Well! Well! Wasn't it a comical thing to read here at Magic City Morning Star News the other week when the Big Ben decided to lash out at the 'feral types' that inhabit the fine state of Maine.
It seems that the feral types must have been haranguing the poor 'stand-in editor' of this fine newspaper and he just couldn't take the pressure anymore. As I wrote a month or so ago, people much prefer to send in complaints than pass on a nice compliment or two. And ain't that the truth now?
But when it comes to things 'religious' and 'political', well now you don't have to have no spiritual gifts from the Almighty to discern that there are always goin to be those who get irate with what another does or does not say, do or write. It's the way of the world don't you know? And didn't we Irish see enough of it in Northern Ireland?
For some, Politics is just like a religion, and I'm sure the same applies in Mr. Ben's Australia as it does here in the good old U.S. of A. We all have our favorite 'gods' - 'idols' the Good Book calls them (Hollywood is full of them). And sure it is that we get upset if someone tramples under the foot, some idol that we worship; or else fails to worship at the shrine of which we ourselves are devotees.
Well, like me Ma always said, 'behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining'. If those 'feral types' had not been riding the Big Ben so hard, he may never have written what he did, and didn't we all notice that immediately there was a political response to his words. Wasn't it just the day or so after he wrote, that the good Congressman Michaud's minders sent in something for Mr. Ben to publish?
But of course, that brings me to what me Da always said: 'A little hot air is always followed by a big wind!' by which I mean that now the newspaper is likely to be full of the political ramblings of every political wind that comes blowing our way.
But then again, to paraphrase the Big Ben himself, Maine is in the USA, not China, and every man, woman and dog is entitled to their fair share of access to the 'free press'; an oxymoron if ever there was one.
But you know I noticed that the good Congressman's words actually echoed what Mr. Ben himself wrote, for didn't they both say that they welcome the good people's emails, opinions and contributions to local affairs? But while the Congressman appears to have plenty of folk willing to write in, Magic City Morning Star News itself does not. What a lost opportunity that is.
We the people tend to follow the leaders and what they say, when it should be they themselves that be following what we say. Perhaps if more citizens were given the opportunity to air their views in the 'free press', the leaders might be paying more attention to what we say we need, and not what they be saying that we need.
It's just a thought!
When it comes to politics, keep in mind what a not yet famous Irish writer wrote:
- 'Politics is like a horse race!
While the 'odds on' favorite may win, you won't get much of a return for your money.
In every race, most punters lose their shirts backing the wrong nag!'
May the good Lord bless you every day in every way and keep you clear of the racetrack!
John (Jack) Walsh.
John J. Walsh, a Catholic, is originally from Ireland; went to high school and university in Australia, and later moved to the U.S.A. He lives in the Midwest and is married to an American. He now has a lot of time on his hands and is taking the opportunity to see some of his musings in print. Fearing the hot blooded protestants and not wanting to reach heaven or hell faster than is God's plan, his email address and other particulars are not available for publication. You may however Email him c/-: johnjwalsh_magic @live.com
