Story originally printed in the Vernon Broadcaster or online at www.vernonbroadcaster.com
Published - Friday, May 16, 2008
Outsider: McCain-Obama would make for some fun debates
I had the opportunity to bore the Viroqua Rotary Club with an address last Friday.
You know, if I had a recording of that I think it would sound so self-serving. You get up to talk to a group and give them an idea of what’s up at the Broadcaster. Before you know it you’re talking about web traffic, circulation gains, awards... blah, blah, blah.
Then, later during the question and answer, I started a political conversation and dropped my usual bombshell about how I don’t think it matters if there’s a Republican or Democrat in power. That always gets some people’s blood to boil.
All-in-all I was glad I got to spend time with the Rotary and remind them of what an important institution they are in the community. I also think I shared enough gobbledy-gook with them that it will be another four years before they have me back as a speaker.
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My condolences to the Hase family on the passing of Ted this past weekend.
Ted and I worked together on a couple of committees for the Viroqua Eagles Club. He was involved in many things. Even through his illness, he managed to attend every meeting the Eagles had with the city of Viroqua as the Eagles worked to purchase additional land at the old pool site.
Ted leaves big shoes to fill at the club. He always had something fun to say at the right time. He worked hard for the club but always made it seem like fun. He will be missed.
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I guess you don’t have to leave town to see deer anymore.
How a trio of white-tails ever worked their way downtown on Sunday is a bit of a mystery. They must have come close to town and then got spooked and fled further into town.
I realize it happens occasionally with a single deer. That deer might be ill or confused and scared beyond belief. To get three of them together so far into town is just goofy.
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When it comes to weather, this spring has been ridiculously unpleasant.
I went mushroom hunting last week and had to walk through mud and muck. It didn’t take me long to understand I wouldn’t be finding any.
My mushroom hunting grounds don’t include any south-facing hillsides, which I bet were primed up about Thursday or Friday.
It was nice to read Greg Koelker’s column and hear Ellen had found some success. Without a day in the next five reaching into the 70s — so the weatherman says — I think this year’s mushroom season is going to pass me by.
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I’ve got no problem with Hillary Clinton staying in the presidential race. I think its more interesting.
I don’t know who I’m going to vote for in November yet. I like John McCain and Barack Obama. I don’t think either of them are bad. I guess it all comes down to who they choose as running mates and how the election shapes up.
There’s bound to be some bombshells in the coming campaign. I would enjoy watching a debate between McCain and Obama.
On Tuesday, May 6, I watched the election coverage on CNN. I thought they had a great map. It was also fun watching the TV pundits sputter while they waited for Lake County, Ind., results to come in. Having covered local elections for way too long, I can say they know nothing of rural election workers hand counting ballots at 3 a.m. Try covering that election on deadline Britt Hume... It’ll make you think twice before whining, “Gee, It’s midnight, I’m sleepy.”
By the way, Hillary’s win in Indiana was delivered by cross-over Republican voters. Who says you can’t throw a wrench in the political works. And to anybody who complains about that? Learn to deal...
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Don’t think the year’s going fast? It’s Syttende Mai weekend! Uff da.
I hope the weather cooperates for Westby’s Norwegian faithful as they celebrate what I consider to be the first true outdoor celebration of the “summer.”
I go to Syttende Mai each year. The parade is always fun to watch and there’s always plenty to look at and a lot of good food. I’ll be back on Main Street in Westby come Sunday.
You can email Matt Johnson at matt.johnson@lee.net
All stories copyright 2006 Vernon Broadcaster and other attributed sources.