Texting, redistricting and good legislation
By
Rory Ryan-hcpress@cinci.rr.com
John Wayne never texted.
I’ve often said that it’s my final bucket list goal to be the last man on Earth without a cell phone. When John Wayne gets a cell phone, I tell my few friends, so will I.
Of course, that’s usually about the same time that Winchester Willie “Ol' Rebar” Lange informs me that “John Wayne’s just a Little Bit Dead” and in no need of a cellular communications device.
As it turns out, Ol’ Rebar is right, too.
According to the inside cover of my King James Holy Bible, the Duke died at 11:30 (the inscription does not indicate a.m. or p.m.) on June 11, 1979 at the age of 72.
Still, I maintain that when the Duke finally signs up for Verizon or Nextel or a Blueberry, a Strawberry or an E-phone, maybe I’ll think about it. Until then, don’t bother asking for my cell number and don’t bother texting me.
Regrettably, I do have a seldom-used Facebook page. (Seems like a few people, lately, regret having a Facebook page and a Twitter account.)
When my oldest daughter registered (is that what you call it?) my Facebook page, I made myself a promise not to have more than 100 friends, and if I ever get to 100, I’ll close the account. Currently, I have about 88 friends, including the latest two: award-winning sportswriter and voice of the Chillicothe Paints John Wend, and one of my high school classmates.
Then, I was informed that one cannot really “close” an account. (You wanna bet?)
So, for anyone who has “friended” me to this point: Thanks. For anyone I’ve failed to “befriend:” My humble apologies. But as John Wayne said, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” (OK, already. Clint Eastwood said that. But he borrowed it from the Duke.)
Another problem with texting and email and the like is this: A lot can be lost in the translation of the intended recipient. I think back to my first encounter in Business Administration 101. This was not in a high school or college classroom, mind you. It was in the field as a survey crew chief, at the age of 16, in charge of men ranging in age from 40 to 55.
One of the men I relied heavily upon was Griff, a World War II veteran, and a good friend of the man who put me in charge. Griff was probably born around 1925 or ’26. I came along a couple of generations later. I’d like to know how men of Griff’s era would respond to a “text message” or “email.” Especially in the professional workplace.
I can envision a scenario somewhat like this: I send Griff a text to set up the next traverse point just beyond the distant creek bed. Griff’s cell phone then vibrates in his Dickies brand work pants and, thinking a black snake has slid inside his pants leg, he pulls his machete and promptly slices off two inches of his lower calf.
I, not noticing any of this from 1,000 feet to the east, send another text message, wondering what’s going on.
Once again, Griff – already in considerable discomfort – feels the “snake” and thinks about grabbing his machete until it dawns on him that maybe he’d better learn to use the cell phone.
If someone “texted” men like John Wayne, Griff, or my old man, and the recipients were less than thrilled with the message, be it implied or clear as crystal, two things would most likely happen: The cell phone would meet the pavement and the sender would get a more direct line of communication. Hell, 40 years ago, Griff didn’t even like walkie-talkies.
Maybe I come by this naturally, and maybe it explains why I once tossed a cell phone off a roller coaster at Cedar Point. But if someone has something to say, why not try the old-fashioned route and communicate in person?
A few days ago, the treasurer for a local politician’s campaign confronted me on Main Street and asked what I had against her candidate. Frankly, I was – and remain – indifferent to her candidate. However, I respect the fact that she asked me about it, face to face. We’ve known one another for 20 years, after all.
Her candidate, in my opinion, lacks good judgment. So what? That’s just my opinion. She’s entitled to disagree.
To her credit, though, she had the courage to discuss the matter with me, face to face. I appreciate that.
When it comes to email correspondence, I often find myself “overwriting” a particular message in an attempt to pre-empt the interpretation of the recipient. In other words, an email on a potentially sensitive topic tends to take a lot more effort than a routine conversation over a cup of coffee or a cold beer. Frankly, it’s tough to be both the devil and the devil’s advocate in a text message.
John Wayne, Griff, my old man and I would prefer an old-fashioned conversation over a cold beer any day to a hastily dispatched text message that we’ll probably never read or fully comprehend, anyway.
So, if you’ve got something to say, the office opens at 5 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and a little later on Friday and Saturday. But keep your text messages and anonymous letters to yourself. I have neither the time nor the inclination to worry about either.
* * *
• Once again, Rob Portman is ahead of the legislative curve.
The current U.S. senator and former Second District congressman from eastern Hamilton County campaigned strongly on job retention and creation in last year’s race against Lee Fisher. A big part of that campaign was an incentive for employers which called for a one-year payroll tax holiday on all income below $50,000.
Now, at last, the White House is listening.
Last year, President Obama and congressional Republicans agreed on a 2-percent reduction in taxes for employees, but businesses did not get the tax break.
Last week, though, the Obama administration said it is considering a temporary cut in payroll taxes as a way to save and create and stimulate the nation’s economy.
