Ramblings from the Byrd Nest for June 22, 2011

Okay, I've got a few things to say about what's been going on lately. Since I know everyone's dying to hear my take on things, here goes.

First of all, this Casey Anthony televised trial is taking a terrible tragedy and resorting it to a social circus. News commentators and so-called experts are having a field day reporting their views. Fights breaking out in line where people are waiting for tickets? Are we as a people so hard up for entertainment that we're willing to cause these people more anguish than losing a child? Maybe the unrealistic "reality" TV shows everyone watches is screwing up their perspective on real life. If people are so desperate to sit in a gallery and watch forensic evidence being offered, they should visit their own local courthouse. Not many cities out there that don't offer a juicy murder trial everyday.

Second is the absolute adolescent behavior of politicians sending offensive photographs of themselves to women. Granted, I'm assuming it's mostly men since I haven't heard of Hillary or any woman up there having this problem. How childish can you get? And just like a kid, once caught, they don't even have the gumption to admit it. Next thing you know, these respected legislators will be hiding behind Mama's skirt. The most disturbing part of the whole thing is that these are the people making the financial decisions in this country. How confident can we be in ever achieving a balanced budget? I say if these people can't be trusted with their technology toys, take them away from them. After all, we're probably paying for them anyway.

Next is the weather. So far this spring, if you can call it that, there have been vicious tornadoes, massive flooding, fires burning up the southwest and a killer heat wave. Where's the telethon for these people? Why is it we can raise millions of dollars for people around the world and allow the people in this country to wait on FEMA to help? Hey, you celebrities, how about singing a few songs for some Tuscaloosa, Joplin or Memphis folks?

Why is it that the FBI and law agencies in this country can look for that man at the top of the Most Wanted List for 10 years and not find him, yet he can be on TV for two minutes and someone turns him in? It seems odd to me that someone like this can use fake identities and get everything he needs, while I had to prove to the school every year that my kid was born and lived here. Obviously, people like him have better connections.

Finally, remember Beebe, Arkansas where the blackbirds fell out of the sky and died a year or so ago? Scientists gave their expert opinions that they may have been traumatized by fireworks. The Mayor of Beebe said this week the blackbirds had better take to the hills for the 4th of July because the town was planning its biggest and best fireworks show ever. He did recommend, though, that people might want to bring a golf umbrella just in case.