Ditto

On his Tuesday July 29th radio show, Rush Limbaugh said the news media (he refers to them as the drive-by media) are pulling forBarack Obama because they want to see a black man as President. That's almost identical to what Limbaugh said about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb a few years ago. That comment got Limbaugh booted off ESPN's Sunday football pre-game show. Mega dittos.

John McCain

Senator John McCain visited Northeastern Pennsylvania today. I was unable to attend but listened to his Town Hall meeting. Mr. McCain served on the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam War at the same time as Chief Donald M. Jordan, my father. The Chief was a great admirer of Senator McCain. I highly recommend the Senator's book, "Faith of my Fathers." It is his tale of growing up in the shadow of two Navy legends, his capture and torture. It is a MUST READ for anyone struggling with the decision of whom to vote for President. I've already made my decision. I know the "Old Man," would be proud.

Mr. October

This past week's Major League Baseball All-Star game and the appearance of Hall of Famers got me thinking about Reggie Jackson.
The year was 1980. I was the News Director at WILK-AM Wilkes-Barre. A story broke that while cleaning up a rental car, an employee of a Scranton company found New York Yankee Reggie Jackson's World Series Ring. That's a big story since Jackson's ring was taken in a burglary of his Oakland, California area home a few years earlier.
The News and Sports Departments decided to track down Jackson for comment. The Yankees were in Arlington, Texas playing the Rangers. Using a Media Director furnished by the Yanks, we discovered the name of the hotel where the Yankees were staying and called. The desk clerk, without hesitation or question immediately put us through to Jackson's room.
The phone rang three times before a groggy voice at the other end said, "Hello."
"Reggie Jackson, please."
A pause.
"He just went to breakfast. Call back in half an hour."
Thirty minutes passed and the second call was made.
"Reggie Jackson, please."
"Is this the same guy who called earlier."
"Yes."
"Hey man that was me who answered the phone. I wasn't at breakfast. Sorry."
Here I was talking to Mr. October.
I proceeded to tell him his World Series ring had been recovered. He gave us a long and gracious interview and apologized again for not identifying himself on the first call. He was as polite and courteous as he could be.
As it turned out, the ring that was recovered was not Reggie's ring but a duplicate used by a salesman for the company that had designed and manufactured the ring.
It was a sample.
I'm sure Jackson hardly remembers the calls or the story.
I remember.
The player who was reputed to be so surly and difficult could not have been more of a gentleman.
Ever since, I've paid careful attention to Jackson during interviews. He comes off as one of the nicest guys in the world.
He is.

David Yonki

Our friend and fellow blogger David Yonki of the insightful LuLac Political Letter will forgive me, I hope, for stealing his signature photo from his blog. Dave is facing a major health battle. Please join me in keeping a good thought, offering our prayers and wishing him the best in the days and weeks ahead.