When I asked Sen. Portman during one of his recent stops at PAS Technologies in Hillsboro if he were optimistic about his proposal for a break in payroll taxes, he referenced the reduction for workers’ taxes and pledged to continue to work toward a much-needed tax break for employers.
With a national unemployment rate of 9 percent – or higher – the president is hinting at a temporary elimination of the 6.2-percent payroll tax – as championed by Sen. Portman and a few others in Congress.
While a temporary suspension of the payroll tax probably won’t – in and of itself – lead to immediate new hires, it could do a lot to stop the hemorrhaging of jobs, particularly among the nation’s small businesses.
Now, will Congress and the president act on this proposal? That’s the question.
Writing on the topic for TheHill.com, former Clinton Labor Secretary Robert Reich said: “A cynic might say Republicans are so intent on unseating Obama they’d like the economy to remain in the dumps through Election Day. Many Democrats, meanwhile, don’t want to admit the recovery has stalled — they don’t want to head into the election year sounding downbeat. Another reason for Washington’s inaction is that the unemployed are politically invisible. They don’t make major campaign donations. They don’t lobby Congress. There’s no National Association of Unemployed People.”
In other words, small businesses would be wise not to count on any real tax relief anytime soon. And they might also let Republicans know that partisan gamesmanship on meaningful legislation is not acceptable.
* * *
• Our friend Bobby Warren, reporting for the Wooster Daily-Record, says there’s talk of moving Ohio’s presidential primary next year from March to May.
“The completion of the 2010 census might present a challenge to Ohio elections officials because states must adjust their legislative boundaries and congressional district lines to reflect population changes.
“In order for Ohio to maintain its March 6 primary date, Secretary of State Jon Husted has indicated reapportionment and redistricting must be completed by the first part of September, spokesman Matt McClellan said.”
Ohio also will lose two of its 18 congressional seats after redistricting is completed. Republicans hold 13 Congressional seats and Democrats hold five seats.
By all indications, Third District Rep. Mike Turner’s seat is safe.
There is talk, naturally, of the GOP leadership doing its best to save all 13 Republican seats by placing large Democratic majorities in three districts.
Cleveland area Democrat Rep. Dennis Kucinich is already guessing that he’s one of the odd men out. He’s talking of moving to another state, maybe Washington, to run for Congress. He’d probably fit in on the Left Coast pretty well, at that.
Rory Ryan is publisher and editor of The Highland County Press.[[In-content Ad]]
I’ve often said that it’s my final bucket list goal to be the last man on Earth without a cell phone. When John Wayne gets a cell phone, I tell my few friends, so will I.
Of course, that’s usually about the same time that Winchester Willie “Ol' Rebar” Lange informs me that “John Wayne’s just a Little Bit Dead” and in no need of a cellular communications device.
As it turns out, Ol’ Rebar is right, too.
According to the inside cover of my King James Holy Bible, the Duke died at 11:30 (the inscription does not indicate a.m. or p.m.) on June 11, 1979 at the age of 72.
Still, I maintain that when the Duke finally signs up for Verizon or Nextel or a Blueberry, a Strawberry or an E-phone, maybe I’ll think about it. Until then, don’t bother asking for my cell number and don’t bother texting me.
Regrettably, I do have a seldom-used Facebook page. (Seems like a few people, lately, regret having a Facebook page and a Twitter account.)
When my oldest daughter registered (is that what you call it?) my Facebook page, I made myself a promise not to have more than 100 friends, and if I ever get to 100, I’ll close the account. Currently, I have about 88 friends, including the latest two: award-winning sportswriter and voice of the Chillicothe Paints John Wend, and one of my high school classmates.
Then, I was informed that one cannot really “close” an account. (You wanna bet?)
So, for anyone who has “friended” me to this point: Thanks. For anyone I’ve failed to “befriend:” My humble apologies. But as John Wayne said, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” (OK, already. Clint Eastwood said that. But he borrowed it from the Duke.)
Another problem with texting and email and the like is this: A lot can be lost in the translation of the intended recipient. I think back to my first encounter in Business Administration 101. This was not in a high school or college classroom, mind you. It was in the field as a survey crew chief, at the age of 16, in charge of men ranging in age from 40 to 55.
One of the men I relied heavily upon was Griff, a World War II veteran, and a good friend of the man who put me in charge. Griff was probably born around 1925 or ’26. I came along a couple of generations later. I’d like to know how men of Griff’s era would respond to a “text message” or “email.” Especially in the professional workplace.
I can envision a scenario somewhat like this: I send Griff a text to set up the next traverse point just beyond the distant creek bed. Griff’s cell phone then vibrates in his Dickies brand work pants and, thinking a black snake has slid inside his pants leg, he pulls his machete and promptly slices off two inches of his lower calf.
