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ALCOHOL

February 12, 2024 / PAPA

Authors are advised to write about familiar topics. Don’t read too much into Papa’s life based on the title of this post. Yet, to be fair, it is not outside the realm of possibilities that I have more than a passing acquaintance with booze. I did grow up in the Badger state. ( I will also concede that the jury may be out on my being grownup. ) Although I cannot claim to be an expert on avoiding the pitfalls of alcohol, here are my thoughts for your consideration.

First, your health, wealth and emotional well being will be better if you don’t drink. I’m not talking about never testing it out with peers or prohibiting booze to ever pass your lips. You may or may not give alcohol a taste. If thereafter, you choose not to drink your physical body won’t be subject to the long term invasion of high blood pressure, organ deterioration and slowed brain function. The biggest dangers arise from excessive drinking. Wealth is at risk if one can’t work to a person’s best ability. Or, worse, miss work due to hangovers/sickness. There’s a line from a Woody Allen movie to the effect that showing up for work is 80% of success. Many people can plow through years of hangovers and make it to work. (Functional alcoholic.) That can trick the mind into falsely believing all is well with employment. One can never truly know how much negative impact excessive alcohol has on pay increase/promotions. The same holds true for family life. Maintaining better health without alcohol is a given. However, light or moderate drinking does not mean a person will die sooner or have dire health problems at an early age. Relaxation can”t be all bad for health. As far as the brain is concerned, drinking quickly makes one feel quite smart. You’ll be surprised how intelligent you sound to yourself. Yet something can be lost in translation when brilliant ideas during inebriation are verbalized. None or minimal alcohol use is best.

Drinking alcohol is not a bad choice in and of itself. What is a bad choice is to continue to drink if you can’t handle it. Alcohol (And/or drugs), driving an automobile and using a gun represent three big dangers in your life. It is imperative that you act responsibly. Unfortunately, when it comes to “handling alcohol” you’ll enter an area where things get slippery. And, everything gets more complicated if one has what was described as the “curse” by my first internist. In his opinion the curse was high tolerance for alcohol. I will try to explain.

A starting point if you wish to test alcohol is to do so at an appropriate age. In my youth our state had a reasonable law that permitted consumption of beer, not liquor, at age 18. Yet, kids would even jump the 18 year old gun. We had a few guys who’d get some beer and drink it under the football stands or some such place. I assume they got a kick out of sneaking or thinking that they were more grownup. It’s not bad to act your age in high school. Which for me meant malted milks, burgers or pizza after a dance with other kids. No age acceleration is needed to have fun in high school. If you want a to spice things up a bit, try the mine fields of dating. ( Where it is every man for himself.)

Whenever, wherever or however you decide to take a first drink I suggest you make it beer. The age 18 for beer concept was swept away during the Vietnam War era protests. (The infancy for today’s do-gooder social justice warriors.)The argument was that if a soldier is old enough to die for his country he should be old enough to vote and drink alcohol. The vote aspect of the concept survived. Old/wise enough to cast consequential votes but not ready to gulp a beer seems dubious. However, sticking with my point about beer, when all of our potential soldiers were old enough to die and drink at age 18 it had a negative impact. Papa’s experience had been with college age kids consuming beer. When the next generation could drink hard liquor at age 18 they did so as if chugging beer. There was no Katie to bar the door. So, after a wakeup call based on many disasters the drinking age for ALL alcohol went to age 21. Not an unreasonable age for hard liquor.

Assume you are going to drink three beers. On average it may take the better part of an hour to consume that amount. Four shots can be downed in a matter of minutes. College kids failed at an earlier age to hold their liquor. A big whammy hit 18 year olds square in the kisser. It turn out they could get killed in war or alternately obliteriated at age 18. Papa’s experience before the age 18 epiphany was of kids either having a beer or two and getting giddy or settling in to drink lots more than a few. The latter is the curse. The 2 beer kids had quick fun/silliness and went to bed. Others settled in for a longer haul. Plus, with less sleep (and not such good sleep at that) those with high tolerance of alcohol could do more functional damage and bodily harm over time. However, they were considered to be holding their alcohol by virtue of standing upright longer. Whatever you do pace yourself. Test yourself with alcohol. “Holding one’s liquor” if defined as consuming huge quantities is not a positive.

