The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK - Cindy's Corner
Wed, arguments about legacy admissions to universities Aug 06 2008
Homepage | Local news | Sports | Discussion forum | Wheels | Homes | Buy a Classified | Classifieds | Monster Jobs | Everything Enid | Everything else | Obituaries |
Cindy's Corner
Cindy Allen is managing editor of the Enid News & Eagle. Want to comment? E-mail editor@enidnews.com
Blll Clinton's legacy
I watched with interest the other day former President Bill Clinton’s interview with an ABC reporter. The interview was about his role in his wife’s presidential campaign, and also about getting crossways with the Barack Obama campaign.
First, (and a little off topic) I must say the president is looking rather fit. He seemed a lot thinner and more toned in his appearance on ABC.
But, the president hasn’t changed in his demeanor when questioned about things he’d rather not talk about. He still lowers his head and looks up with his eyes with a feisty attitude when he’s asked a question he doesn’t like.
Bill Clinton is certainly an interesting person. He’s one of the most persuasive and articulate president’s we’ve had in a long time (easy to compare him against W), but he seems very bitter.
I can understand his bitterness toward all the investigations that took place. But, he brought those questions on himself, with his arrogant attitude that he could do just about anything he wanted to without impunity.
In my opinion, his own wife enabled him to be a philanderer because she knew how gifted he was at politics. She figured she could ride his coattails, and she did for a long time.
But Hillary Clinton’s own presidential campaign showed just how worn out those coattails are now. If anything, her own presidential campaign revealed (at least to me) that she has a lot of brains and passion and is a pretty darn good public servant, even if I disagree with most of her stands on the issues.
Her campaign also revealed that her husband had turned into a political liability instead of the gift she had hoped for. His bitterness just surrounds his aura. You can’t even look at the man without seeing how truly ticked off he is. He wants his legacy, darnit, and now that legacy could be in jeopardy.
When I look at former presidents, two stand out. Jimmy Carter for his earlier philanthropic activities. (Now, he’s just a nut). Second, Richard Nixon. Even as disgraced as he was, national and international leaders still sought his advice and opinions on world affairs because that is where his gifts truly were.
Clinton has been a former president now for eight years, and all I can think of him is he’s made a lot of money and that he tanked his wife’s presidential campaign.
But, he’s still a young man, relatively speaking. I have to wonder what the world opinion will be of him 10, 20 years from now. What will his “former president” years be known for? To me, that’s the legacy he needs to start working on now while he still has some time.
August 06, 2008 09:45 am
More entries >>>
Hime on target about passing a bond issue
When I walked into the EPS board of education retreat at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center Tuesday and saw beautiful architect’s drawings showing a renovated and updated Garfield Elementary School, I thought we might be getting ready for a new bond issue campaign.
Imagine my surprise when I was told by school district officials those drawings had been done before the school legacy visa sioux falls sd bond issue in December 2007 that drew a miserable voter turnout and failed just by a few votes.
“Where were those drawings during the bond issue campaign?” I asked. I remember asking for artists’ renderings or something to give people a visual about what a new elementary could look like.
I didn’t really get much of an answer. They were never shown to the public. There really is no good answer or good excuse. The Enid Public Schools district dropped the ball during the December 2007 bond issue, and that’s just fact.
Board member Taylor Branstetter had the same question I had, only with a more poignant point -- he said if the district had promoted those drawings, the bond issue likely would have passed by the 40 votes it needed to get the super majority.
New Superintendent Shawn Hime has said time and again he can’t answer for the past. He’s only concerned about the future. And, it appears Mr. Hime knows a thing or two about public relations and how to get people involved in developing a bond issue that has a good chance of success.
Hime said he will not go to the voters for any bond issues without being able to help them visualize what is possible. He seems to know that getting a super majority to pass a tax increase is an uphill battle before it even starts, and it takes vision and charisma and certainly visuals for people to look at. He’s right in that people get excited when they can see the possibilities.
