It’s not nice to take pleasure in someone’s failures, but I have to admit I laughed out loud when the International Olympic Committee picked Chicago as its least popular choice for the 2016 games.
I don’t harbor any ill will for Chicago itself. The Windy City is a fine location as far as places known for machine politics go. But what tickled me was the egg dripping off the face of President Barack Obama and that old wind bag, Oprah Winfrey.
Suffering from a bit of insomnia in the early morning hours last Friday, I found myself watching the coverage of Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Olympics. It was painful to watch as they trotted out their perpetual mayor and the committee was subjected to political correctness and affirmative action at work. There was the white guy, the black woman, the person in the wheelchair, and some dude with a French accent, who was hailed for being the architect of Chicago’s Olympic bid. And, of course, we had to hear all about the first lady’s father’s health problems and her comparing that to the struggle of an Olympic athlete.
It was torturous to say the least, and I guess the OIC felt the same way. The only good thing that came of the presentation was that it cured my insomnia, and I soon drifted off into a nice, deep sleep.
Hopefully, the American president learned a valuable lesson from this. Don’t worry about your “star power.” Make some decisions about the War on Terror or study up on the benefits of free market capitalism. Focus on what’s important and show some leadership.
Our Heartfelt Thanks
Words cannot express the gratitude that we, the family of Helen Estlack feel for the people of Clarendon and Donley County who have been so loving and supportive of us in our time of sorrow.
Friendships are never held so dear as when the loss of a loved one reveals their truest meanings. Your many kindnesses have sustained us and blessed us in ways we will always cherish. Helen loved life and each of you. That so many have returned her love to us fills our hearts with comfort.
We would especially like to thank the professionals at Clarendon Family Medical Center and Sheppard’s Crook Home Health for caring for Helen during the summer and to the nurses, doctors, and technicians at Triumph Hospital and Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo for their tender care. Thanks also for the professional and caring service of Robertson Funeral Directors and to Rev. Terry Lowe, Judy Lowe, and the staff and members of the First United Methodist Church for everything you did and said to make things easier for us.
A special thanks to the Kidd and Nunley families who frequently watched and cared for Helen’s grandkids so her children could spend time with her.
We would also be remiss if we did not mention the friendship and dedication of Anndria Newhouse, Julie Shields, Ashlyn Tubbs, Kari Lindsey, and our many contributors, who kept this newspaper on a steady course during the last couple of months.
We wish we could name you all individually, but it has truly been overwhelming the depth and breadth of love and support that this community has shown us. Helen always believed that Donley County was the best place to live, and she worked to promote it every chance she got. Your actions – whether in the form of donations to memorial funds; gifts of plants, flowers, or food; or a simple kind word or remembrance – have justified everything she felt for the place that was her home. You have all been wonderful, and we thank you so much. May God enfold you with his blessing and loving care.
Roger, Ashlee, Benjamin, and Elaina Estlack
Russell, Scarlet, Nathan, and Daniel Estlack
Donna and Larry Hicks and family
Hello There! Just wondering if this really works. 🙂
Yes, it does!