Page 4A - Sunday | September 13 | 2020 - The Ennis News Opinion

EDITORIAL NFL's message to others Used to be that times were such field, fans just want to watch and hear football. that watching a football game on tele- Goodell who may have had an epiphany during the vision was filled with great action off-season that promoting Black Lives Matter would be Heroes and commentary. When it came to a great idea, but he has greatly missed the mark. The Mark Warde I'll Tell You What halftime the NFL had nothing, other organization has Marxist themes and does not avoid than to break away for scores and the connection. Their message of promoting people highlights of the other games being played. according to their skin color, which is blatantly rac- in Ennis College and high school, on the other hand, had ist in itself, has many in their movement regularly ha- such great entertainment during the intermission rassing the elderly at restaurants, attacking children, Over the years The Ennis News has that it drew as much attention as the game. The high- turning on police, not to mention the countless nights spotlighted the list of uniformed heroes stepping bands marched into positions and shapes of rioting, destruction and looting. who serve our community on a daily ba- while playing traditional or contemporary tunes made Following the death of George Floyd, the outcry of sis. These men and women come in dif- the break something to behold. support of the BLM’s cry for justice was understand- ferent skin colors and none wear tights Over the past decade, however, while the college ably strong. But rather than allowing for justice to or capes. and prep ranks remain true to form, the profession- take its course, BLM, along with Antifa and anarchists As for scaling tall buildings, stopping als have assumed their audience would welcome news who sensed a green light for mayhem, turned an ini- locomotives or being faster than a speed- and issues to pass the time. Who will forget when tial cause into a race war. They have taken justice in NBC’s Bob Costas went on an anti-gun rant during a their own hands. They have gone way too far, and de- ing bullet, well, it only seems that way. Dallas-Philadelphia game in 2012. fending it all by saying store owners have insurance The definition of America’s best ver- He took great heat for taking a murder-suicide by doesn’t cut it. sion of a hero, Superman, changed dur- an NFL player and going on a personal attack during The NFL didn’t simply allow players to kneel dur- ing its glory years. The aforementioned a game. He defended his comments, of course, though ing the anthem, but they can now wear decals on opening line on the weekly TV show plenty others questioned both the subject, the audi- their helmet to support a social justice issue as well took place in the 1960’s. During the 40’s ence and the timing against owning guns. as warming up with shirts that state the same. That it was “Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! Unfortunately, the NFL has continued their bait- wasn’t enough. Goodell has approved social justice It’s a plane! It’s Superman! Faster than a and-switch game to the point where ratings have in- initiatives to be inked in the end zones, even replac- streak of lightning, more powerful than dicated what some critics have called inappropriate ing team names. End Racism and It Takes All of Us the pounding surf, mightier than a roar- messages for an audience of all ages. are preferred over Cowboys or 49ers. The idea of turn- ing hurricane. This amazing stranger This year Commissioner Roger Goodell has rolled bel- ing a problematic issue to upstage the venue that fans ly-up to one of many subjects in the social justice arena have paid top dollars to see is the bait and switch. from the planet Krypton, the man of - racism. Fans have had it up to here with the much-pub- Other issues like voters rights, climate justice, steel, Superman. Possessing remarkable licized plan to convert the national anthem stage to an healthcare, refugees, income gap, gun violence, hun- physical strength, Superman fights a unpatriotic theme that promotes a message against the ger and equality, all worthy talking points, but it is never-ending battle for truth and justice, military, the American flag and law enforcement. not them who have hijacked the show. Fans might also disguised as a mild mannered newspaper Ratings from Thursday night’s NFL debut between be interested in additional, widespread problems like reporter, Clark Kent.” Kansas City and Houston was dramatically down from drug abuse, children without dads, and spousal abuse, The last part, from the 50’s, went as just a year ago. It will get worse. While admiring QB but