Also, remember that the two dangers of driving and handling of a weapon both have a huge multiplier if alcohol use is involved. Zero is the policy then.

SITTING DUCKS

January 10, 2024 / PAPA

It’s been many years since Papa has felt a hint of angst about memories of his military service in Vietnam. However, there have been times when a current event in the news awakened a recollection from those days. When a friend was in the Gulf War I wrote a letter to him about the emotion of being far from home performing a duty that few back home understood. He expressed his appreciation to me about understanding isolation in a combat zone. Today’s news is reporting over 100 attacks against US forces/interests since October 7th. Many observers feel that there has been an inadequate response to such attacks by the US. Which gets Papa thinking about an experience in 1971.

In 1970 there was an incursion by US forces into Cambodia. Its announced purpose was to cut off supply routes and assaults from hidden forces in Cambodia. The enemy would jump back and forth from protected areas in Cambodia to attack and then withdraw across the border to safety close to innocent civilians. That purpose of the US military fell on deaf ears in many quarters. All heck broke loose in the anti-war movemnet back home. I’ve often thought that too many of those war protesters or their pupils now embrace timid approaches to aggression. Which doesn’t currently help the poor soldiers and sailors at our Mideast bases or ships in the area. Sitting ducks is one way to describe their plight.

Back to 1971. One day I attended a security briefing for our base. (Think underground, Dr. Strangelove “Big Board” atmosphere.) One item remains fixed in my mind. Our base had not been attacked in nearly a year. On the other hand, the briefer said our base had been attacked everyday/night before the Cambodian incursion. No longer being a constant sitting duck was of great importance to Papa at the time. I am thankful for the years since. That some Americans were protesting an incursion despite it resulting in better security for Papa only added to the loneliness of deployment in 1971. I can only hope that someone in our government is thinking about the security of modern day “sitting ducks”. I can imagine the concerns of the “ducks” as they hope/pray for safety.

PAPA’S AIM UPDATED

January 6, 2024 / PAPA

In a prior post I predicted 100 indictments of President Trump. Solemn federal and state prosecutors were on a roll at the time. Democrat politicians were on the job. Democracy was to be saved. However, indictments have not gone much beyond the 90 count since then. A lull in the action. So when Papa said 100 was an achievable aim, was he wrong? Perhaps not, thanks to Colorado and Maine already declaring him guilty. Other states are poised to also find him guilty of insurrection. I believe it is only fair to wedge insurrection verdicts that assume/presume guilt without due process into the mix of charges. Who needs a formal charge/indictment? (To paraphrase “Treasure Of The Sierra Nevada” who needs a stinking finding?) Of course he is guilty. Like in the “Oxbow Incident” just cut to the chase. It is reasonable to count all such efforts. That is how 100 indictments/charges are achieved. Papa is a visionary.

I don’t have the time to do the research but I’d bet Trump has set a record. I’m not sure charges against Dillinger, Capone and Bonnie and Clyde combined come close to 90 much less 100. Beware. I also predicted that “piling on” might just make Trump a martyr. The American people historically have demonstrated a sense of fairness. Who knows if voters might favor a criminal in 2024. (Whether a crook by Kafka standards or by an old fashioned trial verdict.) Some Trump supporters may quaintly think due process has a role to play. Trogludytes. The business of saving democracy is too important. However, even Bonnie and Clyde were romaticzied by some despite 13 alleged murders. Of course, those who so despise Trump know in their heart of hearts that Trump’s actions are worse than murder. Papa may not have voted for the man but I can see where many voters will see the democrats’ legal manuvers as a bridge too far. Even voting for a jackass may be viewed as preferable in order to teach that ignoring our constitution is beyond the pale.

