Quick, Give Her A Helmet
As one old bachelor said to the other in “My Fair Lady”: “By George, she’s got it!” Or something like that. Idaho Congresswoman Helen Chenoweth, who visited Sarajevo on Monday to support our troops (though not their peacekeeping mission), may have hit on something when she said: “I wish I could send about 14 of ‘em home, and I could stay there and fight in their place.” If all 535 U.S. senators and representatives felt that way, we could send them to Bosnia in place of about 7,500 troops. Throw in President Clinton, his cabinet, advisers and all other able-bodied, nonessential government workers, and we’d have our commitment of 20,000 troops covered. (And possibly the president wouldn’t be as vitally interested in the former Yugoslavia.) We could arm them with Roberts Rules of Order, filibusters and veto power. Then, the warring factions would demand peace quickly - provided we agree to recall our politicians and bureaucrats. By George, I think Helen’s got it!
Stroisch haters: Give it a rest
Did George “Ed” Stroisch get away with a double murder? Possibly. Maybe probably. But he didn’t get off scot-free. The suspicion that followed him and his family every day after he was declared a suspect in the disappearance of Ron and Rita Marcussen two decades ago took a toll. First, he stood trial and was acquitted of killing Rita Marcussen - mainly because her husband’s remains weren’t found until recently. A possibility existed that Marcussen killed his wife and fled. Now, Ron’s skull has been found, with two bullets inside. All fingers point to Stroisch. Unfortunately, he died four months ago. During his life, Stroisch’s family was threatened and his children beaten for the crime he may or may not have committed. They were poor because no one would give him a job. Now that authorities have declared Stroisch the likely killer and closed the case, his family is facing the music again. The surviving Stroisches are innocent victims. It’s long past time that society leaves them alone.
Put this chorale program on a diet
Chorale music is great. But too much chorale music isn’t so great. The Sounds of Christmas Concert at North Idaho College last weekend gave listeners too much of a good thing (though not enough traditional holiday music, as promised). It went on and on. And on. It wasn’t something for little kids. Or seniors who were unfamiliar with many of the selections. Or busy people. Many left before the never-ending concert concluded after almost three hours. Next year, conductor Todd Snyder should consider: Sometimes less is more.
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