Columns/Opinions

There has been a pet dog in my life for as long as I can remember. When I was growing up, we always had one or two dogs. Although they were always good hunting dogs, they were pets at the same time. The first dog I remember being really close to was a collie named “Ole Red”. She was a good squirrel dog, but as a lad growing up in the country, she became my constant companion. I will never forget the day Ole Red died. I went off by myself to cry. I don’t think it would have hurt worse if it’d been one of my brothers.

If you are driving along and suddenly see a big red rubber ball come bouncing out into the street, you might want to put your foot on the brake pedal, because a small child may well come running out into the street after it. We all understand that an inexperienced young child who has his mind fixed on one thing may ignore other things that are too dangerous to be ignored. Unfortunately, too much of what is said and done in politics is based on the same tunnel vision pursuit of some “good thing,” in utter disregard of the repercussions.

The passing of Margaret Thatcher last week marks the end of an era in the development of the western political scene. Together with President Ronald Reagan, she helped to refashion the governmental landscape in the western world during the latter half of the 20th century by rejuvenating the conservative philosophy that each championed so fervently. The world could really use two more passionate leaders like these today with all the turmoil going on around the globe.

“It’ll never happen to me” are some people’s famous last words. No one is ever guaranteed anything – for anything can happen. But in my opinion, those prepared tend to fare better than those not. This line of thinking goes back to my childhood when I would watch endless episodes of COPS with my Dad. I was probably 10 or 11 when one of these episodes changed my line of thinking. It was a profile on a female officer patrolling in a big city and she was talking about having a “What If” attitude to try to be ready for unexpected situations.