Or, perhaps all these astonishing legal shenanigans will dissipate when Trump actually becomes the Republican nominee. He may be the only candidate Biden can defeat. 90 plus charges provide a ton of talking points to scare the pants off voters. How can one person do so many bad things in such a short time? Save us, please. It’s just possible enough voters will take a deep breath and again vote for a seemingly more moderate alternative. Unless an alternative arises. Stay tuned.

PAPA’S MASSACRE

December 24, 2023 / PAPA

Tis the season. It’s the thought that counts. That saying is never more true than when I take scissors in hand and proceed to crinkle, crankle and slash decorative Christmas wrap to shreds. In that condition the wrap never seems to securly cover a present. Eight or nine strips of Scotch tape helps shape up my offering by 20 or 30% improvement but it often still resembles an item kids played “kick the can” with for a day or two. Just remember that it is the thought that counts.

Any present that I wrapped for you can be located in a hiding position anywhere from 5 to 10 yards BEHIND the Christmas Tree. GPS locators generally not needed to find said present. Just think, “location that does not spoil beautiful setting”. Sadly, practice does not make better much less perfect. Because of age remedial training will not improve my wrapping skills.

I lay all of my paper cutting deficiencies at the feet of a certain unnamed Kindergarten teacher. Unnamed not out of respect but only because computer access now has names of first teachers, dates and favorite toys stored as iron clad security codes. I can still see Miss F’s face of wonderment as I tried to cut a straight line on colored paper that I sensed was ten-fold thicker than the paper given to my classmates. Paper given me to cut circles was even worse; the thickness of a pizza crust. Lest you think of Papa as paranoid I will not chronicle the perfectly round edged scissors assigned to me.

I rank package wrapping right up there next to plastic wrap package opening. Has it ever occurred to these brainiacs in the field to sell wrapping paper in sheets that match gift box sizes? 8″ x 10″ inches etc. They can do it with lumber. Not that hard. Otherwise one must go to extremes to wrap a gift. For example a certain young woman I dated in my youth had worked at a depatment store and she was an artist with wrapping paper. She liked doing warpping. Loved it. That was a solution to lean on of course but a life time commitment was a stretch. She didn’t have other attributes that made any top 50 list.

So, I continue my fumbling ways. I can’t remember the last time a store offered to wrap a gift. It’s difficult to remember being in a store now that I think on it. However, rest assured that thought and feelings are attached to any gift I hide for you to find. Merry Christmas!

WAR CRIMES/GENOCIDE

December 5, 2023 / PAPA

A sliver of Papa’s assignment in Vietnam included war crimes investigations/review. I have always been proud of that work. A measure of pride remains with me because our US forces were trying to correct wrongs and maintain adherence to the law of land warfare. (I recall reading that over 100 courts martial were held for homicide charges committed by our troops.) The rules of the Geneva Conventions were taught right from the start in basic training. Additional education on the subject for me happened at the Army’s Judge Advocate School. Your country was doing its best to follow the law under very difficult circumstances. I remain unaware that the communist powers instigating the conflict nor any active belligerants in Southeast Asia gave one iota of concern about the commission of war crimes against our side. There were significantly more violations committed by the enemy than by US forces.

It is clear that criminal acts are part and parcel of the so called “Freedom Fighters” code of conduct. In Vietnam as many as 25,000 men, women and children were killed in the south between 1954 and 1958. Most were civilians. Teachers were a special traget at the time. (It may be that teachers of that era were smart enough to understand the dangers of communism.) 1954 was the end of the IndoChina War which divided north and south Vietnam. Terrorism was being used in the south by the north, a foreseeable client state of the USSR. (I remember a 1962-3 college class on Southeast Asia that noted that the north’s main man (HO) studied in Russia in the 1920’s) The killings/slaughter of non-combatants by the Viet Gong and eventually the North/South continued for decades. It is safe to say that our enemy in Vietnam was not concerned with violating the law of war.

