Do you sometimes put things off? Now, why would the old 'cuffer ask a question like that? Readers already know the old 'cuffer is one of the biggest procrastinators in Westside Eagle Observer country. In fact, it's probably true he's the biggest in the fastest-growing county in the state.
So, the question? It came to mind while talking with a friend who wondered why the 'cuff about the "Sausage" groundhog was weeks after that old furry critter told us that spring was on the way.
I'll make it short. Mainly, because this week's 'cuff was planned for last week. So why was he glad he didn't get it finished in time, and Sausage came from the old Smith-Corona? The reason? I'd bet that quarter, the readers know the answer. Yep, the old geezer couldn't find the rest of the notes about the subject until, finally, they were found under and mixed up with a stack of road notes and weather items ... Let's leave it there. The subject? It was about a man whose name is on every calendar in the month of February, Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States.
I have been reading a book about the president who was assassinated in 1865, just forty-one days after his second inaugural speech was delivered. Lincoln was the president who saved America during the Civil War, which almost destroyed the United States of America. The book, "Twenty Days," covers the entire murder planned by the assassin, John Wilkes Booth, and those who assisted the attempted murder of another. It follows their capture and trials and how the president's body was transported to his home in Illinois during a trip by railroad, which was described in great detail. That story was planned for Feb. 14, two days after Lincoln's birthday.
Just a few more words. Honest. The old 'cuffer reads the editorials, columns, and other writings in our Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette every day, and the editorial "Abraham Lincoln" appeared on his birthday, Feb. 12. On the following day, a special opinion piece titled "Lincoln's Faith" was a beautifully written column by newspaper writer Philip Martin, whose works are always honest expressions. He introduced a new book, "Our Faith, Lincoln, Democracy and the American Experiment" by Princeton professor Allen C. Guelzo (Knoff, $30), and especially quoted paragraphs from Lincoln's second inaugural.
It is words like those mentioned which make the printed page still a great deliverer of positives, not like so many of the letters to the editor, which also are important, even though they show the feelings of individuals who so often miss truths or lash out with name callings that are sad.
After reading those two columns, the mumblings and opinions of the old 'cuffer are best left out ... maybe until next year? Don't hold your breath. It's "Faith" time -- with patience and hope and maybe a look for some new roadwork that is being worked on.
'Till next time.
Dodie Evans is the former owner and editor of The Gravette News Herald. Opinions expressed are those of the author.