Don’t think about that mess in Washington

This is one of those weeks when the old brain churns and does flip-flops to think about anything other than the continuing mess in Washington. Mess is not an adequate or suitable word to describe the fractured system that has brought us to this sometimes disgusting display of politics. I guess it’s always been political; it’s just that who in the recent 50 or 60 years can recall so much self-centered egoism. I’d say there is plenty of egomania to go around and it seems everyone is affected by it.

I’ll wager (not much) that you will never believe what I plan to ramble on about today, so I will get right to the point: Comics.

Yep, that’s right. Good old comics or, more realistically, comic strips. I read a column about today’s comic strips in a recent issue of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. It kindled my memory, such as it is, and tickled my funny bone, which sometimes goes into hibernation when I struggle through some of the comics in the paper each morning. If I remember, comics used to be called the funny papers; today it’s easy to take issue with that designation.

You’ve probably figured out where I’m going: TOO MANY COMIC STRIPS IN THIS CYBER-DRIVEN ERA ARE NOT FUNNY. In fact, some of them are downright UNfunny (if that’s a word). They reek of every possible lost trail of tragedy, mistaken psychology, political satire, unbridled fabrications, disgusting innuendos and … well, that names a few. Whew! The bottom line: Too many of them aren’t funny!

So I’ll get to a major point of this ‘cuff. I’ve changed direction because of another column I read recently in the Westside Eagle Observer. In fact, all of the Observer columns (please, I’m not including mine and I’m sure you’ll agree) seem logical, informational, entertaining and some even have a bit of humor.

The column I have reference to was titled “Three Things about Obamacare,” written by editor Randy Moll. Randy captured the feeling many millions of Americans have about the UNaffordable Care Act. If those who enacted the thing had actually read it and pondered the consequences it has created, it could have been altered and Obama (President, that is) would have a positive legacy, not one that continues to fracture and divide our nation. Not that there aren’t other topics that cause a division. If our leaders (that word may not be proper) would all back off, take a few deep breaths and allow a bit of dignity and decorum in discussing the mess, there possibly could be a workable solution.

Sadly, like almost every

other federally initiated program or project, it is and will continue to be a hard, hard task to eliminate or change. Unless politicians become the statesmen or women they should be.

In all probability the new system, whatever it may turn out to be, will almost inevitably be another step toward a social(ist) form of government, a predictable outgrowth of all policies that stifle self-initiative and encourage dependence.

But back to Randy’s column: A copy of it, with logic and understandable presentation, should be forwarded to every public office holder, along with a note suggesting the reader get off his posterior and be the statesperson he or she should be.

And now, finally, (believe it or not) another subject: identifying a Gravette High School graduate who, a year ago, suffered a bullet wound to his head. He has spent the last 12 months struggling through a lengthy recuperation period that has allowed him to return to a position he held, and still cherishes … a position that was the cause of his undeserved ordeal.

The man I write about, as mentioned, graduated from Gravette High. He was raised by loving, caring parents (his father is deceased and his mother lives in Gravette). During the 12 long months he has exhibited all of the traits that describe a real gentleman.

Sheriff Lt. Tion Augustine, remembered by many local and area folks, has demonstrated a positive, mature, realistic and, yes, a gentle response to his misfortune as shown in several television interviews during the past year. His response has shown no anger, no harboring of “getting even” but, yes, an almost forgiving spirit.

The last interview was several days ago when Ty was interviewed and he was able to announce he is back on duty as a patrolman with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. He has been, and is, an inspiration, a model for all youth (and adults) to follow, and worthy of being called a real gentleman. A real man.

Dodie Evans is a former owner and long-time editor of the Gravette News Herald. Opinions expressed are those of the author.