Flash forward to today’s current events and we see that war crimes are rampant in the Hamas attack. Murder, rape and butchery are the trade marks of the monsters being ballyhooed in our streets by “social justice warriors”/protesters. Remarkedly, once again it is the only side trying its best to comply with the law of war that is accused of crimes/genocide. Per old Joe Welch, is there no sense of decency? Remember: Hamas, started the conflict. Hamas doesn’t give a darn about following the law of war. Compliance doesn’t serve its purpose of terrorism. Papa recently wrote that war is hell. It is horrible. Don’t start wars. Condemn the Poo-Bahs who start them, not the side that reacts in self-defense. I think October 7th has as much clarity as Pearl Harbor. There is a need to finish the job and unfortunately innocent people will get hurt.

It was difficult to sort out possible war crimes from combat actions during the Vietnam War. I believe the US did its best in that regard. Nowhere near perfect to be sure. Identifying and then fighting against terrorists/non-uniformed opponnets is no easy task. I had experiences to know that a door gunner returning fire into a village/huts or claymores on a supply path triggered against armed soldiers accompanied by two possible civilians/carriers demonstrates how difficult both an investigation was or the burden placed on our troops to do the right thing. The US had rules of engagement that prevented or limited the use of froce. I know a soldier who was driving a truck and was waiting outside a gate for clearance to enter. The convoy came under attack. While waiting for permission to return fire from an identifiable building across a field my friend was shot in his torso. He made an enlisted man’s executive decision and stepped on the gas and went through the gate. He almost died that day.

War is not easy. Yet, we never seem to have a shortage of folks who have fantasies that once started, armed conflits can be controlled/limited by their kibitzing with good intentions. Usually these people are not of the peace through strength school of thought. Once a war is started on their watch they flounder at how to win/stop it. Regarding Hamas, one stellar US leader recently opinied that Isreal is killing too many civilians in its battle against the enemy. Papa is led to wonder if this individual has a specific number of acceptable civilians deaths in mind. The amount of tolerable civilian deaths the leader has in mind would be nice to know. Isreal could stop firing when its quota is reached. Each day? Each week? Each month? One innocent civilian life lost is too many. Hamas has started a series of events that will undoubtedly take too many lives. To suggest that battlefield killing can fit into a concept of restraint is a sure sign that someone is in over their head. It is hoped that such prattle doesn’t get viewed as so much US weakness by our enemies that our restraint will be tested over and over again.

When you hear loose accusations of war crimes and genocide by protesters always use your noggin. These are not easy concepts to understand or investigate. Especially at early stages. One can only hope that the crimes commiited by Hamas are investigated and that the bad actors are identified and tracked down. No matter how long it may take.

CONTINUE READING HISTORY

November 10, 2023 / PAPA

In my last post I suggested that despite the clarity of good versus evil in the Hamas massacre there will be folks who see gray. It is difficult to understand. Propaganda is already countering the horrific butchery by claiming Palestine as victim and Isreal as aggressor facade. After 75 years most of the once intransigent Arab nations have given up on the elimination of Isreal. However, the old river to the sea slogan is still being stoked to keep the people of Palestine down while blaming Isreal. 300 miles of tunnels to protect the Mucky-Mucks? No above ground bunkers for the women, children and elderly who will die during a counter-offensive to a Hamas attack. Of course, hospitals, food and water would be better than bunkers or tunnels; especially if bunkers were not needed unless you attack and provoke a response. Use your noggins boys. Read history. Get in a position to form your own view of current events such as the October 7th attack.