then, the NFL and mirrors aren’t as popular as follows: “It’s Superman, strange visitor Patrick Mahomes and J.J. Watt is easy, on and off the pointing at others. from another planet who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Superman, who can O Holy Night change the course of mighty rivers, bend steel with his bare hands, and who, dis- Columnist’s Note: I have the deep- Homes were battered and billboards splintered. guised as Clark Kent, mild mannered re- est compassion and respect for those Old tobacco barns which had withstood aging, gave porter for a great metropolitan newspa- in Louisiana who survived Hurricane up their battle with time when the relentless, fierce per, fights a never-ending battle for truth, Laura and now must survive the days hurricane came through. that follow. This column was written Only the kudzu stood by, unruffled. justice and the American way.” Susan Lincoln two years ago after Hurricane Michael The damage was deeper than the facades of homes Weekly Muddle A decade later, the 60’s, brought color destroyed so much peace on earth… and buildings; this storm crumbled foundations and to the screen and slight adjustments to right before we were slated to celebrate peace on earth. It blew away the comfortable confidence with which peo- our crime-fighter: “Superman, Man of is my prayer that God will comfort and strengthen you, ple lived. Steel, Superman. Superman, rocketed to my Louisiana friends, and keep you safe. Christmas or When I neared Donalsonville, Ga., the grief became earth as an infant when the distant plan- not, I hope you hear the angels’ voices. overwhelming. et of Krypton exploded, who - disguised Finding a house without a blue tarp was a difficult task. as Clark Kent, a mild mannered reporter I haven’t visited personally Lynn Haven or Mexico On this particular day, it was raining torrents and, for the Daily Planet, fights a never-ending Beach since Hurricane Michael blew through, but the even in dreadful conditions, roofing crews were on top battle for truth, justice and freedom, with husband has, and he equated the images to pictures he of buildings and houses, trying to shore up the devas- super powers far beyond those of ordi- had seen of Hiroshima. tation before more water damage was incurred. “It’s like a bomb went off,” he said. “Pine plantations At a nearby small church, volunteers were labor- nary mortals.” are cut down at the knees—trees snapped in half, 10 ing through the torrents of rain, trying to repair their Well, writers added Batman and Robin, feet in the air. Subdivisions are awaiting debris pick-up congregation’s roof. the Avengers, the Bionic Woman, Spider- and, until that is accomplished, their roads are like tun- Trying to find, again, that firm foundation. man, Transformers, Shaggy and Scooby nels—piles of debris 10 feet high on either side.” Trying to salvage what they, and their predecessors, Doo, among a litany of heroes. Those who Weeks after the disaster, people are still waiting. had worked so hard to build. wear the badge were relieved when Robo- Waiting for power. Credit union signs declared, “Thank you, linemen, Cop was created. Finally a character who Waiting for insurance adjusters. emergency responders, law enforcement, firemen.” adhered to the application of the law. Waiting for deliverance. Other signs noted “Distribution lines” for people Fast forward to President Barack Waiting for normalcy. who don’t enjoy taking handouts. Obama’s administration, when lawmen Having been in the path of a hurricane too many Twisted shelters and shells of buildings brought to often became viewed for their exceptions times, this community offered a collective, yet quiet, mind images of the Middle East, not South Georgia. “thank you” that we were spared and then felt the deep- Distracted and disturbed, I hit a random button on in dealing with transgressors, and main- est sympathy and empathy for those who were not. my radio and “O Holy Night” resounded. stream media switched from objectively Even if the national news cycle has forgotten The It was a beautiful backdrop for the horrible destruc- reporting the news to spinning it in what- Panhandle, we should not. tion I was passing and it reminded me musically that ever form won ratings or liberal political After the husband’s trip west, I had the occasion to the people of Bainbridge and Donalsonville, in Georgia, approval. drive north through Georgia and let me admit: I was and most certainly Lynn Haven, Panama City and Mex- Biased opinions of right and wrong stunned. ico Beach, in Florida, desperately need a holy night. became twisted and institutionalized by Of course we had heard that the hurricane packed Then I thought of the Jewish