Each and every winter, the complete frenzy over the first significant snow event boggles my mind. How in the world did they ever plow the streets without government officials taking to social media to tell us how they’re going to plow the streets? It becomes near insanity. Police departments, fire departments, health departments, city governments, MoDOT and a host of other public and private parties treat snowstorms like some new and unique event and generally treat the public as if we are imbeciles and unable to manage our own health or existence in such a storm.
We have public education in this country and most of us are smart enough to know to wear a coat when it is subzero. Most of us know that the roads will not be the same condition with six inches of snow on them as they are when they are dry in July. We understand traction and such. Anyway, all of the snow warnings and admonitions to “stay home” from local government are eerily reminiscent of government COVID overreach. Many of us would appreciate “basic services” from government without so much fanfare and instruction.
Speaking of pushing back against government, I highly recommend the newly released Elizabeth Smart documentary on Netflix. Most will remember the story of the young Utah girl who was abducted from her home in 2002. It’s a heartbreaking and heartwarming story.
The Smart family went against the law enforcement recommendations on pursuing the suspect that turned out to be the abductor. Elizabeth’s sister, who was in the room the night of her abduction, remembered who she thought the abductor sounded like, months later. Police didn’t think it was reliable, but the Smarts pursued it and it ended up saving their daughter.
It still makes me laugh that the City of Kansas City will often shut down and delay by a week or weeks their trash service so that they can plow snow. Are Kansas Citians aware that cities plowed snow and picked up trash at the same time for decades and decades without delays for weather? In fact, many cities are still able to perform this “chew gum and walk” feature at the same time. I suppose social media takes a lot of time from the basic services these days.
Please don’t tell the local government officials, but I went out on the roads this weekend, when I “didn’t have to.” Not sure what the penalty is for that, but I can only assume it is severe.
Woah. This column has an incredibly old man opinion vibe. I gotta get some sun.
Some good news. Foley has been telling us this, but most of us are not quick learners. Anyway, the Morton Amphitheater in Riverside is going to be absolutely “popping” for old people like me this year. If only my wife could convince me to attend a concert. I’m more of a listen to it in my car kind of guy but might deviate this year.
John Mellencamp is coming to town, and he’s apparently found some level of sanity and going to play his hits and maybe not berate conservative politics, while ripping lung darts, the entire night. I’d be in for a little John Cougar revisited.
They got Luke Bryan, Tyler Childers, Rod Stewart (He’s 81, so probably tentative), Chris Stapleton and a host of others that I can only assume are good performers. I do see that “Five Finger Death Punch” will be there in October. I probably won’t make that one, but I would not be surprised if a local prosecutor was in the front row.
(Guy Speckman can be reached working on his “Pink Houses” lyrics)