Maybe start in the late 19th century. Papa skips over 1000s of years after many Jews dispersed from Cannan/Judea. In the 1800’s things were getting bad for Jews in Europe. Perhaps read about the persecution illustrated by the “Dreyfus Affair” in France. When things were going bad for the Jews around that time an idea sprang up that a homeland back in old Palestine might be just what the doctor ordered. Often seen as the start of Zionism. Like all ideas it started to perk along.

Palestine/Gaza/West Bank etc had been under Ottoman rule for about 400 years by then. No need for this posting to go back to all the other empires/Poo-Bahs who ruled the area for 1000s of years. Just know that there wasn’t a defined area known as a nation of Palistine. Jews AND Arabs both lived in that area. Usually under the foot of some boss. Along came World War One. Turkey was on the losing side. What to do with its domains? There had been talk within Allied circles of a Jewish homeland. The British were to over see Palastine. (Mandate) Its foreign secretary wrote a letter in support of a Jewish homeland. 1917 Balfour Declaration. That text made it into League Of Nations codification in 1923. Great Britain was to be responsible for establishing terms/conditions/timing of such a homeland. Things not only moved slow but the League itself was less than efficient.

Of course, its greatest failure was in not meeting its founding purpose; to stop another world war. I trust you know what World War Two meant for all Jews in Europe. Hitler and the Holocaust. In history the idea of Zionism, the Balfour Declaration and WWII resulted in many Jews going to Palestine where in 1948 Isreal was created as an independent nation by action of the United Nations. So too was there to be a nation for the Arabs of Palastine. Thus, the word partition. The US immediately recognized the new country. Arab nations immediately waged war. None wanted any part of the two state partition. Only Isreal accepted the concept. There were additional major wars in 1967 and 1973. There often were skirmishes near the borders over the years. Isreal has at times taken additional land/buffer for protection. One such area was taken from Eygypt after a war. That was Gaza. Most of the Gaza population are called Palestinians. Isreal has moved in and out of various territories after fighting off attacks. In addition to tamping down sources of future attacks they have to administer the territory. Headaches plus the crazies lob rockets into Isreal every so often. What a way to live. Isreal left Gaza most recently around 2005. The Palestinians elected Hamas to lead. Hamas has led them to poverty and they are used as fodder against Isreal. When propaganda tries to convince you that Hamas represents freedom fighters against occupiers; read history. (No additional election since 2006. No need; lots of opposing politicians just thrown off roof tops etc.)

The overall issues are said to be complicated. Seventy-five years have passed since Isreal was created. One side is still in a 1948 mindset. It’s clear they are unhappy with decisions made 75 years ago. Perhaps it is time to get over it. How long can you pick at a scab? It seems logical that if you start a war your people will get hurt by your actions. Claiming life is complicated does not justify murder/rape/pillage. Gearing up a propaganda machine doesn’t wash away blood. Nor does it change what is simple. Live with the decisions that the civilized world made under the UN banner. Make the best of Palistine not the worst. And, if given a second chance perhaps choose a goverment of non-butchers to represent you. (The West Bank is represented by a Palistian Authority that is itself going on about twenty years after its election to a four year term.)

More history: After WWII Japan and Germany were “occupied” for about seven years so that the damage done by their murderous leaders could be reversed. Decent countries today. It is estimated that Palistinians still would vote for Hamas if elections are held soon. It might be a good idea for the passage of time to cool down 75 years of indoctrinated hate towards Isreal/Jews. BTW: Papa often cites movies as another basis of memory. Look for films “I Accuse” and “Exodus.” The first has backgound of Dreyfus and the second 1948’s establishment of a Jewish state.

WAR AS HELL

November 3, 2023 / PAPA

Thre is no alternative to Isreal’s military action to dismantle the Hamas terror organization. Papa’s definitive statement is of course not universally held. Remarkably, many individuals/groups see alternatives. There are many whose base instinct is to recoil from war. Why? Because war is indeed hell. It can be argued that it is that recoil instinct that leads many politicians/leaders to war’s prelude. Appeasement. Time and again wars are started by those who don’t care if war is hell. They start the wars; especially if they sense weakness. A rational desire for peace is often viewed as an irrational invitation to aggression by fanatics, bullies and dictators.

