We just had city elections. In our district, more than 1,200 people voted, which is about the same as last election. The incumbent city councilman won re-election, but only by about 70 votes. Last election it was even closer. Our city district seems to exemplify that every vote counts.
On the national scene, I sense that the President is in a battle to stay in office. I do believe though that the outcomes in the houses of Congress are a better bell weather of what we the people want. Likewise, I’m seriously concerned when one party wins both houses and the presidency. It just doesn’t seem to matter which party has the reigns, trouble seems to follow.
Sometimes people deride a do nothing congress. When was the last time the government did something to really help you? Maybe do nothing is better?
The Wall Street Journal had an article last week about how shoppers won’t buy unless they perceive the articles are on sale or clearance. I have to admit that I fall into that category. I’ll watch something for months waiting for it to go on sale. I recently had a buyer beware experience that I’ll share. A national chain is moving its store locally. So they are having a “moving sale” which started as up to 30% off. Many items that I follow were priced full retail and then discounted 10%. To the unwary, this meant that they were 10% to 20% more than their usual “on sale” prices. I waited and waited but to no avail. I finally bought an item that was on sale, priced where I could have bought it almost anywhere.
School has started almost everywhere. Watch for young drivers making rookie mistakes. If one of them is yours, abide by the song lyric “Teach your children well.” I’ve done my part if you spend the next hour or two humming!
Gene Canavan is a retired West Point Graduate and Paper Mill Utilities Manager and lives in Prattville, Alabama, USA