I, not noticing any of this from 1,000 feet to the east, send another text message, wondering what’s going on.
Once again, Griff – already in considerable discomfort – feels the “snake” and thinks about grabbing his machete until it dawns on him that maybe he’d better learn to use the cell phone.
If someone “texted” men like John Wayne, Griff, or my old man, and the recipients were less than thrilled with the message, be it implied or clear as crystal, two things would most likely happen: The cell phone would meet the pavement and the sender would get a more direct line of communication. Hell, 40 years ago, Griff didn’t even like walkie-talkies.
Maybe I come by this naturally, and maybe it explains why I once tossed a cell phone off a roller coaster at Cedar Point. But if someone has something to say, why not try the old-fashioned route and communicate in person?
A few days ago, the treasurer for a local politician’s campaign confronted me on Main Street and asked what I had against her candidate. Frankly, I was – and remain – indifferent to her candidate. However, I respect the fact that she asked me about it, face to face. We’ve known one another for 20 years, after all.
Her candidate, in my opinion, lacks good judgment. So what? That’s just my opinion. She’s entitled to disagree.
To her credit, though, she had the courage to discuss the matter with me, face to face. I appreciate that.
When it comes to email correspondence, I often find myself “overwriting” a particular message in an attempt to pre-empt the interpretation of the recipient. In other words, an email on a potentially sensitive topic tends to take a lot more effort than a routine conversation over a cup of coffee or a cold beer. Frankly, it’s tough to be both the devil and the devil’s advocate in a text message.
John Wayne, Griff, my old man and I would prefer an old-fashioned conversation over a cold beer any day to a hastily dispatched text message that we’ll probably never read or fully comprehend, anyway.
So, if you’ve got something to say, the office opens at 5 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and a little later on Friday and Saturday. But keep your text messages and anonymous letters to yourself. I have neither the time nor the inclination to worry about either.
* * *
• Once again, Rob Portman is ahead of the legislative curve.
The current U.S. senator and former Second District congressman from eastern Hamilton County campaigned strongly on job retention and creation in last year’s race against Lee Fisher. A big part of that campaign was an incentive for employers which called for a one-year payroll tax holiday on all income below $50,000.
Now, at last, the White House is listening.
Last year, President Obama and congressional Republicans agreed on a 2-percent reduction in taxes for employees, but businesses did not get the tax break.
Last week, though, the Obama administration said it is considering a temporary cut in payroll taxes as a way to save and create and stimulate the nation’s economy.
When I asked Sen. Portman during one of his recent stops at PAS Technologies in Hillsboro if he were optimistic about his proposal for a break in payroll taxes, he referenced the reduction for workers’ taxes and pledged to continue to work toward a much-needed tax break for employers.
With a national unemployment rate of 9 percent – or higher – the president is hinting at a temporary elimination of the 6.2-percent payroll tax – as championed by Sen. Portman and a few others in Congress.
While a temporary suspension of the payroll tax probably won’t – in and of itself – lead to immediate new hires, it could do a lot to stop the hemorrhaging of jobs, particularly among the nation’s small businesses.
Now, will Congress and the president act on this proposal? That’s the question.
Writing on the topic for TheHill.com, former Clinton Labor Secretary Robert Reich said: “A cynic might say Republicans are so intent on unseating Obama they’d like the economy to remain in the dumps through Election Day. Many Democrats, meanwhile, don’t want to admit the recovery has stalled — they don’t want to head into the election year sounding downbeat. Another reason for Washington’s inaction is that the unemployed are politically invisible. They don’t make major campaign donations. They don’t lobby Congress. There’s no National Association of Unemployed People.”
In other words, small businesses would be wise not to count on any real tax relief anytime soon. And they might also let Republicans know that partisan gamesmanship on meaningful legislation is not acceptable.
* * *
• Our friend Bobby Warren, reporting for the Wooster Daily-Record, says there’s talk of moving Ohio’s presidential primary next year from March to May.
“The completion of the 2010 census might present a challenge to Ohio elections officials because states must adjust their legislative boundaries and congressional district lines to reflect population changes.
“In order for Ohio to maintain its March 6 primary date, Secretary of State Jon Husted has indicated reapportionment and redistricting must be completed by the first part of September, spokesman Matt McClellan said.”
Ohio also will lose two of its 18 congressional seats after redistricting is completed. Republicans hold 13 Congressional seats and Democrats hold five seats.
By all indications, Third District Rep. Mike Turner’s seat is safe.
There is talk, naturally, of the GOP leadership doing its best to save all 13 Republican seats by placing large Democratic majorities in three districts.
Cleveland area Democrat Rep. Dennis Kucinich is already guessing that he’s one of the odd men out. He’s talking of moving to another state, maybe Washington, to run for Congress. He’d probably fit in on the Left Coast pretty well, at that.
Rory Ryan is publisher and editor of The Highland County Press.[[In-content Ad]]