EDITORIAL

Posted March 21, 2020

This is a station editorial, I'm Randal J. Miller, company president.  As the coronavirus outbreak disrupts the routine of our world, our country, and our families, here are a few things to remember.

First of all, for your own well-being as well as for the well-being of your children and family, try to keep as much of your family routine as possible.  Yes, that's not totally possible with the kiddos out of school, but it'll help YOUR mental health and attitude, and your children's, by keeping your family in as much of a regular routine as possible.

Go thru your favorite fast food drive-up, pull your young children or grandchildren around the block in their red wagon, and let older kids ride their bikes.  Just remember to practice social distancing between you and others to lessen or eliminate the chance of trading germs.

Another thing to remember is, that this is an even BETTER time to shop your LOCAL businesses in the community you live in.  They've been there for you when they've ordered that special item you asked for, that special cut of meat, and the donation you asked for when your kids' organization needed money.  Local businesses need all of us, now MORE than ever, and we should ALL be thankful we have LOCAL retailers in our communities.

Local grocery stores  are selling food, and local pharmacies have medical supplies--nearby and easily accessible.  Local restaurants offer hot nourishing meals for takeout and delivery options, some offering curbside pickup, delivery, and online options as well.  Local businesses are crucial at a time like this—and so is your support.  Stay calm, stay informed.  Wash your hands, practice social distancing, but support your local businesses.

Lastly, not that we shouldn't be doing this anyway, but look to whatever Higher Being you believe in, and pray.  God shouldn't just be in our lives in the bad times, but in the good times, too.  Check on your own relationship with whatever God you believe in.  He is the ultimate Father who will get the world, our country, and our families thru this time.

My favorite Bible verse is Phillippians 4:13, in which the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Phillippi: "I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me."  Our ultimate strength to get thru life on earth, is thru whatever Higher Being you believe in.  Now would be a good time to establish or re-establish that relationship.

We'll get thru this, as we have many other challenges before, because of our faith, our family, and our friends.  Give your family a hug today.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted March 1, 2020

Dear Editor:

 Abraham Lincoln said, “You can fool all of the people some of the time …” I remembered that quote after former Gov. Rod Blagojevich was released from prison. When he and his predecessor Gov. Ryan were in prison, I felt bad for both of their families: For Ryan because of his then ailing wife, and Blagojevich because of his growing daughters.

My feelings were selfish because it made me feel bad knowing that innocent members in both families were suffering. My hope for a show of compassion from Ryan’s and Blagojevich’s judges ignored that many less-politically connected prisoners also had grieving family members. No one was appealing for their clemency, certainly not President Trump.

Upon his release, I was happy for the Blagojevich daughters.

Then I heard his homecoming speech, a few other sound bites, and his testy exchange with Anderson Cooper. My sympathy could have been better spent.

A lesser known wise and honest man than Lincoln — my dad — had his own quote for people like Blagojevich: “You can fool all of the people some of the time, and that’s enough.”

Jim Newton

Itasca,Il 60143