"In the US, a "softball question" is asked because it would be intentionally easy to answer. It's not an intellectual judgement, just a question formulated to be intentionally easy for that particular person to answer." Taken from a website devoted to English Language & Usage.

It's good to be back off my short sabbatical, three day weekend, or a day off on Friday to go visit my mom, and then return with everything else pretty much the normal kind of deal. It is the first Monday in the new month of May, here on the 6th, in the year 2013. Great visit with mom and dad over there, up there, or somewhere in that place where they and so many wonderful memories dwell. I am aware that some people think my dreamy recollections of days gone by are spruced up and made to seem much better than they probably were. So what? I don't think I've tried to hide the fact that we often had our plates full of trouble and challenge during my childhood, however, we also had many good times, good memories, and a whole lot of love and caring that helped to get me to where I am today. I've also made it clear that we are blessed to live with so many modern conveniences today that do improve our quality of life, yet, there are times when a trip back to those less convenient days of yesteryear sure is inviting. Maybe that's just me wishing I could go back, start over, and undo some of the blunders I've made along the way. Or, it might be a longing for something that transcends all the modern day improvements, like a sense of the simple treasures that defined life back then. Or, maybe it's just the mixed up musings of a fellow whose gray cells get themselves all twisted in a wad from time to time. I report, you decide.

I watched the President's press conference last week in its entirety. I do not remember in my lifetime any individual occupying the Oval Office who has this uncanny relationship with the press that essentially gives him a pass on just about any and all questions. It's as if they are afraid to challenge his obvious obfuscations. One of the most probing questions dealt with Obamacare. He pretty much said it was doing quite well with a few glitches here and there which are to be expected. No follow up. If that is a true assessment, then I wonder why every day more and more folks who are deemed to be experts are seen throwing up their hands in exasperation. No one asked about the loud voices that project looming cost increases that could produce what one strong supporting Democrat voice called a "train wreck". The same on the Boston bombings. The same on the security failures associated with Benghazi, Libya. The same. The same. The same. The same. I thought the press were there to hold those in power accountable. I didn't see anything close to that. Maybe they are that intimidated. I don't get it. I just don't get it folks.

Someone with a different point of view likely watched that same event and came away with a totally different reading of how it went. I thought his answers were clearly less than forthcoming, but here's the rub. Most of the mainstream folks reported his answers as being the fact of the matter. Question was asked. Question was answered. Now we know the answer. Why? Because he said so. That's why. Okay. Enough about that. I'm sure many of you would just as soon that I not delve into these agitated  assessments. Let me see. Here's a little true story that might help to at least get us on a different track. "A police officer found a perfect hiding place for watching for speeding motorists. One day, the officer was amazed when everyone was under the speed limit, so he investigated and found the problem. A 10 year old boy was standing on the side of the road with a huge hand painted sign which said “Speed Trap Ahead.” A little more investigative work led the officer to the boy’s accomplice: another boy about 100 yards beyond the radar trap with a sign reading “TIPS” and a bucket at his feet full of change." Too bad these boys were not around a few weeks ago when my wife was driving through a tiny little town in Louisiana. But, I will let her tell you about that adventure. Just so you know: They don't give senior citizen discounts. Take care now and may God bless us, one and all. Amen.      .....More later.