Even though the drawings shown Tuesday night were just renderings of what a new school could possibly look like, they would have made a world of difference in publicity materials. There was so much apathy about the December 2007 bond issue, the visuals would have generated some excitement. Most people in Enid haven’t seen what a new school looks like since the last one built here was in 1963!
If Mr. Hime is true to his philosophy, I think Enid patrons will see a difference in any new bond issue campaigns. I think there will be a lot of community input on any new plans and more time put into formulating a campaign.
He’s right in that Enid has to hit a home run with its next bond issue. Hime’s own words -- “no excuses” and “failure is not an option.” He’s laying down the gauntlet.
July 30, 2008 10:30 am
More entries >>>
Obama train is rolling and McCain is standing in the tracks
Republicans in general, and particularly those who support John McCain for president, are being blinded by the headlights from the Obama train that looks like it’s coming straight for them and is about to run them over.
Watching the McCain presidential campaign is like watching an oncoming train. You know you should turn away, but you can’t. Before you know it, BAM! You’re done!
Barack Obama has all the momentum, and unless McCain shifts (or invents) some kind of campaign strategy, it’s going to be over before it even starts.
First off, Obama has the media advantage. Many pundits and even journalists are pondering whether the media is more favorable to Obama or if they’re giving more coverage to Obama. Well, duh!
Of course they are because Obama is just more interesting. He’s well spoken. He’s attractive. He looks cool. He has energy -- all the things that flabby old McCain just doesn’t have.
Then, there are the historical factor -- first black presidential nominee, a short-termer in Congress (that means no experience) and a name that gets some folks in some sectors of the country a little riled up.
McCain’s answer to all this momentum that is already going Obama’s way is to basically go out on the campaign stump and praise him! And in many instances, to agree with him!
I guess this is McCain’s way of trying to appear bi-partisan. But come on. Campaign 101 -- never praise your opponent until the last vote is counted and you are either congratulating him for running a good race or conceding to him.
McCain has the experience advantage. He has the war-time advantage. He has the military knowledge advantage, And, he’s been a media darling a time or two for bucking his party (by the way, when was the last time Obama went against his own party lines!
But, any of this is being overshadowed by the overwhelming adoration of the American press. McCain isn’t even doing anything to try to call attention to himself or his campaign. For example, this week would have been a good time to announce his vice presidential selection. It would have taken a little bit of the over-saturated coverage of Obama’s trip to the Middle East.
No, McCain -- as usual -- is his own worst enemy. And the Republican Party has made its bed and will have to lie in it unless someone pokes a fire under McCain and he starts acting like he’s even in the race.
July 22, 2008 01:08 pm
More entries >>>
Who's really being castrated here?
I admit I busted out laughing when I heard about Rev. Jesse Jackson’s remarks he made on a live microphone that he basically would like to legacy of taylorsville ut castrate presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama.
Jackson was either done with an interview or waiting for an interview when he made the remarks to another guest. He apparently didn’t realize his mic was still live. Fox News O’Reilly Factor aired the comments.
Jackson told another guest he felt that Obama was talking down to black people, then said he’d like to cut his **** off.
OUCH!
While Jackson may not-so-silently wish he could castrate the Democratic presidential nominee, I have to think that is what Jackson may feel has been done to him, at least in a political sense.
Even on the news shows Thursday while he apologized or tried to explain what he said, he basically whined that he and other civil rights leaders have paved the way for Obama’s success, and they had it so much harder.
What appears to happening to Jackson and the others like them is their jealousy over the success by blacks like Obama. Yes, Obama and other successful black business leaders and politicians may be reaping the benefits of the struggles of those who went before, but that’s the way it goes.
Look at the women’s movement. Women today enjoy leadership roles and many opportunities thanks to those who came before who fought the good fight and put up with a lot of sexism.