It can be argued that the three current examples of aggressors include Iran, Russia and China. Isreal experienced absolute evil from fanatics on October 7th. The butchery was beyond belief. Less than a month later much of the civilized world is already moving away from the evil of Hamas (Iran) to hand wringing about proportional responses, international law and humaniatrian concerns centered on Isreal. Another upside down world view led by our media and what once were institutions of higher learning. And, never forget our wobbly politicians. The US is sending folks to confer with/pressure Isreal. Fully support but…types. Why not go down into a tunnel in Gaza and talk to the Palastine leaders holding hostages and who have committed actual war crimes? Is it possible that we are talking to/pressuring the wrong guys?

Of course appeasement after the fact also suits Hamas. (Iran) Much like a kid who hits a playmate and then hides behind his mother’s apron strings. We’ll all get along now. (Until the next time.) Sometimes war is not as complicated as news guys say. Sometimes it is simply good versus evil. Eisenhower said he was unprepared for the extent of Nazi brutality when he visited concentration camps. He wanted the media, nearby Allied soldiers and German citizens to witness the reality of the Holocaust. Already today deniers of October 7th are popping up. Surprisingly so at our universities. I’m sorry but stupidity shouldn’t exist there. When asked to condemn the Hamas slaughter of October 7th a professor out east was flippant; depends on when the clock starts she crowed. Another claimed feeling exhilerated by the carnage. I suspect they’d like Isreal to turn a blind eye to the next haymaker.

I’ll recommend it to your parents but they should decide if now is the time for you to view photos/videos that Isreal has published documenting October 7th. Some material was taken from cameras Hamas murderders used. It is simple evil. I looked at it reluctantly. It is disturbing. But it does sear in the mind what was called ‘why we fight’ motion pictures during World War Two. Part of what is good in the world now is responding with its military. The hell of war will severly impact the innocent once again. Every bit of suffering wil not generate one iota of concern with Hamas. Those fanatics only want to eliminate Isreal and kill. We have compassion for the innocent but stopping evil now prevents greater suffering in the future. Read history: Casualties at Normandy/Dresden/Hiroshima compared to “alternatives” possibly adding months/years to war. If you do look at Isreal’s documentation please use it to steel yourself against war and consider that “Peace through strength” has merit to avoid war.

HAIR

October 20, 2023 / PAPA

It is enjoyable to watch your developing interest in hair styling during your teen years. Until recently I assumed you had no clue what a comb looked like. Shaggy, sticky and unkept hair was the order of the day. My ears perked up when I overheard one of you mention how you wanted a barber to cut your hair. That is a topic I’ve been uncomfortable with ever since receiving my first haircut from Jimmy the barber on Greenfield Avenue. Seventy plus years later I hate being asked by a barber, “How do you want it cut today?” Just like the last cut but a bit shorter is my instinctive thought. (Continue what Jimmy started.)

Like you I eventually started using a comb. Perhaps I did so in self-defense against my mother brushing my hair before I toddled off to school. It felt like her instrument of torture was made of stiff wire. I began combing my hair just like Jimmy the barber. Still do. “Styling” never entered my combing vocabulary. (Papa has never been too high on styling points in a wide variety of areas.)

I wasn’t unaware of shaking things up a bit with hair. I knew a pompadour when I saw one. I’d seen the movies “Rock Around The Clock” and “Rebel Without A Cause.” Our high school had plenty of examples. To which I thought, “conformist”. The sixties brought in the shaggy bowl cut. Beatles. More “conformist” opportunity. My least favorite decade exposed all to “Hippie Long”. I’ve lost interest after going through stages of Faux Mohawks, Man Buns and versions of tails; duck and otherwise.

