Tag Archives: Alexandria Gazette Packet

JOY IN MIAMI…SANCTUARIES, NOT REALLY

 

 ENTERING THE SHADES OF HADES

By Harry M. Covert

hey were rejoicing and exceedingly glad. Reverie in Miami and throughout Cuban communities, even here in Frederick, was ecstatic. What brought about the excitement and enthusiasm along with tears of joy? A rather easy answer. Death finally greeted Fidel Castro, the American hater.

The generalissimo despised everybody and was a thorn in the side of free societies. He killed or jailed opponents. At age 90 he entered the shades of Hades. There’s no sense beating around the bush, he ranks down there with the likes of other world-class murderers. I know he pushed the U.S.… Read More

THE DOLLAR A YEAR MAN

Example for all Public Servants? The Answer is . . .

By Harry M. Covert

nce we recover from those wonderful dinners, it’s an exciting time to decorate for the Christmas holidays, indoor and outdoor lights, beautiful ornaments on the trees, and then the shopping thrills and bills for the season.While the season is unveiling all sorts of fun-filled activities, maybe all of the political conversations can slow down.

Several things come to light these days to warrant interesting talk during wassailing, standing under mistletoes, Christmas caroling and, most importantly, for traditionalists praying for a white Christmas. The almanac, Google, and the National Weather Service are being ignored for the purpose of this writing.… Read More

THE FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY-NINE?

Jefferson’s Enduring Creation

By Richard B. Weldon Jr.

ake a trip to Monticello, the home and final resting place of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States of America. Really, if you haven’t already, take the trip!

The cultural, historical, architectural and agricultural lessons to be learned are equal parts inspiring and humbling. That it all sprang from the mind and heart of one man may be the most impressive aspect of the visit.

A must-see is his final resting place. This man-of-enumerable talents, this true renaissance figure, lies beneath a tomb inscribed with the following epitaph:

“Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and father of the University of Virginia.”

No mention of his two terms as president, his governorship, time in the Virginia House of Burgesses or his experiences abroad as Secretary of State or trade minister.… Read More

KEEPING THE POTS BOILING

No matter how many high schoolers or collegians moan and groan, Inauguration Day 2017 will arrive with the usual pomp and circumstance and Hail to the Chief.

No Reason to Shiver and Shake

By Harry M. Covert

ow that transition of the government is undergoing such love and friendliness, who can barely wait for the new political style to arrive?

In all the nooks and crannies and communities big and small, anticipation is everywhere in hearts and minds of the next group of campaigners.

Who’s going to use the next slogan, “make our town and county great again? Of course, it’s coming in various forms.… Read More

AND THE WINNER IS?

‘Be silent, wretch, and think not here allow’d

That worst of tyrants, an usurping crowd’

—The Illiad

By LADSON F. MILLS III

ears of conditioning by a politically correct power elite is taking its toll. As the author Gore Vidal observed, ‘as societies grow decadent the language grows decadent, too. Words are used to disguise not to illumine… Words, are used to confuse, so that at election time people will solemnly vote against their own best interest.’

If our nation was less reactive and more reflective we might see that values now replace ideology as political identify. It would be morning in America, instead of mourning for America.… Read More

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

 President Consort or SOPOUS

By Harry M. Covert

e need a break from all of the impertinences us good people have been enduring. Do I have to explain them? Of course not.

I thought it might be fun on this day for a soupçon of a cute story. There can be some pleasant anecdotes even though some smirks and raised eyebrows can be forth coming.

It does seem that lots of people want to continue a mode of electing the first person of race and gender.

The firsts! Actually, as has been talked and written about ad nauseum, so many voters would gladly have given William Jefferson Clinton a third term.… Read More

WEEKEND FOR HEROES

 

Remembering the Brave

Veterans’ Issues Must Be Solved Quickly

By Harry M. Covert

he coming weekend will be bright and fair, perfect for the fun and sun beach enthusiasts and those enjoying backyard grilling or other restful pursuits.

Purpose of the time off is the nationwide honoring of those who serve and have served in the military of all time. I received my draft card classified as 1-A, which meant I was available to learn the intricacies of service. Somehow, the draft board forgot my name. I’ve been able to serve vicariously through the efforts of family members and friends and neighbors who were called upon in World War I, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada and other peace producing endeavors.… Read More

TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA? Read it, Don’t Say It

Explaining Number 13

By Harry M. Covert

can’t resist it. Friday past marked Triskaidekaphobia. No, this is not when the populace is incessantly scratching, or itching, or running for the hills, or fearing things like ghosts, or scurrying from black cats and ladders or debating the mark of the beast.

Without question, many good people live with all kinds of personal fears and demons, trying to avoid full moons and political cajoling and swindling. The last two words are borrowed from author-editor extraordinaire Marion Elizabeth Rodgers. She knows more about H. L. Mencken than anybody.

This thing of Triskaidekaphobia is truly fun to consider as we enjoy another day above ground.… Read More

Mr. SWEETBOTTOM, The LOO, WHAT IF’s

Driving around Windsor Castle With O

Advice from Across the Way

By Harry M. Covert

n these days of fast changing lifestyles, it is always pleasant to receive

notes from readers. Usually when readers disagree with viewpoints, they are civil.

Some prevailing thought has it that nasty and unkind retorts are better and more palpable.

Well, as has been proven of late, opinionators find it easy and acceptable in these days to tag people with whom they disagree as bigots, racists, and fear-mongers.

I’m not sure how much worse the dividing public discourse will become, but the battle is on for who can be uglier, meaner and downright foolish.… Read More

THE REVAMPED POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

The Biggest Loser in Trump’s Landslide? An Easy Guess

No. 46 (?) and the Trickle Down Theory

 By Harry M. Covert

he day is going to arrive soon when all of the “Republican establishment aficionados” stop running to their cubbyholes or dens and begin their lives as “posterior osculators.”

I realize the above may sound somewhat cynical and a bit on the ugly side, but it’s really difficult keeping a straight face amid the current national political proceedings. Proof is everywhere, pledges among the would-be nominees don’t mean anything. They took the pledge with cross-fingers and other prevarications.

The professional world of punditry, elitism and general guess work in broadcast and printed media does not have any penalty, of course.… Read More

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