Jackson has almost become a caricature in his later years, trying to play a role of importance by inserting himself into issues. He and Al Sharpton have been vigilant in their condemnation of remarks by others they perceive to be racist or insensitive, but they expect to be immune from criticism for theirs.
Jackson is obviously bitter about Obama’s success, and he still embodies a sense of entitlement.
Instead of being a distinguished civil rights elder statesman who is proud and excited to pass the torch to the next generation, he seems to be throwing himself a little bit of a pity party.
His relevance will only continue to diminish the longer he continues the same tactics he’s been employing for as long as I can remember.
July 10, 2008 04:41 pm
More entries >>>
Do you remember 1968? Tell us!
I’m starting to get some response from readers regarding our Summer of ‘68 project.
We’ve been planning this project since April, and our deadline for readers to submit their remembrances or impressions of that pivotal year is nearing. Readers have until July 1 to get their submissions in.
We’re looking for readers who were between the ages of 16 and 27 at that time. It was a very impressionable time in our history, and many have pointed to that summer as a turning point in our nation.
There was contra legacy of war violence -- lots of it. Two important men were killed by assassins’ bullets that year. There was civil unrest. There was a war in Vietnam. Space exploration was moving very near to putting a man on the moon.
The News & Eagle is exploring what was going on during those times, both locally and nationally. We need your help to put things in perspective. We are looking for responses from readers who have ties to Enid or northwest Oklahoma, either now or in the past.
If you have a certain remembrance of that time, please submit an essay of 300 to 400 words about what you experienced. If you have pictures to go along with it, all the better.
Submit your essays to me at editor@enidnews.com, or you can mail then to Cindy Allen, Managing Editor, Enid News & Eagle 227 W Broadway, P.O. Box 1192, Enid, OK. 73702.
Please include a town where you live and a phone number for verification purposes.
June 24, 2008 09:13 am
More entries >>>
Mayor needs to listen to input from community
No one likes to have their ideas rejected.
Leaders who come up with plans and ideas certainly want others to follow -- to agree with them. That’s just legacy nissan human nature.
So, when we’re told our ideas aren’t any good, it’s certainly natural to get our back up. But, in this world of plenty of good ideas and instantaneous input about our ideas, we have to accept that some of our ideas just won’t cut the mustard and we must move on.
Mayor John Criner campaigned on a pledge patricia legacy bag to clean up Enid. When he was running for office, he stated he specifically wanted to improve the appearance of the community. That was a good idea and one to be applauded.
Enid has embarked on a pretty aggressive cleanup campaign, and we have seen the fruits of that effort. It is an ongoing process, for sure, and one the city must continue.
However, the mayor needs to open his ears and listen to what others are saying about the idea of limiting cars parked in driveways or on lawns.
We understand the mayor’s distaste for properties that look like used car lots or salvage lots. Our city has made some attempts to improve the appearances of properties by, rightfully, taking a look at inoperable or untagged vehicles left for silver legacy dinner special years to sit on properties.
When it comes to working automobiles that families are using, however, it is another story. The city should continue to monitor to see if there are increasing issues of too many cars parked in streets or in lawns; however, now is not the time to pursue another ordinance.
This is a trying time for our national economy, and our local economy is no different. Many people are finding themselves having to change their driving and automobile habits. Some people are finding themselves parking their pickups or SUVs and having to get smaller, more efficient cars. Some families live in smaller homes or properties, but they have more than two licensed drivers. Many properties are limited on parking space.
This just isn’t the right time to begin playing hardball with working families for having working cars parked in their driveways or in their yards. As for cars parked on streets, with the new polycart system it may become necessary to make some roads one way in order to accommodate the new trash system.
The mayor doesn't like our newspaper disagreeing with his idea on this one; however, we will always play a primary role in discussion of community issues, and we are going to provide a forum for input on those community issues.
The mayor went on television the other night and proclaimed that he promised to “clean this city up” and “unfortunately these people have got three more years of me, and I’m wiley college american legacy not going to let up a minute.”
