Out and About – Week of June 13th

One thing I’ve learned from doing this column is that my personal opinion on anything is better left unsaid. This pertains to topics on religion and politics most of the time. There are times that I find myself standing on that soapbox and expressing my feelings quite openly. After I prepare a column, I go back and review what I’ve written, which is when I usually delete several lines. My wife, one of two editors, will then carefully read through the column and every so often will remind me to calm down and allow my blood pressure to return to a more level range.
This is one time when I must express my personal feelings, so please bear with me, and if nothing else, let us agree to disagree. Before year’s end, we will have had the opportunity to vote for a candidate who will ultimately lead our country for the next four years. It is my opinion that, as of now, we don’t have a single person qualified to become the next President of the United States. There has been so much mud-slinging and name calling that it is difficult for me to make a decision as to whom I should vote for. I think we should scratch the names from the ballot and start over.
My second and final opinion on the political issue concerns politicians and term limits. The President of the United States may serve two four-year terms at the most. Why then are members of Congress and the Senate allowed to serve more, and what gives them the right to vote themselves a raise? Who works for whom? It seems that what we have here is a case of the tail wagging the dog. As citizens, we have a right to vote these “employees” out of office. I will carefully look over the next ballot that lists these politicians and will do the best I can to make things different. There, I’ve spoken my mind, and I appreciate the opportunity to vent a little.
On the lighter side, the Three Rivers Water Festival begins the day after tomorrow, which is Thursday, June 16. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and everyone will take advantage of the opportunity to partake in the festivities.
One of the events that pretty much signals the start of Water Festival is the parade Thursday evening. The parade steps off at 7 PM from the intersection of Douglas Avenue and West Michigan Avenue. It will run east on Michigan Avenue to Main Street, where it will proceed north to Lafayette Park, which is directly across the street from Hoppin School. The parade is scheduled to last approximately ninety minutes and has been known as one of the best summer parades in Southwestern Michigan.
A special word to parents: While taking in the excitement of the parade, please pay attention to the whereabouts of your children. Please keep them on the curb and out of the street. There have been too many incidents when a child has gotten too close to one of the parade entrants. Be a responsible parent.
Some very good advice: Never ask a woman who is eating ice cream straight from the carton, how she’s doing.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman