Since my last column, a few folks asked me about Bones, the employee who oversees the candy at the office during the trick-or-treat season. With what I want to cover before the next Webb Weekly comes out November 4th, this seemed like a great spot to start this week’s column. If you guessed Bones is the handsome fella in the Webb Weekly hunting hat with the American Flag on the side, pictured to my right, you got it. He has nothing but treats for anybody who stops by our office, and he’s a great ambassador for Editor Steph’s Bats in the Belfry Bat Counting Bonanza. Bones is perfect to greet all the winners as they pick up their Halloween bucket of fun. Thank you to all the kids who entered this year’s contest and to the parents who lent them a helping hand.
As midterm election day falls on November 3rd, I cannot leave Bones behind without reminding everybody to get out and vote! I will be so glad when the political ads end. I’ve always encouraged you to educate yourself in the best way you feel possible before voting. I’ve always stated I don’t care about your party affiliation or how you vote; our Country wins by having the most American citizens casting their ballots.
What does Bones have to do with that? We should never have anyone in Washington sitting in our elected or appointed chairs until they become bones. This applies to both parties, and if you think Bones resembles either Mitch McConnell or Bernie Sanders, you’re right! This is where I mentioned term limits, people; the problem is those who become the skeletons will never allow it.
Three of the best ways to improve and protect the American people with an election process deserving bipartisan support are: 1. Term limits voted on by the American people. 2. A free voters/American citizenship identification. To be used every time an American votes. This is not a driver’s license. 3. Voting at a polling location. You cannot trust the United States Postal Service with the number of potential ballots handled during an election. There should always be absentee ballots available, but not on the level it’s been taken to. I will not get into all the reasons why the USPS cannot handle an election other than to say I deal with them more than most.
I’ll finish this week with a topic I’ve been asked about a lot. I hope after you read this, you know that Penn State defeated Purdue, earning rookie Head Coach Matt Campbell his first Big Ten win. Please be patient, Penn State fans! They will make a bowl game this year, but it will take a little time to rebuild the Nittany Lions.
Coach Campbell will build a nationally contending program if given the time. He is an outstanding coach, with the right perspective on how to build a program and a football culture. You must remember the circumstances: after the firing of James Franklin during the season, a lot of time elapsed before the hiring of Coach Campbell. This enabled most of Penn State’s best players to relocate, many to Virginia Tech with Franklin. It also tied the new coaching staff’s hands as far as recruiting. Most top recruits, through current NIL rules, had decided where they were playing and were getting paid significantly for it.
It’s fortunate the Blue and White Coach Campbell brought as many players as he did with him from Iowa State. However, remember they were recruited to play in the Big 12, not in the Big 10. And it goes against common sense to think they would have come in and had the level of success Penn State fans are looking for. It will take three years to give Coach Campbell an honest evaluation. That’s why I hope Penn State fans are patient.
Whether you’re heading up to Happy Valley or enjoying all the fall activities, especially trick-or-treating or treating, let’s all be extra careful out there.
Just a reminder to all parents and guardians: please check the kiddos’ treats. Don’t ever assume; be sure. And remember, 15% goes to the parental inspector.
God Bless America.