That is an attitude most people don’t take kindly to. Mr. Mayor needs to also understand that when he took office, he works for the citizens of the community, and he needs to respect their input on the matter. And, the other commissioners need to listen to the citizens as well and put this matter to rest by rejecting the mayor’s attempts to further this particular ordinance.
June 20, 2008 09:54 am
More entries >>>
We really CAN get along -- if we want to
I’m a self-professed political junkie. I guess that’s a good trait for someone in the news business.
However, it sometimes pours over into my social and personal life, and I can get just as passionate about politics as anyone can.
Since it is a presidential election year, the talk at social occasions often turns to politics. I have a group of what I call “eclectic” friends, and we have dinner together, usually at least once a month. We gather in a group of six to 10 and enjoy plays or bowling or movies or any number of things.
We are not all of the same political mindset. In some cases, I guess my husband and I are probably in the minority when it comes to our political stripes. However, I enjoy this group because we can have honest, passionate (and sometimes loud) discourse on the politics of the day and still remain friends.
This week is also Chautauqua Week, and I’m a board member, so I am getting to spend time with the scholars here that are performing in the event. Many of these folks have been here before, but I think it’s safe to say just about all of them have different political opinions than I do. I enjoy visiting with them about their perspectives and thoughts. Some of their opinions are predictable, based on their jobs and their locations in this country.
But, what I enjoy in talking with them is the perspectives they have from being scholars -- academics. It’s a very different world than mine.
Being around all these people who have different political views than I do makes me realize that, deep down, we probably agree more than we disagree. We may have different opinions on candidates or platforms, but we all want pretty much the same things.
We want to enjoy our jobs and be able to live a nice lifestyle because of those jobs. We want our families to be safe and secure. We want to have freedom of speech and thought. We want the freedom to worship as we choose, or not worship at all if we choose. We want the government to stay out of our personal lives, and we also want agenda-driven organizations to stay out of our personal lives.
In the end, no matter who ends up being president or senator or representative, we’ll all go about our business, doing our jobs, trying to make a living subaru legacy outback and keeping our heads above water and trying to enjoy life the best we can.
Those are desires that know no political boundaries or agendas.
June 11, 2008 06:49 am
More entries >>>
EHS commencement changes considered
It’s good to see Enid administrators and board members talking about improving the decorum of the annual Enid High School graduation ceremonies.
Each year, parents and families of graduates express everything from irritation to downright anger about the noise and the general chaotic atmosphere of the graduation event.
I addressed some of the issues in a newspaper column a couple of weeks ago, and it appears the school district is looking at each of those issues.
Kem Keithly is right in that it is difficult to control the crowd. And, it is usually the crowd causing the chaos, not the graduates. The graduates may bounce a beach ball or something, but some designated people can grab those beach balls once the ceremonies start and keep them still until the event is over.
It’s about raising the expectations and standards of conduct of people. It shouldn’t be an issue, really, but let’s face it -- our society has gotten MUCH more casual. It’s not unusual for people to wear shorts and jeans to church anymore. That is something we NEVER would have considered a few years ago. I went to a formal wedding last weekend where some people came in jeans and T-shirts or even cutoff shorts!
It will be difficult to establish a dress the blackwell legacy free demo policy for graduation. Like I said, our culture is more casual. I’m not as concerned about dress as I am about the general atmosphere.
I think the school board is on to an idea about changing the time of graduation. I am curious why they changed to a Friday night this year, when the last several years, graduation ceremonies have been held on a Tuesday night. The idea of changing the time to Saturday morning isn’t great -- morning’s not the right time.
However, Saturday afternoon around 2 p.m. might be ideal. It gives family members time to get to Enid and perhaps enjoy a nice lunch with the family before graduation. Or, families could enjoy a nice dinner after graduation. It gives more time for families to visit together. And, it gives graduates a bit of time to rest up before the annual Project Graduation party that night.
