Election overload, getting older and cruisin

Published 11:04 am Thursday, October 13, 2016

A few personal thoughts, insights and observations as we gear up for another presidential “debate” (if you are so inclined to call it that.)

Thankfully, the presidential election is less than a month away. I’m not sure how much more I can take of the bickering, back stabbing and under handedness … and that’s just among the TV anchors on FOX News.

Yes, I know Republican candidate Donald Trump said some very derogatory things about women in a taped private conversation and I also know that Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton has admitted several scandals while serving as Secretary of State. I am reminded of these two political rivals every 10 seconds on Facebook where long-standing friendships are ruined and families are ripped apart over different political views.

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Now I’m not about to tell you how to vote in this presidential election, but one thing I have been asking myself the last few days is: “What’s more important? Words or actions?” And I have come to the conclusion that I am more afraid of the past actions of one presidential candidate rather than the disgusting words of the other presidential candidate that were spoken (supposedly in confidence) more than a decade ago.

Getting old

I turned 50-plus last week and I have yet to get my “old person” card. What’s up with that? I’m feeling slighted and discriminated by the AARP folks. Isn’t one of the perks of getting old being able to capitalize on discount coffee or a meal in a restaurant?

Come on AARP. Show some love.

If I’m going to become a grouchy old guy screaming at kids to turn down the music on the car radio, I want to at least get some discounts by flashing my card.

Cruisin through life

I had the chance also last week to take a vacation and enjoyed the annual trek home to Gulfport to spend it with my family and a few friends. One of the main reasons I like to take off the first week of October is the annual “Cruisin the Coast” classic car  event.

The “world’s largest block party” celebrated 20 years and it has become a tradition with my family and the classic cars (two Ford Falcons, a Ranchero and ‘67 Mustang) that my brother and father own.

The weather was nearly as perfect as the more than estimated 10,000 classic cars (nearly 8,000 registered for the event) and I can’t wait until next year.

Rob Sigler is managing editor of The Oxford
EAGLE. Contact him at rob.sigler@oxfordeagle.com.