David Reynolds: So long for awhile, that’s all the songs for a while

Column by David Reynolds
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So long for a while. That’s all the songs for a while. So closed the old “Your Hit Parade” radio show every Saturday night. This might also be a good way to say that until its proprietor and the weather cools off, this marketplace of ideas is closed.

How does after Labor Day sound? Labor Day is the true start of the new year, not that pseudo date that serves only to stretch out the holiday season. Or maybe October? The Supreme Court always rules in favor of October’s first Monday.

As you suspect, there is a real reason behind every one given for public consumption. Let’s try this one: You don’t need me to tell you how off course government has sailed. You already know about the big tanker stuck on the shores on the Potomac. It can’t turn itself around. And you know about the boats in our local waters. They are stuck in personality conflicts. Read more

David Reynolds: Giving

Column by David Reynolds
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I will keep Part One short. Give. There are needs out there. It is the American way to take care of those needs. Whether you have fifty cents or a thousand dollars to spare for a good cause, do it. Just do it. Give it away. You and the world will be better off.

Americans have always been known, rightly so, as a generous people. We give freely to those in need. We give to protect our environment and ourselves. Each of us has our favorite charities. They need our help if they are to survive. And they need this help directly from us, whether it be in time, talent or treasure.

Come on, doesn’t it feel good to write a check for your favorite charity. That charity may not be my favorite. But it is yours. And it is your money. That is more important than whether your money goes to those less fortunate who live next door, or to those half way around the world who do not even have boots to strap on to pull themselves up.

Yes, needs are everywhere. And you get to pick where and for whom you wish to make a difference. Read more

David Reynolds: A Reflection

Column by David Reynolds
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There are times when one must get away and reflect. For a couple of reasons this was one of those times. The man in the mirror had a milestone only days away. And he knew of too many friends who had left this paradise for another one.

No more sad funerals. My dark blue suit was wearing out. And so was I. Is there not a happy wedding somewhere that I can attend?. Yes, there was! We had received an invitation in the mail. Just the prescription I needed.

The wedding was a big out-of-town affair. Very big. And far from town. So we packed up the red wagon and drove away to see how new lives are celebrated – not how old ones end. Read more

David Reynolds: The budget circus

Column by David Reynolds
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Whew! That was close. It’s a good thing that the local budget season is over. One of these years a budget will cause real damage. Or do real good. But not this year. 

However, you would never have known it according to the local press. Each week there were doomsday stories of our three governments about to grind to a halt. And that life here would never be the same. It would be paradise lost. Read more