A somber moment

I have not written lately; I have been too busy. But as a race car driver, I wanted to comment on the Paul Dana accident in the Indy Car race at Homestead Florida. Ironically, it was on a racing show many years ago that Bobby Rahal, the owner of Paul's car, when talking about racing said "the highs are higher than the lows are low". At times like these, it is difficult to reconcile those words.

I didn't know Paul personally, but I did know him in a way. I can image the joy and excitement in his voice when someone asked him about racing. I can feel the energy he exuded when he was around the cars and the focus in his manner in which he approached racing. And Bobby agreed that the attribute you needed most to succeed in racing was commitment. I have seen drivers that committed. They eat, work and sleep racing. They sweep up floors to be around race cars and drive many miles to look for the break to get them in a car. When someone puts out that much effort it is heartening when they make it to the top.

Was he inexperienced? Maybe. The problem with racing is that if you are not good, racing usually points it out quickly,and in some cases, very cruelly. However, racing took the lives of Jim Clark, Bruce McLaren, and Ayrton Senna; their talent was not suspect. Did he need more experience? Maybe. If he had made it through that practice session, he might have dropped out on the first lap of the race. Or, he might have gone on to finish well, and gain that experience they say he needed. The discussion of driver experience needs to be had, and if Paul's death moves that along, then so be it. The circumstances leading up to his accident will be discussed and analyzed, and racing will be better for those who come after. Will it ever be 100% safe? No, then it becomes just a carnival ride. Racing tests a driver's judgment, just like a baseball pitcher's arm. The stakes are just higher.

I feel the most pain for his family and hope they do not become bitter. It is tough to explain why I like racing, even though so many of my heros and even friends have been killed or injured. Logically it would make more sense to take up something like golf. If, however; you want to know what attracts people like Paul Dana to racing, seek them out. They are out there every weekend at every track. They don't all have the same reasons for being there, but they share the same enthusiasm, and love of life. I must warn you, it is infectious and I take to responsibility if you get caught up in it.

25 min

We don't need no thinking citizens

There is a lot of buzz about the kid who taped his teacher's "rant" in where he supposedly compared President Bush to Hitler. Well first you can go to this link:

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_3560566

And listen to the whole thing yourself (takes about 20 minutes)

Now, do I think the teacher was ranting - no. Do I think he was as balanced as he could be - no. (Although listen to how many times he said - 'That is a good question..' - in a very calm tone of voice.) With hindsight, would he have done this different - sure. However, all the focus is in the wrong place.

The teacher told the kids he was trying to teach them to think. Now I don't know much about the class. It might have been average, it might have been an honors class - I just don't know. What I do know is that in less than 2 years (these kids are 16) they will be able to vote, fight in the military and in some states drink. They may be able to get married, buy a house, start a business. Some people are outraged that a teacher, with opinions, can be teaching such impressionable kids. Well the outrage should be, that these students are at least 2 years behind in learning to think. How can we expect them to be active participants in our society, if hey never come up against someone who challenges them, or forces them to defend their beliefs.

Wait a minute, [satire on] there is a study that says the human brain is not fully developed until age 25. If this is the case then we should change the voting laws, drinking laws, driving laws and even the military age to at lease 25 years of age. Let's face it, the reason the drinking law is so low is not because we think they can handle it, it is because if you are old enough to go and fight for your country, how can we deny your right to drink? Well, who will go to fight? How about we send those over 55 to fight. Think of the advantages - since most over 55 are not in good shape, most will probably not survive combat. Well, that will help our Social Security and Medicare problem, as opposed to a young adult who may survive to need lifelong care. [satire off]

Maybe, rather than worrying about the teacher, we should worry about the kids.

20 min

Truth in advertising

I recently saw an ad for "overstuffed" furniture. Wait a minute - if overstuffed furniture is more comfortable than regular furniture, isn't regular furniture "understuffed"? That would make "overstuffed" furniture "properly" stuffed.

I need a lie down....

3 min

Give it up! - (for Lent)

Hey, just in time for Lent I found something to give up - Talk Radio. After trying to listen to all the talking heads making no sense and getting angry about all the misinformation on both sides (it is just a little louder on the right due to the quantity, but it goes both ways) I decided to quit cold turkey.

I may fall off the band wagon when I try to catch the news or sports, but for the most part I don't think I will be too tempted. I actually went to a real school board meeting. Maybe I will even go to my town council meeting. Maybe I might spend some time and really research a topic and then write my representative.

Maybe I will write to a soldier and send them a care package. Maybe I will help out at a soup kitchen or spend some time with my family. I might just listen to some music and read up on our history.

I may be more productive at work and not feel so drained when I get home. Yes, I still have to read the newspapers, but there is no compulsion to immediately call or write them - on the other hand, I do remember writing letters to the editor - where you could take your time and say what you wanted to without being cut off. Of course isn't that why I started this blog?

10 min