All in all, the hair style of the moment is harmless. Of course, there are some who view some hair styles as symbols of our national downfall/disgrace. Usually the concern is pointed at a specific person or group. The actual target is usually some form of activity/cause/belief that somehow threatens. Kinda like the P that stands for Pool which rhymes with T that stands for Trouble in “The Music Man”.

So, enjoy your journey into creating some pazzazz with your hair. Papa even admits to trying something different once. I thought a crewcut/brush would beasier. But, my hair was too fine and it flopped. As if 9th grade wasn’t hard enough. Remember that it is your personality and the brain power under your hair that count the most. Have fun with which ever hair style you enjoy.

SIFT AND WINNOW

October 16, 2023 / PAPA

The October 7th massacre in Israel should not cause Papa to bring out his bromide about sifting and winnowing. The monstrous events of that day present moral clarity of thought. Yet, I am dismayed that so many seem to easily lapse into various stages of moral confusion. Identifying pure and simple evil was easy. Yet, others have difficulty confronting evil. Does absolute evil drive some into a cacoon of comforting moral relativism? Perhaps a version of sticking one’s head in the sand? Or, another example of the education system failure to promote critical thinking? Or, today’s flood of news sources; both good and bad?

I am reminded about a walk taken on a sunny afternoon many years ago. A beautiful flower garden was at the border of what we once called a truck farm. Such small farming plots were close to or within the city limits. An old geezer in baggy overall jeans was tending his flowers. A conversation about seeds, soil and watering ensued. It was all very pleasant. Perhaps the old guy became comfortable with the chat as he reached into his back pocket and brought out a crumbled phamphlet. The leaflet featured a swastika beside Hitler’s face. He was eager to explain the source of all the world’s current problems. Antisemitic bile destroyed the old man’s perceived gentleness.

His propaganda was localized and limited to ragged old pages undoubtedly passed between like thinking cretins. In today’s world you will not only face in person purveyors of hate and mis-information but will also be exposed to many news sources as well as platform “news”. Now, more than ever, be vigilant in what you read/consume. When you are older, (BTW: Papa still thinks 21 is a better voting age than 18) your votes will help determine our leaders and you’d best start the sifting and winnowing process early and often. When sorting things out in a confused world it might be valuable to recognize that sometimes pure evil does exist and it is up to no good. Muddled messages and thinking doesn’t necessarily equate to profound thought. Simplicity can exist and often be correct.

HIBERNATION

October 8, 2023 / PAPA

Papa has not been sleeping during my long hiatus from posting content. As usual there has been a lot of thinking going on. Sight Point is an atmosphere conducive to contemplation. My return to posting after months is not attributable to releasing pent up wisdom. Rather, there is an internal need to pay homage to a bear. It is a good way to come out of my personal hibernation.

Do not be shocked that Papa is going to say something positive about a Chicago Bear. It is good to have a tiny bit of tolerance. I post today because of a vivid memory from 1963. A football fan’s spirit can rise or fall or soar or be crushed a zillion times. All the good times or bitter losses soon fade. However, I have a few football moments that are seared into my memory. When the man who cemented one such memory recently died I wanted to pay tribute to him by telling you of a chilly day at Camp Randall. One particular play impressed me so much that I am reminded that there are many great players but only a few are super great.

I assume Papa was hoping for a comeback win when I saw a Wisconsin back scoot around end with what appeared to be a path towards the end zone. Maybe I was in section S or T because the angle of my vision showed only a few Illinois players with slim hopes of stopping the Badger runner. The rise and fall of hope. From the corner of my eye I saw a blur going from left to right across the field. To this day I believe he came fom the other hash mark. Any dream of a win was obliterated by a crushing tackle at the sideline. He came like an arrow across the field and hit his target dead center. I recall thinking that was one hell of a football player. I had to look at the program to match his number with a name. That man was Dick Butkus.

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