Greeson: Politics or policies, debate masters, 911 advancements and obit observations

Jay Greeson
Jay Greeson
photo Jay Greeson

OK, I've said my piece on the proposed and rejected property tax increase. What has been revealing over this past week are the differing messages from tax supporters and opponents covered by TFP reporter Meghan Mangrum.

The process is good when you get what you want? The other side's opinion - when we have to trust that they are voting for their districts, mind you - is wrong because it's not how you or your constituents see it? And for those who voted to support the increase, I hope you are voting the view of your district more than your personal belief, or goodness forbid, the views of outside influencers.

Most divergent was this statement from Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairwoman Khristy Wilkinson:

"Since quality public education is the key to economic mobility and workforce development, approving the proposed school budget increase was an opportunity for us to change these things for the better in Hamilton County - it was the right thing to do. Five commissioners failed our community this morning, and we're coming for their seats."

OK. Go get 'em Khristy. Was this about the kids or getting your way? Was this about education or a move to bolster left-leaners in public office, and therefore left-leaning policies?

Remember this: This was started by one of the county's most consistently conservative politicians - County Mayor Jim Coppinger - and if you want to turn it into a political war, well, OK.

Debate disaster?

Yes, I know there were 12 million GOP presidential hopefuls fighting for the chance to run against Hillary Clinton. (Side note: Politically speaking, running a race against Hillary has proven to be the equivalent of drawing the biggest kid in your class for the 100-yard dash at field day.)

I also know that putting any stock in presidential candidates 15 months before Election Day is a fool's errand. For goodness sake, at this point in the process in 2015, who had Donald Trump as the pick?

But the collection of Democratic candidates standing before, shouting at and sprinting toward the most socialist position possible is exhausting.

I watched the debate Thursday night that included Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden and eight other folks trying to figure out the best way to blame the white man for everything.

That said, I pray the next time we have one of these get-togethers that one of these whippersnappers whom no one knows pulls no punches.

Try this: Next time the question comes to gun control and the Constitution comes up, please let one of these unknown challengers ask Joe or Bernie, "Senator, what was the sentiment in the room when the original Constitution was being drafted?"

All in the text

Let me start with a little praise. Kudos to John Stuermer, executive director of the Hamilton County Emergency Communications District, who led the group to become the first county in the state to have 911 access through text.

Those who need emergency assistance should have every option available to contact first responders. And as a Hamilton County citizen, I appreciate the county making it happen as soon as possible.

That said, the wording of the news release on this achievement was our modern obtuseness at its best.

Among them was the simple fact that a call to 911 is always best. So was the advice that emojis or other multimedia (?) would not be accepted.

It's hard to believe that they needed to include that emojis are not the best way to call for help but welcome to communication 2019, right?

Obit observations

Reading the obituaries in the morning paper can be a inspiring way to start the day. These sometimes short, sometimes lengthy summaries of a loved one's life teach us about the impact that person had in this world.

The names of family. Their circles of friends, their favorite hobbies and passions.

Well, Harry Arnold, who died Wednesday, checked all of them.

The longtime UTC fan had several nicknames - from GGP to his great-granddaughters to Coach to the masses he helped in youth sports to Super Fan to his fellow Mocs boosters. Arnold will be missed by too many to count.

Life is not about checking boxes, per se, but whatever this life is about, Harry Arnold checked a whole lot of them.

Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com.

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