Roy Exum: Guns Ain’t The Problem

  • Wednesday, November 13, 2019
  • Roy Exum
Roy Exum
Roy Exum

As one who doesn’t get all juiced over every political race in the country, I tend to believe the majority of folks in their home area, be it Kentucky or Virginia for example, know a lot more about not only what happens every day where they live but what they need to fix it than I do. When Barack Obama was elected he wasn’t my pick, but America elected him and therefore he was my president. This last time I picked Trump and, while I wish he had a little more polish and sensitivity, and would throw his Tweeter into the Potomac, he is my nation’s president and as a patriot I stand behind him.

In Kentucky it appears that a Democratic challenger, a liberal type named Andy Beshear, has bettered incumbent Republican Matt Bevin in the Governor’s race. According to a count of all precincts, Beshear won by the hair of his chinny-chin-chin but there is enough smoke in the Commonwealth for Bevin to say “not-so-fast” and now “due process” is underway to determine the truth. I know nothing about either candidate, but when I heard Bevin and his wife – who have five children -- adopted five more from Ethiopia to live in the Governor’s mansion that was a ‘plus’ from me.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t until election day in Kentucky last week that I viewed a tape sent to me by Bevin loyalists, as if I might write something that would matter, and while I was unable to bang the drum in time, I was – and still am – deeply moved by a reaction Governor Bevin made when confronted by an very pleasant and courteous gun control activist that has now gone viral, despite the tape was filmed in late November of 2018. I honestly believe if the Kentucky voters had been able to see this clip there would not be a stalemate in today’s voter count but such is life. Please turn your speakers up and make sure you hear the question as the governor did so you might fully comprehend his reply. Please CLICK HERE.

* * *

I had a most unique experience Monday morning when I opened my door to fetch my newspaper. As I searched for the bold reason, I quickly discerned it was the very first time in my life as a 70-year-old that I have stepped into 20-degree temperatures wearing only a T-shirt, flappy but ever-colorful boxer shorts. and a jigging cup of coffee. I am proud to announce that, yes sir-ree, Mother Nature can still put a tingle in my step.

When I got back in the house and the warmth of my fire renewed its hug, I found this email about “Winter” from a friend …

* * *

AND THEN IT IS WINTER

You know time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.  It seems like yesterday that I was young, just married, and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all those years went.

I know that I lived them all.  I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is... the winter of my life, and it catches me by surprise... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go? I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those "older people" were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like.

But, here it is...my friends are retired and getting grey... they move slower and I see an older person in myself now.  Some are in better and some worse shape than me... but, I see the great change... Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant...but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day!  And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory!  Cause if I don't on my own free will... I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so... now I enter this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!!  But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last... this I know, that when it's over on this earth... it's over.  A new adventure will begin!

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done... things I should have done, but indeed, there are also many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime. So, if you're not in your winter yet... let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think.  So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life, please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!!  Life goes by quickly.  So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life... so, live for today, and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember... and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!

"Life" is a GIFT to you.  The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after.  Make it a fantastic one. Remember:  "It is Health that is real Wealth and not pieces of gold and silver."

* -- Your kids are becoming you... but your grandchildren are perfect!

* -- Going out is good.. coming home is even better!

* -- You forget names... but it's OK, because other people forgot they even knew you!

* -- You realize you're never going to be really good at anything... especially golf.

* -- The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.

* -- You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep."

* -- You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch.

* -- You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"... "when?"... ???

* -- Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.

* -- You notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless?!"

* -- What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

* -- Everybody whispers.

* -- You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet.... 2 of which you will never wear.

* -- But "Old" is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies ... and best of all, our dear ...old friends.!!

Stay well, old friend.

-- Author unknown.

* * *

“The meaning of life. The wasted years of life. The poor choices of life. God answers the mess of life with one word: 'grace.'” -- Max Lucado

royexum@aol.com

Opinion
Democratic View On Top State Senate Issues - March 18, 2024
  • 3/18/2024

Campbell bill seeks to save lives by studying suicide trends in Tennessee 3 p.m. Senate Regular Calendar — SB 1787 , by Sen. Heidi Campbell, would require state health officials to produce ... more

The Odor Of Mendacity - And Response (2)
  • 3/16/2024

The Fulton County judge, Scott McAfee, overseeing the Fani Willis prosecution of Donald Trump and eighteen other defendants has spoken. In response to a motion by defendants to remove Willis ... more

Capitol Report From State Rep. Greg Vital For March 15
  • 3/15/2024

General Assembly confirms new Tennessee State Supreme Justice Members of the General Assembly confirmed the appointment of Mary L. Wagner to the Tennessee Supreme Court in a joint session ... more