Wednesday’s Weekly News!
I’ve taken to reading the weekly issue of our local paper online early on Wednesday mornings. Sometimes, depending upon their production schedule, I even catch an article or two on Tuesday evening. Thanks to the magic of cyberspace, I don’t have to wait until I get around to picking up the mail to learn what’s in the news.
It’s one of those “never say never” things – one more ding in my protective armor. You know, the one I wear to help me resist our fast-paced (or is that fast-paste?) march away from hard copies. So far I do not have a Kindle or any other book-reading device. I’ve thrown my lot in with our fabulous Timberland Library system and am sticking with ‘real’ books. So far…
But, I have to say, instant gratification is seductive – especially to an impatient sort like myself. Last night, I wanted to see what my friend Cate had to say in her column. I actually thought it was going to be about my Kuzzin Kris – and Cate hints that such was her plan. But, instead, she wrote a fabulous explanation of the backroom politics that aced our neighbor Tiffany Oakes Turner out of the interim position for Representative from the 19th District.
Edward G. Robinson as “Little Caesar” 1931
I know our present-day good ol’ boys aren’t smoking cigars behind those closed doors. It’s not like in the movies. But the political wheeling and dealing is still happening and Cate’s “Coast Chronicles” column opens the door just a crack – enough to give us a shuddering look at an entrenched process that should have gone by the boards long ago.
This morning I spent a few minutes perusing the rest of this week’s issue. It’s a good one! I doubt that it covers “all the news that’s fit to print” which, as everyone knows, is the New York Times motto. But our little local weekly sure does a super job of illuminating our corner of the world. I highly recommend it – especially this week!
My acquisition and use of an e-reader hasn’t changed my love of the Timberland Regional Library. I check out e-books from them all the time, and I never have to wait for a large print edition, as I can size the text on my e-reader.
I believe Cate is right. Their executive session was in violation of the state’s Open Meeting law.
I think so, too. It’s absolutely crazy-making. There’s lots of that ‘better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission’ philosophy being utilized these days. Unfortunately, in cases like this, there is little chance of righting the wrong(s) that result. You’d think that among the 15 commissioners gathered there that one or two would have raised that point of order. Or did they?
Hey Sydney: a belated thanks for mentioning my column on Tiffany and our political “system” — such as it is. One of my friends said to me, “Aren’t you afraid you’ll get your tires slashed.” So far so good…..Guess the big guys are too occupied to bother with us minions!