Beachcombing

Yesterday I mused over things to be thankful for; most had to do with things I’m grateful that I do not have. For example,

BAD PARENTING – I’m grateful that my name is not LaVar Ball, the loudmouth father of LiAngelo Ball who – with two other UCLA basketball teammates – shoplifted designer sunglasses while in China. President Trump should have left the ungrateful LaVar in China to serve out his son’s deserved jail time. When my basketball coach son, Jeff, went to China a few years ago with his varsity basketball team at Sage Hill High School, they played their best, did not steal anything and had a good time behaving like guests of the Chinese government.

SEXUAL PREDATOR – Harvey Weinstein, Charlie Rose, Kevin Spacey, Al Franken, et al. are getting their just rewards for poor judgment and illegal conduct. It seems the higher some people rise in power the more they think their penis should be shared with unwilling victims. Credit the internet for making these incidents public inasmuch as these same sexual improprieties have been around for centuries, but kept quiet for fear of retribution or embarrassment.

TRUMP SPOKESPERSON – This is one job I would not have for all the tea in China. Imagine having to follow President Trump with apologies or alternate versions of what he actually said. The net result is that Trump has filled the news cycle daily since his election – for better or worse. The good news is that he is fulfilling his campaign promises as well as providing a jolt to the economy. I’m grateful for having a job on the west coast that is part-time, allowing time for grandchildren and other business pursuits.

POLITICIAN – Another example of an occupation that puts your entire family in a fish bowl. With each bad decision your disapproval rating increases on the negative side. Jeannine Pearce comes to mind here, along with a few poor performers within the LBPD. I’m grateful that our small newspaper can expose the dark side of local government and institutions as well as those persons who need to be praised, promoted, demoted, fired or put behind bars. The apropos plaque in my office reads: “Judge, Jury, Executioner.”

Other than that, life is good … health-wise, family-wise and other-wise.

It’s that time of year to remind readers of showing some gratitude toward your Beachcomber carrier – especially if they are doing a good job. Send your holiday greetings to: Beachcomber Carrier, P.O. Box 15679, Long Beach, CA 90815-0679. We’ll cross-reference your address with the carrier that serves your area and pass along your greetings and/or gratuity.

Kids in Church … as reported to us by special correspondent Mari.

• 3-year-old Reese: Our Father, Who does art in heaven. Harold is his name. Amen.’
• A little boy was overheard praying: “Lord, if you can’t make me a better boy; don’t worry about it. I’m having a real good time like I am.”
• After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, “That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home and I wanted to stay with you guys.”
• One particular four-year-old prayed, “And forgive us our trash baskets As we forgive those who put trash in our baskets.”
• A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they were on the way to church service,”Why is it necessary to be quiet in church?” One bright little girl replied, “Because people are sleeping.”

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