Yes, already! I know it’s November and I am grateful for a great many things, not least of all are the men and woman who have and are serving our armed forces. Last week I waxed on philosophically about gratitude. It was a rather “nice” edition to these, the hallowed halls of Don’t Rush Me.
Ah, sweet and lovely Candy, a reader from Lake Orion I don’t think I have ever met, wrote me after reading the aforementioned Don’t Rush Me column. “Enjoyed your column. Wanted to share with you I received a tea bag from a friend that had a message, ‘Plant kindness, gather love.’ Thought this was appropriate to share with you. Oh….it’s good to be alive when happiness is shared.”
Thanks for sharing, Candy the teabag message is spot on!
I appreciate you, Candy from Lake Orion.
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Another reader, this one from the Clarkston area e-mailed me this:
Hi Don – This may be a late response, but I figured I would write anyway. When I saw your column about how Facebook has become a ‘necessary evil,’ (published this past October) I had to write.
Your first point about the advertising is accurate, but you have to admit, The Clarkston News wouldn’t survive without advertisers. Another evil necessity, I suppose. Facebook just uses it to a seemingly infinite level. The unfortunate thing about the internet is, at least from my perspective, you can’t believe anything you read, even if it’s true and from a reliable source.
It’s proven even reliable sources can’t get it right. I believe you and I are probably close to the same generation of folks who could take it or leave it, but as you implied, once you’re on, you kind of get sucked in. One of my methods is to just follow and not engage too much.
I use a lot of resources before I do engage, and even then I’m a bit apprehensive. I’m very selective in what I respond to or choose to contribute my thoughts on. I like to watch it unfold, but don’t engage to avoid any risk or offending anyone.
Most of it isn’t worth it anyway. Some folks like to use FB as a place to vent and stay somewhat anonymous or at least out of reach directly. I believe we all are entitled to our opinions without judgment or persecution, but if it gets out of control, bye, bye. Keep it up. I enjoy your writings.” — Bob C.
Thanks Bob C., from the Clarkston area. I appreciate you.
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But, you know, as grateful as I am for everything, ears, eyes, nose, hands and legs and feet and everything working, I (your hero) am only human after all. And, there are things that annoy the heck out of me. So, let me complain, whine and moan a wee bit.
Why do people, when pulling up next to a gas pump, stop at the first available pump, effectively blocking the other open pump approximately 12 feet in front of them? Steam comes outta’ my ears when ever I see this.
Why do people tailgate other drivers who are driving the speed limit? Oh my gosh, I find this aggravating.
Why do so many people form opinions based only on reading headlines? That’s kinda’ stupid. Headlines are just the bait to get you emotionally involved. The meat of the issue is in the story.
Hmmm? That’s about it, I’m not much of a whiner.
Speaking of newspapering . . .

Newspapering Lesson No. 229
Just what is it I write in this space?
Some would say: dribble. Some would say: Crap. Some would say: A sack full of untruths.
I would say: They are all correct, sort of. I write a column — my opinion at any given moment in time — usually when I type it. While I am well versed in writing Front Page News and Editorials, Don’t Rush Me is neither. It’s what I believe, what my eyes see, my brain processes, what my heart and gut feels. It ain’t reporting. It ain’t fair. Heck, it ain’t even balanced. It’s an opinion penned to evoke emotion and stimulate thought. It has nothing to do with “journalistic integrity.”
Some think the world would be a better place if those darned “opinion” mongers would just leave public officials alone to do their jobs.
There’d be no corruption. (And fewer spelling errors!)
There’d be no wrong-doing. (And less newsprint in our landfills!)
There’d be no controversy. (Only happiness and joy!)
There’d be no difference of opinion. (Only “official” thought!)
Wouldn’t that be great? (Has anybody read Fahrenheit 451?)
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Send your thoughts to: DontRushDon@gmail.com

  don rush, don’t rush me