Student Uprisings and Political Show Horses
I had the pleasure of meeting some new listeners this past weekend in Burnet, Texas, while judging the State High School Barbecue Championship. Let me tell you, there’s no better assignment than eating your way through a bunch of pork chops and barbecue sausage from some fine young Texans. One gentleman even mentioned that he’d vote for me if I ran for governor. Now, let's not get carried away—that's not in the cards. But I do appreciate the sentiment.
Now, onto today's saying: "Never cut a dog's tail off an inch at a time." If you're gonna do it, whack it off clean and get it over with. This old adage rings true in so many ways, whether you're pulling off a band-aid or dealing with more significant issues. It makes me think about all the tumult in our schools these days. Take Northwestern University, for example—settling for eight out of ten demands put forth by students. It’s like they're cutting that dog's tail off an inch at a time, and those students will be back for more before you know it.
What’s astonishing is how some of these demands involve sitting in on discussions about investments in companies that make weapons potentially used by Israelis. These funds are aimed at generating higher returns to offer more scholarships, so less money would mean fewer scholarships. It's a bit like shooting yourself in the foot to make a point, only to reload and shoot again.
And then there's the unrest at other institutions like Brown University, University of Washington, and Evergreen College in Olympia. It’s like they’re bending over backward to pacify a small but loud group of students. You just have to wonder where all the responsible administrators have gone. Thank goodness for folks like Jay Hartzell at UT, who, despite criticism, managed to hold his ground.
I read a Texas Tribune article recently that reported on a female student who was allegedly dragged by her hair during protests. She’s concerned she won’t graduate now, after four years of hard work. Well, welcome to the real world, young lady. Actions have consequences. It reminds me of Kent State in 1970—no one anticipated that demonstration would end in tragedy, yet four people died and nine were severely injured. The lesson? Stick to the rules, and maybe avoid situations where things can go drastically wrong.
Are we seeing these protests tip from being anti-Israel to anti-America? Absolutely. It’s all intertwined with climate change and every left-wing idea under the sun. The protests often turn into platforms for broader discontent. Meanwhile, where were these demonstrators when Hamas first invaded Israel on October 7, murdering civilians and committing atrocities? Not a single protest against those heinous acts. It seems mighty inconsistent to me.
The criminal antics don’t stop at protests either. Take the lawyer in Little Rock who tried to rob an armored car and ended up getting shot. His getaway vehicle? A bicycle, no less. Some things just beg to be classified under stupid criminal acts.
Switching gears, let’s talk about interest rates. The Federal Reserve decided not to change rates recently, and that's a wise choice. While high-interest rates are affecting car sales and real estate, a sudden drop could cause even more issues. It’s a tough balancing act, but necessary for long-term stability.
Lastly, addressing a survey about how different generations value their time had me chuckling. Millennials think their time is worth $328 an hour, while Gen Z values theirs at $266. Baby boomers, much more grounded, set theirs at $137 an hour. It's amusing and perhaps a sign of the times.
In closing, here’s another reminder: Don't cut a dog's tail off inch-by-inch. If something needs doing, get it done swiftly and decisively. Thanks for joining us today, and y’all take care now!
