Mark’s Musings – November 29, 2017
Mark Fortune
We have now observed Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday all in the span of less than a week. It seems that we have most of the Thanksgiving holiday week and a few days following designated throughout the nation. Of course, here in Ohio we observe Xichigan week and Gaxe Day. (Yes, you know what letters are crossed out on purpose).
Perhaps we need to add a new one for next week, which could be “The Buckeye If Only We Would Have Beaten Iowa Blues Monday” as the college football playoff committee makes their decision on the four teams that get in on Sunday, Dec. 3. Of course, a loss to the Badgers knocks the boys from Columbus out while a win still puts things-for the most part-in the hands of the committee. Alabama losing to Auburn was not kind.
Locally, our winter sports athletes are gearing up for another round of competition on the court, in the pool and on the mat. Musicians are preparing for their holiday concerts and performances. Good luck to all area athletes, coaches, parents, cheerleaders, advisors, pep band members and all those that give of their time to staff the popcorn machine, soda fountain and snack stand! One thing is for sure; our area high schools all have really good popcorn. I have vast experience in this area.
Lawmakers are back in Washington D.C. following the Thanksgiving break and while Tax Reform looms large on the list the growing fervor over sexual harassment is also – as it should be – a huge topic of discussion. At the top of the list is mounting pressure to end the secrecy revolving claims – which is a law that was passed in 1995. Under the law complaints are handled confidentially. Convenient, huh? Settlements are also kept secret. Both parties are seeking an end to this practice.
The Senate begins voting on their version of the Tax Plan this week while the House version contains a provision to repeal a 1954 law that prohibits churches and other non-profit groups from engaging in political activity. Is this a good thing?
In other news that is sure to cause changes in the current media landscape, the Meredith Corporation is buying Time, Inc. for 3 billion. Meredith Corporation has the support of the billionaire Koch brothers. Meredith also owns Better Homes & Gardens and Family Circle.
Locally there are many potential opportunities to give something back to the organizations in Coshocton County that help those in our community with their needs. The holiday season always provides ample ways to contribute whether it is at a Salvation Army red kettle, Firefighters Toy Chest, the United Way – who is in the midst of their campaign – food pantries, churches, the Christmas Castle project or others that are near and dear to your heart.
Much has been said about shopping local over the past few weeks. The impact of shopping local cannot be underestimated. The turnover of a dollar spent locally has significantly more impact than a dollar spent online. I think that we all know this intuitively. We just need to do it.
Category: Mark's Musings, Opinion