congregation in Penn- communication lords. They inherently 155 mph winds. sylvania. find fault with those making the arrests, Of course we knew it had advanced into Georgia They need a holy night. their procedures and then sympathize like Sherman once did. The families whose homes were ravaged by fire in with the victim. They have turned the Of course we knew there would be significant prop- California in a place known as Paradise. erty damage. They need a holy night. good police, into the bad, despite num- But seeing it-- really seeing it, brought a new horror. Our neighbors in Tallahassee who saw violence bers that show a much different result in It was nearly Thanksgiving when I found myself on come too close to home… and thus, too close to this the M.O. of the Blue. roads heading northwest. Even in Tallahassee, piles community. The advent of cameras on every street of debris were still roadside awaiting for disposal. They need a holy night. corner make accountability much better But traveling farther north to Bainbridge, Ga., I Forget the socks, the watch and the gift cards. This at enforcing. Better answers, however, took my eyes off the road—too much—as I observed community, this state, this country and this world all are not as easily found and the price for uprooted pecan trees in tangled masses. need find their way to an “O Holy Night” in the worst standing for what’s right brings with Not one downed pecan tree, here and there, but w a y. it high-risk and oftentimes not nearly groves of trees. This Christmas, and surely every Christmas, it is enough compensation. Huge trees. the gift for which we should all hope, work and pray. Ennis is blessed with many who fill Old trees. Trees which represented so many families’ work, O holy night the stars are brightly shining the role by casting a vision for righteous- retirement and college education funds, uprooted by It is the night of our dear Savior's birth ness, though most aren’t seen in uni- the whim of nature. Long lay the world in sin and error pining form. Look for and express thanks to the Road signs, telling speed limits and warning of Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth men and women in civic organizations, railroad crossings or intersections, were flat along A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices who teach or preach, who work in medi- the shoulders… months after a Hurricane Michael For yonder breaks a new glorious morn cine, who are the staff with Judy Hejny blew them on their backs. Trees still leaned in the big Fall on your knees at Helping Hands or DJ Johnson and the wind’s direction and I wonder if they will remain bent O hear the angels' voices crew with the Boys & Girls Clubs. for the rest of their green lives because some tragedies O night divine Interim Police Chief David Anthony, are difficult to forget. O night when Christ was born Lt. Mike Hopson and Lt. Fred Pontley head-up the Police Department, with Chief Jeremy Scruggs and Sgt. Lizzy Letter to the Editor Gentry directing the Ennis ISD Campus on skin color, gender, ethnicity, re- arsonists “peaceful protesters”... Police, the majority of whom are bilin- While we’re removing ligion... - that denies school choice... gual. Fire Chief Jeff Aycock, Fire Mar- Confederate history - that is pro-abortion at any stage - that attacks and demonizes shall Chad Wester and Chief Bill Evans and demands that tax dollars be people of faith for exercising their are in-charge of the EFD. Dear Editor: used to pay for the procedure... faith on marriage and sexuality... The above are not from another planet, If all things Confederate are to - that weaponizes the federal If “all history is instructive, but though they work with men, women and be removed from view, then what government to attack its political not all history is worthy of honor,” a pair of canines who answer the call. On about: opponents… and if all things Confederacy was any given day they exit a phone booth or The political party that was pro- - that creates Sanctuary Cities about the shameful practice of station ready to intervene for those in slavery in the South and the North... for illegal immigrants to the detri- slavery, then all things about the need. To those... - that birthed the Ku Klux Klan... ment of law-abiding American citi- Democrat Party must be put into - that established and defended zens... perspective and context and put the segregationist Jim Crow laws… - that wants to defund the police… into the same historical dustbin. - that put Japanese-American - that wants to repeal the 2nd citizens in interment camps... Amendment... William K. Hull we salute. - that hyphenates people based - that calls looters, rioters, and Ennis, Texas