The Age of Chicken Little
Clinton, South Carolina, Sunday, March 22, 2020, 9:16 a.m. Everywhere people say the sky is falling. Never mind that it is. Mostly, when my “land line” rings, it is either my mother or someone who wants my money. I hang up so often, one would in earlier times think me inconsiderate. My cell plays tricks, …
While I Breathe, I Hope
Clinton, South Carolina, February 29, 2020, 11:54 a.m. Life is fatal for everyone. I have reached the age where I am one germ away from disaster. I suppose this is somewhat true for everyone, but more of a worry as people age. As such, I am wary but unafraid. The so-called coronavirus is not a …
United in Division
Clinton, South Carolina, Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 8:54 a.m. MLK Day to the beginning of impeachment is quite a transition. For the record, baby, it’s cold outside. Do you feel great again? I think I’ll read the Constitution again. I’m kidding. I’m going to edit wrestling results. Laurens City Council meets. I think it’s going …
This Life I Have Found
Clinton, South Carolina, Thursday, January 9, 2020, 10:59 a.m. For some reason, I make big decisions quickly. I think it through, sleep on it, get up thoughtful, and decide what I want to do. What I agonize over is small decisions. Deciding what I’m in the mood for at dinner – I never heard it …
Nightrider's Lament 