Do away with any concessions. They’re not needed and it will be less of a mess to pick up afterward.
I also think the district should insist that those attending have a ticket. They don’t have to limit the tickets, but they can make sure everyone attending has a ticket. It adds to the sense of importance of the event.
I applaud the district for taking the concerns seriously, and I know they will do what they can to improve the experience for both the graduates and their families.
June 04, 2008 09:48 am
More entries >>>
Cemetery duty personal time well spent
Memorial Day came early this year, and that’s pretty much thrown me off course legacy left by wwii as far as my bearings on when summer begins.
This year it just kind of sneaked up on me. Memorial Day has become a pretty important weekend for me because no longer can I just relax at the lake or spend time goofing off on this weekend.
The mantel has been passed to me to be the family member who has cemetery duty.
For years, my parents and I would take at least one day of the weekend and travel to Ada to decorate my grandfather’s grave. My grandmother and mother would buy the flowers and get things ready. My grandmother would take care of family members elsewhere in that Ada cemetery, and also the one in Stonewall. But, it was all of our duty to at least pay a visit to my grandfather’s grave personally.
When my grandmother died, my mother and I would carry out the duty. We didn’t really bother with other extended family members. But, we tended to my grandmother’s and grandfather’s grave.
Five years later, my mother died. For awhile I didn’t really like to even go to the cemetery. I would put some flowers on her grave around the holidays or on Mother’s Day. But, for a few Memorial Days, those graves went untended.
Over the years during Memorial Day weekend, I would pass cemeteries and see the beautiful flowers and the American flags. I would glance at the graves that had no flowers, no flags and wonder about their families.
So, I made the decision that our family’s graves would not be blank, they would have flowers on Memorial Day weekend.
My trek takes me all the way down to southeast Oklahoma every year, but it’s drive I enjoy. I really like to spend time in the cemeteries, and there are always a lot of people doing the same thing I’m doing. I really enjoy the American flags that mark the graves of veterans in most cemeteries. My grandfather was a veteran of World War I, and years ago we paid for a perpetual large American flag to mark his grave on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
This year I found a few relatives’ graves I didn’t previously know about, so I have even more duties to perform next year.
I really don’t mind. Family members thank me for tending to the graves. To me, I’m the legacy explained one who benefits. It’s a peaceful time. It’s a time to remember the good times. I also get a little weepy missing my mother and grandmother.
But, it’s my time. My time with people who were so special in my life. My time with people who helped shape me into the person I am today. And it’s my time to pay respect.
It’s worth taking a day or two each year to perform that task.
May 27, 2008 02:01 pm
More entries >>>
Get baseball conflict solved TODAY
Those of us raising teenagers know how difficult a time in can be. It’s almost worse than the birthing process! And, when they have peer trouble at school or problems with teachers or coaches, most parents want to try to see if they can help fix the situation.
So, many parents can sympathize with the situation that appears to be taking place right now regarding the young Enid baseball player, the alleged altercation between his dad and a coach and the issues that have led up to this moment.
I appeal to those who can get a handle on this situation to do it -- TODAY. Do not wait. Get it done NOW.
Outside of the incident where legacy capitol energy a parent allegedly attacked a coach, the other issues that seem to be at the root of this situation can be taken care of if the adults involved will get with it and bring this situation to a positive conclusion.
To get this situation under control, it will require apologies be made. It will require that concessions be made. It will require that players be brought under control and good behavior enforced. It will require that parents understand they can’t fight all their kid’s battles. And, it will require that the young player involved will need to find a way to mend peer battles on his own. It will require that egos be put aside and the right thing done on behalf of a young person.
I guess you could call this a “teaching moment.” Many of these people involved are teachers by trade -- their job is to mold young people, to lead them and to give them opportunities to grow and get better.
I sure would like to see this end positively and not deteriorate into a legal battle. I sure would like to see this kid get a chance to participate on a summer baseball team free of harassment or retributions for past incidents.
