By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
JULY 24, 2020 | Lots of Georgians have been arguing for the public school year to start after Labor Day in September, instead of most Georgia systems starting in early August.
This year some systems may start in September, but not by choice, but because of the COVID-19 virus. That reminds me of the old thought of being careful what you wish for. Most of us will be happy with school starting in August rather than having to put up with the virus. But still, many of us wish for the older ways allowing August to be part of summer, not school days.
EEB, Catherine Brack and Lewis
The time was June of 2017, and the place was Nationals Park Stadium in Washington, D.C. It was the annual Congressional baseball game. My daughter, Catherine, had walked down the aisle to turn and take a photo. On returning, she said: “Look who is sitting behind you.’’ It was Congressman John Lewis. It was the only time I ever met the late Congressman. He was a pleasant and happy baseball fan that day. His was a textbook of a life well-lived. John Lewis (1940-2020), may you rest in peace.
Since we mentioned Washington (D.C.), how about thinking about a new name for the Washington Redskins. There are all sorts of apt possibilities. No doubt you may have some suggestions of your own.
But consider these names for the professional football team. Since in D.C., perhaps it should have some name associated with government. They might bring back the old baseball name and apply it to football: The Senators.
That would be better than The Representatives (certainly would be known by headline writers as The Reps.) Or you might try The Justices, or The Lobbyists (The Lobs), or The Taxers. Or even The Deficits.
As long as we are thinking government, here’s perhaps a better one, which really captures the aura of our Nation’s Capital: The Bureaucrats!
Suggest your idea to help the Redskins change their name.
Tweeting: would the voters be amenable to picking a candidate for president if that candidate promised that he would not Tweet when president? That form of communication has certainly been a big part of the current president’s way of doing business. Yet, as Michael Bloomberg said during his campaign, “Tweeting isn’t leadership.”
We come back to thinking about the way another Republican president handled that office. Calvin Coolidge was known to be close-mouthed, and even got the moniker, “Silent Cal.” No one can even envision “Silent Donald.”
Come to think about it: we haven’t heard much from Mr. Bloomberg since he pulled out of running. And truthfully, we miss some of his better insights.
Does this bug you? When telephoning your party, after someone answers, and you ask for a certain party, the next you hear is:
“Whom may I say is calling?”
Or: “What is this regarding?”
Or: “Why do you want to talk to her-him?”
Or fairly often: “May I tell (this person) the subject of this call?”
Boy! That burns me! Granted, some of the people I call may have been instructed by their boss to get call details. If so, they are bad bosses. It’s a waste of time. I don’t want a gatekeeper thwarting me. I simply want to talk to that person.
Yep,, that’s bad telephone management for any company. Grrrr!
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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