Editorial: Thumbs

Published Saturday, November 7, 2009

UP — To military veterans.

Every year we look forward to Veterans Day. Of all the patriotic holidays, it is the one with the focus absolutely honoring the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who served their country in peace and in war. It honors U.S. military men and women past or present, dead or alive, volunteer or drafted, active or reserve, enlisted or commissioned, short-timer or lifer, spit-shined or combat-weary. All of them served their country knowing their lives could be lost. And for many, they gave their lives. We salute you this coming Wednesday and every day.

DOWN — To domestic abuse and violence.

Let it be noted that last week a man pleaded guilty to slashing a woman with a sword; the man had pleaded not guilty in September. The incident took place in July, and in his statement to authorities, it says he “said that he was very sorry, but she had disrespected him and he had to do it.” The woman survived the life-threatening injury to her neck. There is no doubt violence is not the answer to “disrespect.” Using violence is unconscionable and downright stupid. Use your mind, if you seek respect. It is a lesson that could be handed down to the many offenders of domestic violence. Goodness knows, in many communities across these United States, the police have to deal with far too many of domestic calls.

UP — To warmer weather.

The farmers are back in the fields and trucks and trailers are again filling up the grain elevators. The region needed a break for this wet fall season. With temps in the 60s, it will help dry the crops and will give us a taste of the fall we have been missing.

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