Sat Nov 21 2009
Today is All Saints Day, which in Western Christianity commemorates the departed faithful now in heaven.
The day's flagship anthem is "For All the Saints," likely sung this weekend at many worship services. First written as a processional hymn in the 19th century by Anglican Bishop William How, the lyrics are most often used with music composed by 20th century English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Everybody has their own favorite saints, people who have influenced their lives in a positive manner. It may be a parent, grandparent, pastor, priest, teacher, coach or other person of admiration.
During my lifetime I have been blessed to know and be influenced by several saints. Besides my parents, grandmother, two uncles and father-in-law, my "all saints day list" includes Augusta Kehnast, Nellie Gary, Bud Widmer, Gene Smart and Elmer Myers.
They were not perfect. But they dedicated their lives to remarkable and unselfish service of others -- and their influence will continue long after their earthly journeys.
* * * * *
Election Day is just two days away. This is supposedly an "off-year election," meaning we won't be electing a president, governor, member of Congress or state legislator. Such elections generally produce relatively small turnouts, which means every vote cast becomes more important. The winners are the ones most successful at mobilizing their supporters.
One local race which has drawn considerable attention, judging from letters to the editor of this newspaper, is Defiance Township trustee where four people are battling for two positions. Personally, I have been disappointed with the tone and language of some of these letters.
More than anything, this type of literary venom causes me to question the financial wisdom of having township trustees in the first place. Can taxpayers continue to afford their salaries and health insurance, especially in this current economy? Couldn't the county commissioners and other county employees assume their duties at a lower overall cost?
Wouldn't that represent a wiser use of taxpayers' money than, say, cutting funds for libraries?
Obviously, I have more questions than answers. I'm not advocating the elimination of township trustees and clerks.
But maybe it's a topic for thought and debate.
* * * * *
Speaking of politics, I find many politicians on the state and federal level to be ill-mannered, manipulative and concerned more about their re-election than the best interests of the people. Democrats and Republicans are equally guilty. I know the very nature of politics has made this a fact of life for generations, but the ridiculous partisanship and gridlock have reached new depths.
If you don't agree with a particular position, you are considered un-American. Some politicians even claim Biblical authority.
I'm certainly not a Biblical scholar, but I can't find anything in the Good Book about how to run a country. Seems to me it's all about how to run yourself.
* * * * *
Hopefully the four-lane U.S. 24 will spark new business ventures in the area once the economy improves, but one immediate benefit is safety. Former Defiance mayor and county commissioner Tom Wiseman was "right on" this week when he pointed that out.
"Most everybody who has lived in this area for several years can name a family member, friend or acquaintance who was killed on the two-lane U.S. 24 between Fort Wayne and Toledo," said Wiseman.
I also find myself heartily agreeing with C-N readers Gerry and Kim Shidler of rural Cecil, who praised all the construction workers involved in the project.
In this case, maybe we should call them "living saints."
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