This & That: Carlin’s Wisdom, Archaic Nicknames, Long Odds

Part of an intriguing Grand Rapids Public Museum exhibit. Photo by Lesly De Laat

Weekend Ramblings

If the chaos at the Capitol has taught us anything it is to remember the wisdom of George Carlin who opined:
“Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.”
Watching the doings made me wonder if George was a bit too much of an optimist.
Of course he also said
“In America anyone can become president. That's the problem.”
Yep. 

And you have to wonder…
Do you think the debacle in D.C. will be like Woodstock in reverse? You know, whereas when it comes to Woodstock about 10 times the people who were there, say they were there, will something like 10 times fewer people say they were on site at one of America’s most discomposing and disappointing moments than the number witnessed? 
“So I understand you were at that rally turned riot  back in 2021?”
“Whaa? Me? No man, I thought about going but I just felt the whole thing might turn ugly so I stayed home and watched it on TV. Just awful what those people did.”

Gotta say, not a big fan of the new online gambling about to launch in our bipeninsular paradise. Having worked with people struggling with addictions for more years than I care to count and witnessed the ravages compulsive gambling can bring makes me wonder why on Earth  we would be expanding access to betting?
Oh, that’s right. It’s the old reliable ‘people are going to do it anyway so let’s get it taxed’ rationale.
Except the difference between connecting with a bookie or driving to a casino and sitting home after a few too many beers and deciding that gambling is your way out of your current financial position seems...well...
But at least it looks like the sites are giving people who register some free money to start with because of their generosity. And the plethora of ads promoting the new ‘gaming’ opportunities each include a number to call if you think you have a gambling problem.
Great.
Because the odds are good that most people with a problem like addiction will recognize it right away before it does a lot of damage.
Right?

Kudos to the Cleveland Baseball Club for doing away with their obsolescent nickname and all the stereotypical nonsense that accompanied it (Chief Wahoo? Really?). 
Same for the Washington Footballers who finally canned their lame label   prior to this season.
Maybe it’s time for some high schools in the area to follow suit and stop the use of antiquated offensive identifiers. 
And please don’t use the ‘Tradition’ argument. Many schools have seen fit to move from these condescending nicknames to something less offensive to our Native citizens and there are far too many ‘traditions’ in our history that we were wise to stop following (i.e. not allowing women to vote, segregation, etc.).
Just saying...

Stay safe, get the vax when you can and grab yourself some take out grub from our local restaurateurs who are playing by the rules and eschewing inane slogans on their signs.
-
-Ken De Laat