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Butch Furse
Now that COVID-19 seems to be under control, we’re beginning to wonder what national “news” will take its place on the TV screens and in the daily newspapers. The answers came quickly.
Just as we started to feel a bit of optimism we were bombed with pessimistic reports that dimmed much of that optimism that we had hoped was returning. Current “news” reports tout statistics about the rising cost of housing and lumber. We’ve been warned summer essentials are going to be in short supply. Food prices are rising by more than 3 percent. New and used car prices are up because a shortage of microchips has slowed production on new cars and consequently increased consumer demand for lease and older model cars now attributes to higher prices too.
Chlorine has taken the place of the once “toilet paper shortage” with a prediction of chlorine to be in short supply for your swimming pool.
If all this isn’t bad enough, just as we hold to the high hopes that the rebound of a normal economy is returning with reports of 100 percent occupancy in restaurants, sporting event attendance and capacity crowds at other public activities, reports come out with a caution that inflation could be on the way.
Personally we’ve come up with a solution that gives us a break from all this negativism. We’re talking to and listening to the young children. Chatting with those little kids in particular, gives us a shot of optimism when they tell of their summer activities and future hopes.
As an alternative we also get some encouragement from our own two dogs and those at the animal shelter who are just glad to see you for our petting, walking and of course, feeding.
We’re not a rabid optimist. Optimism is not necessarily our strongest point and we sometimes need some reminders. We try to follow one of my favorites that says, ‘The pleasantest things in the world are pleasant thoughts and the greatest art in life is to have as many of them as possible. It should be made a habit to remember that ‘an arrow may fly through the air and leave no trace; but an ill thought leaves a trail like a serpent.’”
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A preacher asked a little boy, “Do you say your prayers at night?”
“Yes sir, answered the lad.
Preacher: “And do you always say them in the morning, too?’
Boy: No sir. I ain’t scared in the daytime.”
RL Furse is publisher emeritus of the News-Register
