THE IDLE AMERICAN
Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury

I’ve never claimed to have the gift of prophecy, nor do I now. 

Yet, it seems beyond coincidence that two of my past three columns have centered on bears, and now–lo and behold–bears are back in the news, particularly in Japan, where they are attacking people. To the few readers who may think me to be clairvoyant, don’t let me stop you from elevating me to prophet status. If there’s just one such reader, I am flattered. 

In the early days of TV, actor/wrestler Gorgeous George–with shiny locks of hair draping down to his waist–was a “so-so” wrestler, but what a showman! Once he claimed that he never considered himself to be the world’s greatest wrestler, the planet’s most intelligent human being or the most handsome man ever. Then he added, “But what’s my opinion against millions of others?”

It may  require a prophet with advanced degrees to untangle worldwide messes of discord that are expanding daily, so let’s limit observations to goings-on in Dallas, Texas. 

Even as I type, please consider just two of the multiple issues boiling in Big D cauldrons. Dallas leaders can’t decide whether to repair City Hall, demolish the building and rebuild on site, or construct a new building at some other location. 

And, two of its three professional sports teams are squabbling about policies of their shared “home,” American Airlines Center.

Let’s start with City Hall, recognizing the idiom that claims “we, the people” can’t fight. Watch out, when big-time players start screaming, fights seem sure to follow, with one group claiming that current City Hall grounds would be a peachy place for a gambling playground. 

The late Chinese-American architect, I. M. Pei, is lauded for designing what was considered a world-class structure at the time, “oohed and ahhed” as an architectural masterpiece around the globe. Now, 48 years later, it’s in sad repair, with hundreds of millions of dollars needed if it is to be brought up to speed. 

Perhaps it shouldn’t be mentioned, but structures in Europe have been constructed for the ages, and in the US, quite the opposite is true. Recently, Rome’s Torredei Maggiore fortified tower–once almost 200 feet tall–partially collapsed. It was commissioned by Pope Paul III and begun in 1238. It withstood earthquakes and other misfortunes, reducing its height by about a half. During much of its history, it housed City Hall offices, finally closing in 2006. The European Union came up with some $8,000,000 for transformation of remains into a museum, but the October partial collapse could alter plans.

Now, let  us briefly peek in at American Airlines Center, where Dallas Mavericks’ and Dallas Stars’ brass are baring fangs, each filing suits and counter-suits. There must be much chop-licking by attorneys such as Thomas J. Henry, whose ads about “the name we know and the firm we trust,” dominate TV. 

Their warring is simply beyond the understanding of most of us. 

I’m reminded of the little old lady who was mentally disheveled at the prospect of voting on whether to legalize horse racing and dog racing. She thought this to be the height of stupidity, claiming simply that “the horses will win every time–their legs are longer.”

Oh, that  issues looming today could be settled without voices raised, fists pounded and lawsuits filed. 

Admittedly, there is always the danger of over-simplification. 

My brother, Dr. Fred Newbury–the scholar of our family who has taught every year at Dallas’ Richland Campus of the 21 ^st century and the final 27 years of the 20^th century–made an observation about the current state of the Dallas Cowboys. “At least the Cowboys have become consistent,” he said. “They’re as bad on offense as they are on defense.”

Dr . Newbury, a speaker in the Metroplex, may be reached at 817-447-3872; email: newbury@speakerdoc.com. Audio version at www.speakerdoc.com. (PS: In my column last week lauding the play, Something Greater , I said info concerning YouTube acces would be provided in this column. Here ‘tis: Go to YouTube website, search FUMCPlano, then Something Greater  Musical.)