This week, I will be covering the September 11th terror attacks on the Trade Buildings with my students. I am very heavy hearted as this anniversary approaches. Although many Americans want us to get out of being a policing force to the world, the fact is we are the only free country that can fill that role. Our recent embarrassment at the hands of the Taliban has opened the door for aggressive actions by the bad boys of the world. Our President calls our exit a success, but our allies in Britain have censored him publicly. I am saddened by the mess we have created, and I worry about the people left behind. Will we be able to get those Californian school girls out, or will they become hostages for the Taliban? Does success cover the fact we have left the most advance technology in the hands of thugs who will sell it to our enemies to be used against us? Our government has failed us and the weaker countries of the world. I’m not sure how to spin this issue to the kids. There are strong points for leaving Afghanistan, but on the other hand, we stayed in Korea and Vietnam to provide a safe place for both of those countries. History will balance itself out, and in due time, the events of the past two weeks will take their place in the books. I’m not sure how kindly the books will treat President Biden’s Administration and generals. I pray we can get those we have left behind out safely.
Between Covid variants and our open southern border, Texas is in a battle. I have said this for years: we must get back to civility and respect for the opinions of others. I have two sisters: one who hates Trump and one who thinks he is great. It saddens me when the one calls Trump all the bad names the media throws out there. I don’t believe she is getting a balance of news sources. My other sister is getting all the bad corruption news about Biden and his family, and she is very down on him. I feel sorry for him. I’m a little angry at his wife. He is obviously ill and having difficulty staying focused. I can’t understand why a wife would let them put her husband in a position to be humiliated. His lostness makes me sad.
Johnny Reeves had a quick emergency trip to the hospital. I suspect like most men, he put the trip off until the last moment. Consequently, he had to have an emergency appendectomy. Lynn says he is recovering and will be back to his normal self. I wonder if the word that is missing is - cantankerous? I’m just teasing; Johnny is a wonderful, caring man. Speaking of caring, please remember that the food bank is open on the first and third Mondays, but if you need food before then, please call the church or Franky and Esmeralda Soto, and they will assist you.
The Delta variant is causing issues around the county and country.
People with the vaccine are less at risk but not totally free. The danger lies with those who have other health issues. Some folks need the protection of a good mask. Others do not. I hope we are giving everyone the freedom to choose their own path. I can say with accuracy that our kids have been in school without masks since January. I’m not sure about the older students, but none of our younger ones have caught Covid.
Our kids were excited about playing football Friday, only to be given the disappointing news that no referees were available due to covid issues. Our kids are not patient with all these delays and cancellations. They work hard all week in the heat only to face disappointment on game day.
As I bring this column to a close, I see the sun popping out from behind the clouds. We had a few hundred drops fall out of dark and threatening skies, then nothing. It makes for a gorgeous sunset.
Please pray for the Vogel family. Also, Trish Patterson lost her battle with cancer and went home over the weekend. Funeral services were Tuesday. She and Rodney will be missed by their families. I believe I saw a fund-raising page for Trish on Facebook. Ricky Allen and Micki need our prayers. Micki is in late stages of Alzheimer’s.
Please keep our country, our President, our politicians, and local officials in your prayers. Pray for cooperation and courtesy between our two parties. Our border patrol officers, and police officers are besieged and need our prayers and support. Most of all pray for our precious troops and their families. Have a great week everyone.