TFP Column: Who Should We Fear On 9/11?

Yes it's been a while since I last penned an effort for the Toledo Free Press, but since Editor-in-Chief Michael Miller has rather high standards for a publication that has just earned more awards this year from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists, it's difficult to offer something that meets them.

Of course this week's effort, "Who Should We Fear On 9/11?" doesn't come close to meeting such standards (which is probably why your truly didn't win anything); but Michael has been kind enough to put it up this week on the TFP website anyway (probably out of a miquided and mistaken feeling of sympathy).  On the other hand, perhaps he was simply looking for someone to look the anniversary of this tragedy without waving the flag.

This has been a busy week in Toledo, with the Mayoral and City Council primaries just completed and the Glass City still in full festival mode; so anyone wanting to keep up with what's going on in Toledo and Northwest Ohio will need to spend a bit of time on the website, at least until this weekend's edition comes our of  "The Best Weekly Newspaper" in Ohio for what is now the fifth straight year, The Toledo Free Press.

Govt. Stimulus Plan As Plumbing Repair?

Being burdened with the ability to connect things with no seeming connection (while simultaneously not recognizing related things in front of my face) makes my life a challenge from time to time. Many times I am simply not able to put something in its proper place unless I can get a picture in my head to tie it to.

For the last few weeks, I have been struggling for a way to understand the Economic Stimulus Packages, though perhaps the fact that their initials are ESP has been throwing me off. Now I have a real problem with many of the things in these ESP's:

• The original one bailed out the banks to help the markets, but the banks are still in trouble and the market is still in the tank
• Most if the package has nothing to do with economic stimulus
• The package will place my children and grandchildren in tax servitude to the government for their entire lives
• Too many of the jobs that it provides are jobs in government bureaucracy
• It is putting in place needless massive spending programs which will become a permanent part of the budget
• It includes a medical records & review program that I categorically object to
• Overall there is more pork in this program than there is in Iowa

Last night I was finally able to find a picture in my head that describes what Congress has done to me with this package. (now try to stick with me on this):

For some strange reason, Congress knocks on my door and asks to use the bathroom, citing an overwhelming problem that must be addressed immediately. For some even stranger reason, I exhibit a terrible lack of judgment and let Congress into my home to do so. 

In the same way that they have been doing to all of us for years, they go in there and take a crap on a Biblical scale. Completing the paperwork they flush, but the toilet clogs. Attempting to rectify the problem in the only way that they know how, they flush again, and the water rises in the bowl. Not accepting that doing the same thing twice has failed to achieve the originally desired goal, they flush again and again, now spilling water and waste all over the place. Having then achieved as much damage as they possibly can, they exit the bathroom and my home. 

With barely muttered "thanks" on the way out, they go on their merry way, leaving me to deal as best I can with what's been left behind.

Welcome to my world ...