Opinions

Editor’s Note: The end portion of Mr. Warde’s column was omitted in error in the previous edition, so it is running this week in its entirety.

It was 1984, a decade after graduating from high school in Delray Beach, Florida. My first-born, a son, was the high-point in my life, though his arrival was not my best of days.

What would transpire in that hospital room in Livonia, Michigan on June 2 would prove exactly what toughness means, and who had it. My wife at the time, Debbie, from Wisconsin, knew in advance that he was going to be a big’un. And we were prepared.

Dear Editor:

I really enjoy your posts and often do not take the time to respond. This one got me thinking about our education system and how it does not teach kids to reach beyond what they are spoon fed by - you name the agenda. I wrote some time ago about the value of debate in early education. It requires students to research and debate both sides of current issues. It should be a required course for one semester of each high school grade and be as competitive as sports.

Christmas in Ennis never looked so bright, and that has little to with the LED lights that outline the downtown buildings or that form the thirtyfoot, illustrated trees at North Plaza. Instead, it’s the spirit of Christmas seen practically everywhere.

A huge thank you is still due to Klyne McCarty for supplying the trees. The rotation of designs is mesmerizing and a wonderful photo opp. Some things can be helped by an engineer like him.

While the American economy is hopeful of returning to pre-Covid-19 days, it is moving forward. These two years seem as dormant as an estivating animal.

The fears caused by the virus have greatly impacted retail sales around the globe. Restrictions on civic behavior, from 15 days to flatten the curve to business and restaurant occupancy restrictions, and the prohibition of shopping has caused hundreds of thousands of business closures. That is what the Wall Street Journal said happened in the pandemic’s first year.