TERRE HAUTE —
According to the Mayan prophecy, somewhat misinterpreted, the world did not end on Dec. 21. We can blame this on the Spanish priests, who in a fit, burned the Mayan books called “codices.” The Jesuits, who had accompanied the Conquistadors, wanted to keep the long history of the Maya by studying these ancient writings, but they were ordered back to Europe by the pope. And they were replaced by the brown-robed Franciscans. Not as smart nor as educated as the Jesuits, their bishop, Diego de Landa, burned the codices that had many hundreds of years of history and knowledge of astronomy the Maya had put into the books. So, it looks as if we’ll be here at least for a while longer.
My wife’s Christmas cactus, which has been blooming since shortly before Thanksgiving, is still doing so. I say the pink flowers cascading down are looking lovely, but she says the color of them is fuchsia. Anyway, it’s a nice thing to see at the end of the year.
The cats and the Christmas tree got along quite well. No major eruptions anywhere. They got catnip in their stockings from Santa.
By the time you read this, we may be well over the “cliff,” the financial cliff. The Republican leader of the House of Representatives, John Boehner, got his political head handed to him when his party defeated his Plan B financial bill. The 70-odd tea party members have no intention of doing anything to help the country. They want to tear it down and hand it to someone who will be strong and take away the freedoms we enjoy. If that sounds like a desperate Germany in the early 1930s, that’s exactly what I’m implying.
I received an email the other day, which I was late getting to read. Some people get up and run to their computers the first thing in the morning. I do not. So, I was late responding to Congressman Bucshon’s email. It was his communications’ people wanting my phone number so the congressman could call me to discuss a recent article I had written. But days have gone by and I have not heard from Congressman Bucshon. I would hope he is very busy trying to save the country from going over the “cliff” and not too worried about a writer of opinion in the Tribune-Star.
2012 has been better for me than 2011. And I hope 2013 will be even better than 2012. And that’s my New Year’s wish for you … I hope 2013 will be what you would like it to be. So, Happy New Year! May you enjoy many good things during the coming 12 months.
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: Tying up a few loose ends
- Opinion
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EDITORIAL: A timely call-out of NSA critics
As if it couldn’t get worse, politicians in Washington have again tied themselves in knots.
Yes, we know. What else is new? -
READERS' FORUM: June 19, 2013
• Nutrition info falling short
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RONN MOTT: Why Syria?
Russia is making a lot of noise in favor of Syria. They are supplying Assad’s army with more armaments and basic things such as ammunition and such.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Another beloved dog goes to heaven
We are short one granddog. This past week, “Indy” could no longer use her back legs and she went to that great dog kennel in the hereafter.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 18, 2013
• Beware those who follow Ayn Rand
• Poor excuse for gas price hikes
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MAX JONES: For loyal readers, a bit of news from the T-S newsroom
As journalists toiling to create a content-rich, relevant and compelling community newspaper each day, we feel a special bond with our legions of readers across the Wabash Valley and beyond.
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GUEST COLUMN: One Million Bones exhibit meant to raise awareness, inspire action to end genocide
The National Mall: A grassy corridor in Washington, D.C., lined with America’s greatest museums and monuments.
Ending at the U.S. Capitol building, it is a symbol of our belief in the power and greatness of America. Last weekend, we turned it into a mass grave.
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EDITORIAL: Insisting on ISTEP quality lawmakers’ primary duty
Now that everyone, on both sides of the aisle, seems backslappingly happy to agree that this spring’s ISTEP school testing debacle was unacceptable, that at least some of the results lack credibility and that the issue carries high-stakes significance, what next?
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The Obama Debate: Is he a liar or incompetent?
I read the letters on the opinion page daily and I find an unusual silence from your liberal progressive contributors lately. Could it be because they don’t have anything to expound upon? Well, maybe I can give them some material.
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A Fathers Day Tribute: Transition — from child to father
Transition seems like a big word to use as his story unfolds. Transition was probably never used in conjunction with speech, his speech, but it demonstrates his life, as it does in many lives lived in his generation.
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READERS' FORUM: June 16, 2013
Horrible crime cries out for stern justice
Confused about groups’ merger
Global warming fraud exposed
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The Obama Debate: President has served us well
I have not heard a positive thing by those in this area about this president since his 2008 election and 2009 inauguration. Why this manifestation, I just can’t understand.
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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
America needs another hero
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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
Mott statements contradict history
Display the flag
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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
Bad odor from gas prices
Build personal library
Morning after? No worries
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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
Never underestimate the value of a good plan to deal with a crisis, large or small, even if the final analysis of the management of a specific crisis is, “It could have been worse.”
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READERS' FORUM: June 12, 2013
Like it or not, change coming
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RONN MOTT: What’s happening?
I know I may have looked at these situations differently when I was in my twenties. The world, my life, my career, and the growth of my family all lay ahead of me. So perhaps now, many years later, I see it differently.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 11, 2013
• Great support for local cause
• Another idea on housing issue
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LIZ CIANCONE: Withdrawn society not very social any more
My Best Friend and I went out for lunch the other day. It was a sit-down place with our own “server” (in my day I was called “a waitress”) and everything offering personal attention. The manager even came over to ask if everything was all right.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 10, 2013
• What is the cost of our austerity?
• Vintage campers to gather at rally
• Seek a healthy food alternative
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EDITORIAL: It’s time to assess ISTEP
Later this month, the company behind this spring’s abysmal online administration of ISTEP testing for 27,000 Hoosier schoolchildren is being called to the principal’s office.
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Readers’ Forum: June 9, 2013
• Taking time to help the world
• Reform by politics will not improve education
• Questions from a wondering mind
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FLASHPOINT: Storm chasers must heed warnings, remember why we chase storms
The tragic death of noted weather researcher and former Discovery Channel storm chaser Tim Samaras has shaken all of us in the meteorological community.
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Will you be happy if you win the lottery?
A Psychology Today article titled “What Will You Do if You Win the $550 Million Powerball Lottery?” caught my attention. Helping lottery winners with their money is my long-time gig.
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RONN MOTT: The ‘wilds’ of Collett Park
- More Opinion Headlines
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EDITORIAL: A timely call-out of NSA critics
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Tiger on Sergio: 'It's Time to Move On'
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8
Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Raw: NASCAR Driver Jason Leffler Dies in Wreck
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Obama: 'Lives Have Been Saved' by NSA Programs
Failed Cuba-to-Florida Swimmer Won't Try Again
Robot Action Connected to Human Thought
Rain Damages Brazil Soccer Stadium
Today in History June 19
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Paula Deen Admits to Using N Word
Rihanna Hits Fan With Microphone
Men's Wearhouse Founder Fired
Miss Utah Explains Rambling Response
Exclusive: Locklear & Seymour Lock Lips
Miami Heat Wins in Overtime
Fists, chairs fly in restaurant brawl
Journalist Michael Hastings Dies in Fiery Hollywood Crash
Hairy Leg Stockings Aim to Deflect Male Attention
Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
Three Charged for Enslaving Mother and Daughter
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach
Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
