TERRE HAUTE —
I've been watching a lot of major league baseball this year. I've noticed many of the players have fuzzy chins. Not full grown beards, or even a “Van Dyke,” just fuzz right there on the point of the chin or under it. And I think, “why bother?” I just don't get it. This whole thing of hair or no hair began with the Romans. They abhorred beards. You can understand why … most of their enemies wore beards. Roman Legionnaires did not want to give the enemy a hand-hold on their faces, so they were clean shaven. As for the rest of the Romans, they were very vain. They normally did what their leadership did. Most emperors of Rome were clean shaven. As a matter of fact, I believe it was Hadrian (1st Century AD) who was the first Roman emperor to have a full beard.
The Romans took pride in cleanliness. They had baths scattered throughout Rome. Some were very, very large and utilized millions of gallons of water. And at the baths there were barbershops. In addition, there were barbershops in every neighborhood in Rome, so it was easy for them to be clean shaven.
Our founding fathers were clean shaven. So was George III, the King they tried to get rid of and, mostly, our presidents have been clean shaven ever since.
And I'm sorry to say the fuzzy chins have not made the baseball players any better than the guys who have their naked faces hanging out there in the sun.
As for me, I think I'll stick with my razor. Maybe buy some stock in Gillette. Besides, my once brown beard has turned to glowing white. Nobody needs a white beard except Santa.
Ronn Mott, a longtime radio personality in Terre Haute, writes commentaries for the Tribune-Star. His pieces are published online Tuesday and Thursday on Tribstar.com, and in the print and online editions on Saturday.
Opinion
RONN MOTT: Hairless Wonders
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EDITORIAL: Insisting on ISTEP quality lawmakers’ primary duty
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The Obama Debate: Is he a liar or incompetent?
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READERS' FORUM: June 16, 2013
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The Obama Debate: President has served us well
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RONN MOTT: Not hurried a bit by 21st century tech
Unlike so many of you, I do not get up in the morning and run to turn on my computer. In fact, if you need to reach me in a hurry, I would say that 19th century invention of Alexander Bell’s would be the best way. If you do email me or use some other electronic convenience, better give it a couple of days because I am not in that big of a hurry.
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READERS' FORUM: June 15, 2013
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EDITORIAL: And now we wait for justice
It is a word we would rather never have on our front page — homicide. That we had to use it twice on Wednesday’s front page is sad, but unavoidable.
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READERS' FORUM: June 14, 2013
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RONN MOTT: Kill the Umpire!
I don’t know who appointed Major League Baseball’s umpires “Gods,” but if they have been appointed “Gods,” they have appointed people who cannot see or think very well.
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READERS' FORUM: June 13, 2013
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EDITORIAL: Remembering Sister Jeanne
Terre Haute is mourning the loss this week of an accomplished and beloved community activist and leader whose life’s work is an inspiration to all who strive to serve.
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EDITORIAL: Embrace the value of traffic planning
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READERS' FORUM: June 12, 2013
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RONN MOTT: What’s happening?
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READERS’ FORUM: June 11, 2013
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READERS’ FORUM: June 10, 2013
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EDITORIAL: It’s time to assess ISTEP
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Readers’ Forum: June 9, 2013
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FLASHPOINT: Storm chasers must heed warnings, remember why we chase storms
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Will you be happy if you win the lottery?
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