Saturday morning arrived none too soon! I had to check the moon last night to see if it was full, but only a little sliver peeped out at me. So early this morning, I took my cup of tea out to the swing, and meditated on why this week has been so stressful.

Several thoughts presented themselves for my examination, but I’m not sure that I came up with the correct answer. I know our economy is in a mess. I’m sure everyone is as frustrated as I am at all those silly politicians pointing fingers and calling names. We know every last one of them is responsible for letting this mess slide, until we are faced with another countrywide disaster.

I’m tired of listening to greedy fat cats explaining to me that they weren’t responsible for this mess. My college professor is one of those responsible for this mess. Years ago he was telling his students to vote for their party not for the man. The man wasn’t important, he said, only the party platform.

Folks used to be able to send men and women to Washington who represented their wishes, not anymore. It’s the party. So, instead of people getting together and solving problems; we have party fighting, while our country stands on the brink of financial disaster.

The older ones can understand and remember the Great Depression. Our kids don’t have a clue; they think that same fat cat politician will come to their rescue. That rescue always comes with a big price tag for the working population. Right now, neither of these parties can come close to understanding the discomfort being faced by working families. Still, I’m not sure that a belly full of politics can be blamed for this week’s stress.

My mom used to say, “If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all.” I’ve deleted quite a bit out of this column because of that saying. We have a bunch of wonderful people who live in this town but the kin connection is very close.

No matter what you say, your words go back to someone who is kin. We all know what kind of trouble that stirs up! So all you people out there; dig deep into your memory banks and listen to those words.

Your grandma may have been the one to say them if your mom didn’t. It doesn’t matter where they came from, take them to heart. If you can’t say anything nice; say nothing at all. If you don’t have an answer, don’t criticize. If you are not part of the solution; don’t be part of the problem. Give people room; give people respect; give people some love and acceptance.

Our Founding Fathers gave us “certain inalienable rights”, but our rights cannot trample over someone else’s. If you want to write this column just let me know; but don’t call me up and say ugly things.

So, if you’re on the school board and not addressing issues because you think they will go away - they won’t. If you’re spreading gossip, but not talking to the gossipee; you’re wrong. If you’re an employer and not treating your employees right; shame on you. If you’re a Christian and not practicing the Matthew Principal; you’re unrighteous.

We’re proud of our coaches. The entire football world waited for us to fall on our face when the “Ethridge Boys” left town, but we didn’t. Why? It comes down to those coaches that some of you despise, criticize and spread rumors about.

Should you be successful in running off the best coaching team this county has and will ever see, then you deserve what you get. Unfortunately, the rest of us who recognize the important role they play in this school system will have to suffer with you. I can tell you that sports is the only thing that keeps some of these boys in school.

Our boys have done well again this week. All teams won. The presentation of the Army Team of the Week Award was wonderful.

The sports community acknowledged that we are doing a great job with our kids! The Junior High game was a squeaker. A timely turnover kept us from losing at the last minute! Way to go everyone, we are very proud of you. Don’t forget to do your homework. It is report card time, and the “no pass no play” rule starts showing up!

Open House was an overwhelming success. We had more parents than I have ever seen before. Sales at the book fair were not wonderful, but our economy is partially responsible for that.

I love to see the smiles on my kids faces as they show mom and dad their work. Sometimes the remarks are not totally positive, but I think everyone leaves refreshed by the enthusiasm of their kids. Thanks to all the parents who came. I only saw one board member, but the rest may have gone to other classes. Micah Shaw has two boys in my class, bless his heart.

Speaking of school, I seem to have missed at least one important teacher. Gerald McKee, our Ag teacher, was left out of the paper. I know this because when he went to celebrate his Aunt Pat’s birthday, she told him so. We wouldn’t want to miss Mr. McKee! He does outstanding work with those boys and girls every year! Happy birthday Aunt Pat!

I reported last week about the fundraiser held at the Fire Station for the Mask/Till Scholarship. I think they had a great turnout, but if you would like to contribute to this fund please contact the Mask family or The Stars & Stripes Committee members who assisted in this fund raiser.

It’s nice to see our community working together to accomplish great things. The Preservation Society is planning a dinner play for the first week in December. It sounded wonderful, but I’m not supposed to spill the beans yet. Just hold that first Thursday, Friday, or Saturday open. I’ll let you know which day it is going to be next week. I can’t wait!

The streets are looking better. There are still a few corners where the grass has not been cut down, but for the most part, the city council is doing a fine job. We still need a few of you to get rid of those old cars and piles of trash.

This is still a great place to live even though it has issues. Mind you, there is a big world out there and it is worthwhile visiting.

We need to send up a few prayers for the Evans family; David continues to fight the battle against cancer. Bev Cohn is still under doctor’s care. Pete lost his brother last Tuesday; that family needs prayer.

The Draper’s new grandson, Christian, is doing better with a new formula. We may have to ship them a good milk goat! Many others in our community are struggling, if you can, be a good neighbor and offer to help or pray.

I hope everyone has a super good week. Remember to pray for these interminable elections, our government, our president, old and new, and our precious troops.

Try to make plans to vote, this is a privilege that many people in other countries don’t have. Say something nice to your neighbor, and love on your family. May the Lord kiss our land with some much needed rain. Have a blessed week.