When I was a young radio personality and fledgling talk host, part of my "schtick" --my on-air persona--was to be a "party boy". It wasn't a hard role to play because....well ...I was.
WV prisons are overcrowded and lawmakers are debating what to do--build a new one, expand some of the current ones, accelerate parole?? But very few citizens are willing to spend scarce tax dollars on prisons and prisoners.
The death of Osama Bin Laden dominated the show from beginning to end, of course. A detour down the road of political polarization was depressing as dozens of folks on my Facebook page tried to make the issue political ("Obama didn't do anything except give the order"). Conspiracy theories were running rampant in the early few days, debate over whether to show pictures of the body, why President Bush didn't attend the Ground Zero ceremony, all part of the daily discussion. Among my guests on the subject: Fox News (and former NPR) analyst Juan Williams.
I had planned to start the week with President Obama's funny speech at the White House Correspondent's Dinner, but it seemed out of place once the Osama raid and death was announced. If you didn't catch it, here it is.
The Morning Showhealth care consultant, Dave Bougher, was with us to talk about discussing with your family and preparing written instructions for the kind of end-of-life measures you want used.
WV Gubernatorial candidates Natalie Tennant and Jeff Kessler were with me to discuss their campaigns. Hoppy Kercheval dropped by to analyze the latest campaign finance reports.
As the local transit authority held public hearings on reducing bus runs to Moundsville and the Highlands, I was back on my soap box about how vital it is for a community to provide adeqaute transportation for those who have no other way to go shopping, get to the doctors office, or even get to work. The issue continually devolves into a political "your-town isn't paying-for-it" debate--which royaly tees me off!
And another rant--from me--about the latest census numbers showing we are an aging area and state. OK. We have known that for a long time. Instead of wringing our hands over it, let's use it. The late, great newspaper editor Harry Hamm, as part of his "Wheeling 2000" plan proposed we should CAPITALIZE on the things we have that appeal to the elderly (low cost living, high quality of life, excellent cultrural events, superb medical facilities) and focus on ENCOURAGING the Friendly City to be a retirement town.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle and of your busy morning, take a minute to reflect each day on the bigger picture.
