Mark’s Musings – Sept. 2, 2015
Mark Fortune
The countdown begins. Less than a week remains until the Buckeyes take the field to defend their National Championship at Virginia Tech.
My goal is to not make this column entirely sports oriented but a lot is happening in the sports world – let’s cover it quickly. The Browns – preseason one win, two losses, Steelers one win and three losses. How all of this bodes for the regular season remains to be seen. Are the Bengals the team to watch in the AFC north?
The Cubs are coming off of a no hitter, are still in contention and it is September!
Tennis fans – Serena Williams is about to make history with a possible grand slam.
Let’s shift to Alaska. Specifically, Mt. McKinley. President Obama has used his executive powers to rename Mt. McKinley to Mt. Denali. Before you jump on the rants and raves of the political right – you need to search this story on the web and consider the reasons for the renaming. Those reasons are logical in their approach as the mountain has a very significant meaning to the Native American people and this change of name has much to do with improving the relations between the government and the tribes.
The race relations in our country are teetering, with the recent shooting in Texas of an off duty sheriff’s deputy. Darren Goforth, a 10-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, was shot execution style while he was fueling his patrol car at a gas station in Texas. He leaves behind a wife and two children while the suspect’s mother says that, “he couldn’t have done it because he was out shopping with me.” We have a problem in this country that needs solved. That’s called leadership. And just to make sure that we are looking at all sides here, I am not sure that I recall this issue being brought up in the recent GOP debates. Obviously it needs to be.
1800 troops took part in recent exercises in the Ukraine.
On the local scene, let’s remember our workforce on this upcoming Labor Day. We take so many things for granted in our country. Water when we turn on the tap, electricity when and where we expect it, fuel for our vehicles in ample supply, high speed internet in most places, first responders that are well trained and well equipped to be there when we or a loved one need them to be there. The American workforce is the best in the world – creating innovative products, building world class systems and repairing all the things that need fixed.
And not only the men and women that work in our factories and plants but all those that make our lives more convenient by working the odd hours at the restaurants, service stations, fast food establishments, auto supply stores and so many, many more. As we are currently experiencing smoother roads, especially on 541 from city limit sign to city limit sign, let’s remember the construction crews, road crews, engineers and all those that have helped improve our travels. Thank you.
Category: Mark's Musings, Opinion