I think this can happen if all the adults will be adults and get together legacy doors under the common goal of having a great summer baseball season in Enid.
May 22, 2008 10:01 am
More entries >>>
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Featured Coupons
Featured Advertisers
Popular business directory searches
Enid Apartments
Enid Attorneys
Enid Auto Dealers
Enid Auto Parts
Enid Auto Repair
Enid Beauty Salons
Enid Car Rental
Enid Dentists
Enid Doctors
Enid Flowers
Enid Hotels
Enid Insurance
Enid Loans
Enid Mortgages
Enid Movers
Enid Pizza
Enid Realtors
Enid Restaurants
Enid Storage
Enid Tax Preparation
Enid Travel
Enid Featured
More...
Premium Jobs
Free Gas!!
2200 W. Willow, Enid OK 73703
1722 N. 4th, Suite E, Ponca City, OK 74601
I I I Free GAS I I I
...>MORE
Career Opportunity for experienced RN at Bass
Full Time Clinical Director of Nursing for Physician Practice Management
Responsible for supervising, training and ...>MORE
Truck Drivers
Needed for harvest. CDL not required, but preferred. $12-$15/hr.
depending on experience.
Randy Keck, Fairview...>MORE
NOW HIRING!!!!! Account Representatives!!!!!!!!!
Wages start at $9/hr and up ... plus benefits!
FREE Health & Dental Life Insurance PTO-401K
OmviSource 580-24...>MORE
Part-Time Position
Available to merchandise greeting cards in local retail stores. Training provided. Visit http:\\careers.americangreeting...>MORE
The Commons is hiring!!
THE COMMONS
is taking applications for CNA/CMA , all shifts. Please apply in person a apply at 301 S. Oakwood: Enid...>MORE
Bus Driver!!
CHISHOLM Public SCHOOL
is accepting applications for:
Bus Driver
for the legacy banquet the 2008-2009 school year.
Pick...>MORE
Retail Clerk
Must have excellent
customer service skills, be able to run cash register & stock items. Must be available to work...>MORE
District Sales Manager!!
in the Woodward/Enid area needed immediately for established, well-respected company. Fantastic career opportunity with ...>MORE
Need farm Help!
Need farm HELP!
Must have experience.
580-758-3511...>MORE
See all ads
More Premium Jobs!
Truck Washer
Our business is growing! Immediate opening:
Truck Washer
Needed for Enid area. Must be 18 yrs. o...>MORE
Dental Assistant
Experience and current certifications preferred. Will train a motivated person with great attitude. Bring resume to Nort...>MORE
CDL Drivers
Apply at Marsau Enterprises. 1209 N. 30th,
Enid OK 73701...>MORE
Great Family Practice Opp with Integris Bass!
Clinic LPN or Experienced Medical Assistant (FT or PT)
Busy family practice physician office Computer skills ...>MORE
Family Pharmacy Now Hiring!!
Pharmacy Techs. & Clerks for New
Location. Apply at:
915 E. Owen K Garriott. or Fax Resume to
580-233-5...>MORE
See all ads
© 2008, The Enid News & Eagle
P. O. Box 1192, Enid, OK 73702
Phone: 800-299-6397 Fax: 580-548-8147
Email news tips & feedback
Popular Business directory links - Enid Apartments | Enid Attorneys | Enid Auto Dealers | Enid Auto Parts | Enid Auto Repair | Enid Beauty Salons | Enid Car Rental | Enid Dentists | Enid Doctors | Enid Flowers | Enid Hotels | Enid Insurance | Enid Loans | Enid Mortgages | Enid Movers | Enid Pizza | Enid Realtors | Enid Restaurants | Enid Storage | Enid Tax Preparation | Enid Travel | Enid Featured | More...
Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. • CNHI Classified Advertising Network • CNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2008. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index
|
|
|
|