Taking a look at the good, the bad and the ugly Posted: Friday, May 17, 2013 8:00 pm
By: By Kevin Bowden Finally.
Let’s make it the word of the month.
I tried really hard to come up with a light-hearted and humorous column intended to elicit a chuckle or two.
No such luck.
I’m still looking for the humorous setting on my computer keyboard. I haven’t found it yet, but I’m still looking.
I guess I’m doomed to writing with a cynical attitude and using the soap box font for my column.
It’s so easy considering the current state of affairs. And I’ll begin with my reaction to Chris Menees’ article Monday about fallen Navy SEAL Aaron Vaughn.
My blood was already boiling from having read the article, but then I had to go online and watch the video of the ramp ceremony at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. It’s absolutely obscene that a Muslim imam was allowed to pray curses over our fallen troops. You’ll have to read the article in Monday’s edition and go to the website www.forourson.us to see what I’m talking about.
I’ve already contacted Congressman Stephen Fincher to express my opinion that this atrocity that dishonored Mr. Vaughn and our country’s military is unacceptable. If any movement is worthy of going viral, I hope this one does.
I hope someday soon I’ll be able to say “Finally” when it comes to needed changes in the way the federal government treats our military. I wish Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf was still around. I can’t imagine him tolerating the government’s inexcusable behavior.
In contrast, it was really wonderful to see the top section of One World Trade Center finally hoisted into place. A true bright spot in a world filled with chaos.
It was really a sight to behold, considering the craziness we’re experiencing of late in this country, from the Boston bombing to the Cleveland kidnappings.
Now let’s take my word of the month and apply it to some local happenings.
Finally, the railroad crossings are being fixed along Reelfoot Avenue.
Finally, the city is doing something about the county’s biggest eyesore — the Reelfoot Packing building.
Finally, the city has launched its own website.
It’s about time for all three of these projects.
On a more positive note, I’m glad to report the Obion County Farmers Market is finally open behind the Obion County Chamber of Commerce building on East Church Street. It’s still a little early for some of the more popular items to be available, but I’m excited the market is open for business. Brian Weber’s goat cheese is delicious and I can hardly wait for the tomatoes to come in.
I’m also pleased to report that the Airport Expo I’ve been really looking forward to is finally here. Everett-Stewart Regional Airport will be the place to be Saturday with a business expo planned, children’s activities, aviation exhibits and so much more.
“Finally open” is a phrase I’m looking forward to applying to the opening of the Discovery Park of America. I guess we’ll have to wait for fall to finally arrive to celebrate that milestone.
Meanwhile, we can celebrate the arrival of summer in Obion County.
Even though I’m not a big fan of the heat and humidity that come with summer in the South, I am glad summer is finally here. It’s a season filled with opportunities to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. There are so many events coming up in the coming weeks, not to mention it’s vacation season.
I’ve got my sights set on a trip to Chesapeake Bay and a kayaking/camping trip with an old friend.
Here’s to hoping you have a good summer, and hopefully I’ll have a more humorous column next month.
Staff reporter Kevin Bowden may be contacted by email at kmbowden @ucmessenger.com. Published in The Messenger 5.17.13 , | 
