It Really Is ‘A Wonderful Life’ We Have

To say the old B-Movie Classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” with Donna Reed and Jimmy Stewart is my favorite holiday movie would be an understatement.

It is perhaps one of the best movies of all time.

The film does not profess to be, but is indeed, a great equalizer of power, by a simple man who used prestige, hard work and true community spirit to win over insurmountable odds.

As we gear up for the holidays, I’ll take some real journalistic license here to pass out some fictional holiday gifts to our local and regional politicians. And remind you all they really are among the nicest men and women in town.

For outgoing Gov. Mike Beebe, a hearty Ho-ho-ho! He’s already played Santa and passed out small, but important gifts. He’s donated a one-percent pay hike for all state employees; given out a couple of pardons; and he’s left a legacy of heading for the golf course to stay there.

For incoming Gov. Asa Hutchinson: A new pair of track shoes and a rearview mirror mounted on top his gubernatorial beanie. He has already hit the ground running but needs new shoes. The mirrors will help him not so much to look back, but see what may be gaining on him.

For former state Sen. Michael Lamoureux, R-Russellville, a large bottle of headache medicine and a bottle of liniment for all the headaches and arm twisting as a new chief of staff.

For state Sen. Uvalde Lindsey, D-Fayetteville, give him a bright blue Walmart greeter’s vest, (which on the back says) “How May I Help You!” As more and more Republicans come to learn this soft spoken man, despite being from the other party, sure does know the state’s budget.

For state Rep. Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville, a little leg rest from his former duties as House Minority Leader. He’s taken up training for a marathon in April, having already run an unholy gauntlet in the last session lining up Democratic votes.

For state Rep. Charlene Fite, R-Van Buren, a big shoulder bag to help her carry a plethora full of needed bills. She got a tote-sack full of laws approved last session. She’s one of the Legislature’s hardest working women.

For state Rep. Charlie Collins, R- Fayetteville, a new mantra for him to sing. His “jobs magnet” solo has yielded few tangible results.

For state Rep. David Whitaker, D-Fayetteville, a little bigger notebook to hold those bills that need his help in the region.

For state Rep.-elect Robin Lundstrum, R-Elm Springs and state Rep.-elect Lance Eads, R- Springdale: They need lots and lots of postit-notes for those first term reminders.

For state Rep. Micah Neal, R-Springdale, a daily delivery of Neal’s Café’s famous pies, enough for all to comply with ethics laws, to help him pass more legislation.

For state Senator Jon Woods, R- Springdale, a pound of gold, in recognition of his part in Issue 3, bringing ethics to the Legislature along with increased pay and term limits for all? Well, maybe not gold, but silver.

For our Secretary of State Mark Martin, a little dose of exceptional leadership to help him be out front and more forthcoming. As the lead vote-getter in the GOP, he beguiles the race car driver name, by his no-shows and no comments.

For Leslie Rutledge, the first woman and the first Republican in Arkansas elected as Attorney General: She needs a little patience and less vitriolic rhetoric. MAYLON RICE, AN AWARDWINNING COLUMNIST, HAS WRITTEN FOR THE ENTERPRISELEADER FOR SEVERAL YEARS. HE IS A FORMER COLUMNIST AND NEWS WRITER FOR SEVERAL NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NEWSPAPERS.