Having good footing in life
By Tim Throckmorton - Contributing Columnist
In the First World War soldiers in the trenches on both sides would sometimes give themselves a non-fatal wound (intentionally shooting themselves in the foot, whilst making it appear as an accident, being a favorite). The purpose was to get themselves medically repatriated and out of the way of possible more serious harm, or death in action. The Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms defines the idiom, “shoot yourself in the foot” as to inadvertently make a situation worse for yourself; demonstrate gross incompetence… in other words, to cause oneself difficulty; to be the author of one’s own misfortune. Often I hear people use the term ‘he has shot himself in the foot’ to refer to someone who has unintentionally harmed his own interests whilst in the process of trying to damage someone else. In light of that exhaustive definition I believe therein lies a great lesson for our nation and its inhabitant
First things first
By Tim Throckmorton - Contributing Columnist
Here in the United States of America and around the world the freedom of religion, speech and the press are among the most important components in the foundation of a free society. Amendment I of the Constitution states clearly, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” I have long since known and deeply appreciated this freedom in the land that I love. I am now more concerned than ever that these freedoms are in jeopardy.
The meaning of Amen
By Tim Throckmorton - Contributing Columnist
Just when you think it couldn’t get any worse or that we have no more lines of sensibility to cross… leave it to Congress to boldly go where no mind has gone before! Democrat Congressman Emanuel Cleaver from Missouri, who is an ordained United Methodist minister was invited to open the first session of the 117th Congress on Sunday. His prayer was filled with what I would term Christian themes, terminology and scripture references, but the way he closed his prayer is what will be remembered with great confusion and dismay. He said, “We ask it in the name of the monotheistic god, brahma, and god known by many different faiths, Amen and a-woman! That ladies and gentlemen is where the wheels come off!