Uncle Oliver

Let's kick off today with our saying of the day from T.S. Eliot:

"Only those who risk going too far will possibly find out how far they can go."

It's all about taking risks and embracing the possibility of going beyond your limits. Remember, bravery favors the bold. Many people are held back by the fear of failure, but it's a part of the process. For instance, if you're aiming for a 10 in a sport or academic field and you reach 9, you've still excelled, surpassing the average of 5.

Speaking of risk-taking, let's talk about businessmen who are known for taking big swings. Boone Pickens, for example, was fearless. He had this natural gas deal where a friend invested $250 million. The investment dropped to $30 million but eventually turned around, netting a profit of $500 million. This shows the gamble and risk involved in business. Personally, I prefer measured risks. I always consider whether I can afford the consequences if things go south, like being able to pay for apartments even if the market dips.

As I’ve said before, hope is not a strategy.

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We received a message about one of my relatives, Sam Lynch, a captain at the police department in Montgomery County. He shared a story about my uncle Oliver Hance, who was known for his frugality.

Sam recalled a Christmas with Oliver that perfectly illustrated his frugal nature. During a Christmas party, Oliver presented gifts to his employess. To everyone's surprise, the gifts were small hotel shampoos, conditioners, and soaps, collected from their travels!

A significant development has unfolded with the U.S. Supreme Court granting a writ of certiorari to hear a pivotal case from Colorado. This case centers around the controversial decision by the Colorado Supreme Court to disqualify Trump from the ballot. The implications of this are far-reaching, potentially affecting similar scenarios, like the one in Maine where the secretary of state sought to remove Trump from the ballot citing involvement in insurrection.

This judicial review could reshape the electoral landscape significantly. It's ironic how such legal maneuvers often end up benefiting the very individuals they aim to hinder. It's noteworthy how every attempt to marginalize certain candidates sometimes only enhances their public support. For instance, following an indictment, Trump saw a surge in his poll numbers, illustrating the public's inclination towards supporting perceived underdogs.

This Supreme Court case is not just about a single election or candidate; it delves into broader issues of electoral integrity and the power of individual states versus federal oversight in determining ballot eligibility. It's a complex interplay of law, politics, and public sentiment, making it a landmark case with potential long-term consequences for American democracy.

Moving on to New Year's resolutions – statistics show that while many people make them, few believe they'll keep them. It’s about daily dedication and not just wishful thinking. For instance, one of my friends made a resolution to quit drinking Diet Coke, which requires a daily reaffirmation.

In the academic world, there's significant attention on Claudine Gay at Harvard. The challenges she's facing as the president of this esteemed institution are notable. This situation mirrors the recent controversial case at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire involving a professor making adult films. Both incidents underscore the complex issues that academic leaders must navigate, balancing institutional reputation with individual freedoms and controversies.

In Gay's instance, her preparation and responses during a Congressional hearing were scrutinized, particularly regarding how the university addressed certain student organizations calling for extreme actions. The tepid response to questions about student groups advocating harmful ideologies reflects a broader issue in academia: the struggle to balance freedom of speech with the responsibility to condemn harmful rhetoric. This has sparked debate about the role of university leaders in moderating campus discourse and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for all students.

Remember, our saying of the day emphasizes the importance of risk-taking. Only by pushing our limits can we truly discover our potential. Keep this in mind as you go about your week. Talk to you next week. Bye!

Kent

Kent Hance is the host of The Best Storyteller in Texas podcast. He grew up in Dimmitt, Texas and went on to become a lawyer and serve as a Texas state senator. Kent was also elected as a US congressman from West Texas in the late 1970s. After his time in Washington DC, he returned to Texas and eventually became Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. With decades of experience in law, education, and politics, Kent has no shortage of captivating tales and wisdom to share each week on his podcast.a

http://www.thebeststorytellerintexas.com
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