‘S’ — More important than politics

What is that old saying, “Don’t change horses in the middle of the stream”? Makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it? But this ‘cuff is primed to do just that — head off in a different direction instead of talking about politics which has been on my mind. And whose mind hasn’t been clogged into numbness with the political cycle this year?

I don’t have reference to the unimaginable, unbelievable and unacceptable national scenes that have taken over the tube for how many weeks, months … wouldn’t a year be more appropriate?

But there are numerous constitutional amendments being proposed which voters will be asked to approve or reject. They deserve careful thinking since, if approved, they will affect our lives, some very greatly. I’ll mention them a bit later.

More important to me right at this moment (Friday a.m.) is that I lost an old friend, a companion — I use the word loosely — whose name begins with an “S” and rhymes with stick.

I can’t remember how long old “S” has been with me. I remember bringing him home quite a number of years ago. And he’s had a place of importance in his special spot ever since. Just to clarify, I refer to old “S” as him because I sort of shake hands with him every morning.

I guess I’ve rambled enough so I’ll have to confess: the name old “S” stands for, get ready now, is Schick. He’s my Schick razor.

During a lifetime of shaving every morning, I’ve tried about every kind of razor imaginable — except that throat slitting one that has to be stropped on a strip of leather. I’ll confess I never had the nerve to take such an instrument in my hands and apply it against my goozler.

My shaving started with one of those old three-piece jobs into which I inserted a shiny, double-edge piece of steel, then screwed the handle on tightly. If I didn’t perform that ritual, a loose handle could result in a loose blade and, eureka, a nick (make that a slash) was bound to occur. I learned that quickly since I’m quite uncomfortable at the sight of blood.

There have been singleedge blades, injector razors that required the right push on a cartridge that held a blade, and then the kind of razors that are on the market now, some with five blades and other little features that test shaky hands. Coupled with the blades, there have been various foamy attempts to make the morning ritual more comfortable and safe. I tried the old cup with soap and a brush, squeeze tubes of gel-like substance and aerosol cans. I even tried a can that I shook to dispense a warm foam. I quickly found I was allergic to that stuff. Various electric razors never cut the mustard, let alone stiff, bristly whiskers.

And then one day old “S” came along. I slipped a battery into his handle, applied some foam and turned him on. I was greeted with a tingly vibration and an accompanying hum in my ear. It was buzz, hum at first feel.

I’ll confess, I’ve tried some of those latest models, five blades and so on, but none can tickle my chin or provide the ear-soothing hum that old “S” provided.

I’m tempted to write Mr. Schick to see if he can dig around in a closet or some nook and accidentally find a long-lost Mr. “S.” Fat chance; don’t think that idea is worth a stamp.

Now to those important proposed constitutional amendments. If approved —

Issue 1 will extend terms of office for county officials, except Quorum Court, from two to four years.

Issue 2 will allow the governor to retain power if he is out of state; the present document turns the state over to the lieutenant governor.

Issue 3 will allow the state, counties, cities and towns to issue bonds for certain economic development.

Issue 4 will regulate fees in certain medical cases. This measure was removed by the state Supreme Court.

Issue 5 will allow casinos to be built only in Boone, Miller and Washington counties. Very controversial, it is opposed by governor Hutchinson, ex-governor Mike Beebe and dozens of legislators. This measure was removed by the state Supreme Court. Its sponsors have appealed that decision. The court is expected to render its decision on the appeal. It remains on the ballot.

Issues 6 and 7 both are attempts to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. One measure took more than three pages to print in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; the other more than four pages. One measure would allow some persons to grow plants; the other would not.

GRAVETTE VOTERS will consider a proposal changing aldermen service from twoyear to four-year terms. This ballot issue was approved last