On My Mind

Driving to work each day is an experience in itself. Taylor Street carries me through the heart of Columbia towards Fort Jackson. On one recent morning, I witnessed in four blocks of that street all of the poetry, the love, the darkness, the drama of human life.

Human interaction can be an interesting study. Usually, complete strangers will communicate only to offer a pleasantry like, “How are you doing?” or perhaps to ask, “Excuse me, what aisle are the green beans in?”

As an English immigrant who has lived in the United States for many years, Ihave a slightly different viewof present day attitudes and circumstances because I can compare the two.

When I was a child, there was almost something magical about the Olympic Games.

Are we too quiet or too timid to get noticed in South Carolina?

We all know that red roses are the traditional Valentine’s Day flower. And yes, they are romantic. But let’s not forget the Forget-me-not, a tiny flower signifying true love and remembrance.

I caught a news blurb last week about the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals suggesting that Punxsutawney Phil, the loveable groundhog and weather forecaster, should be replaced with a robot because of the inhumane conditions he is kept in.

As I sit down to write this, much of the talk on TV centers around the health care debate going on in Washington, D.C.

When I first moved to this area more than 15 years ago, I barely knew about Fort Mill when I learned exactly where Union is. The tiny town was the epicenter of national attention due to Susan Smith murdering her two children by sending them to a watery end in a submerged Mazda.

History explains a fact that is hard to believe. During the Revolutionary War, not all were in favor of liberty.

They say you should admire moxie. I don’t know if I agree with that. York County Councilman Paul Lindemann (R-Distict-1) has moxie. He also has horrible judgment, a penchant for getting named in lawsuits and has an inflated view of exactly how prestigious lower-level elected officials are.

The dictionary defines economic development as, “change in the way goods and services are produced.” As our country, state, county, and cities “change” economically, politically, and socially we can share in either the positive or negative experience.

For the past couple of months my children have eagerly awaited the return of “American Idol.”

Surprise!