A Winters Express opinion column
By Charles R. Wallace
Publisher Emeritus
The year 2022 is in the rearview mirror, and I’m trying not to look back. Life is almost back to normal with people traveling and going out to eat. I see people shaking hands, again, which isn’t a good thing as far as spreading disease goes. Did you notice that when people stopped shaking hands, the flu season didn’t happen? Well, with handshaking making a comeback, so are the flu, COVID-19 and something called RSV, which affects small children. Lately, I’m more worried about catching the flu than COVID.
For those of you still venturing out in public, the Winters Museum will be hosting a Friday the 13th fundraiser next week. The party starts at 5 p.m. and ends around 7 p.m. at 13 Russell St. It will be a good opportunity to see the new Wild World of Winters Sports display featuring local athletes and see old and new friends.
We ended our year with a quick trip to Boise, to see the cutest six-year-old around. I think of myself as being a little hyper, but I can’t hold a candle to Lukas who has as much energy as our puppy, Willy. I would like to see the world through the eyes of a child where everything is fresh and every day brings new adventures.
There is an advantage to flying Alaska Airlines. Not only is there a direct flight from Sacramento to Boise, but their planes actually take off and land. Two days after Christmas, we had an early flight out of Sacramento and got there in plenty of time. There were only a few people in the airport, we were the only two on the shuttle.
What was surprising was all of the luggage at the Southwest terminal. I’m talking hundreds of suitcases, maybe thousands. I’ll put in a plug for Apple Air Tags, which keep track of your bags. Last year, Delta lost my luggage, but at least I knew where it was, Denver. Delta delivered it to our house later that evening. I would like to see a report on how many Southwest bags find their way home, and how long will it take. There were fewer bags on display when we landed back in town on Friday, but there was still a lot of unclaimed luggage just sitting there.
I get in trouble when I talk politics, but I can’t help but comment on the Republican congressman elect from Long Island. George Santos said that he “embellished” his resume to get elected. The fact that he lied about his education, work experience, religion and finances doesn’t seem to bother him. “Everyone does it,” came out of his mouth. The old joke about when a politician is lying; his lips are moving, isn’t funny in this case.
He won’t resign and Republican leaders won’t comment on his lies. Can you imagine what the Republican leadership would be saying if he were a Democrat? I don’t think they would be hiding behind their office doors.
The people of Long Island and Queens were duped and should be demanding a new election. You shouldn’t be able to lie on ballot material and get away with it. What might be his downfall is the $700,000 he reported lent his campaign. He has no reportable income, so where did the money come from, or did he lie about that, too?
I’m hoping there are enough honest congressmen to step up and throw out the bum, but I won’t hold my breath.
Like I said, 2023 is off to a great start.
Have a good year.
