A Return to Dodge City

I have been increasingly concerned and sometimes outraged over the number of people who believe that we live in a modern day Dodge City and that it's alright to just whip out your .38 and exact citizens' justice like Sheriff Matt Dillon. Earlier this week, a young man was killed here in Norfolk over a fender-bender in a parking garage. We all need to get a grip! Someone scratching your car or crashing into your car is not worth dying over. I know that we are all stressed out over the economy, the loss of jobs, the crashing stock market, 401(k) losses, retirement, and the astronomical rise in the costs of health care. Driving a car can be dangerous and many people use their cars as weapons on the road. I have been driving a long time and offer this advice to young and old alike:

• Take it easy on the highway.
• Speed limits are not a suggestion; adhere to them.
• Never drive when you're angry and for God's sake don't drive when you have been drinking.
• Leave on time. Trying to make up time on the road because you're late will only get you or someone else killed.
• If you need glasses, wear them.
• If you have been driving for more than 50 years, take a drivers' education refresher course.
• Use mass transit where feasible.
• And, leave your weapons at home!

Newspaper Editorial - NSU Gift

Finally, I got the opportunity to read my regular news sources. Yes, I admit it -- I am a news hound. In our business, public relations and communications, it is imperative that we read or at least scan diverse news sources every day. I wanted to take a moment to comment on an editorial from yesterday's local daily. Titled Generous support to Norfolk State, the editorial illustrates the significance of a $3.5 million gift to the university. This is my chance to thank the anonymous benefactor on a personal level. To the anonymous benefactor, I say: "Thank you for believing in higher education. Thank you for saying to NSU officials and the world -- your mission is sound and the education you provide is of a high-quality worthy of this investment. Thank you for your generosity."

The Passing of an American Hero

Duke historian, Dr. John Hope Franklin passed on Wednesday, March 25. His 1947 book titled From Slavery to Freedom has been credited for integrating black history into American history. He spoke to the 1957 graduating class of the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College, now Norfolk State University, about stepping up to the plate and making their mark in the world. He didn't pull any punches and admonished the students to write their own history with a standard of excellence and proficiency in their respective fields. Dr. Franklin was also the Norfolk State University commencement speaker in 1983. A toast to Dr. Franklin: Thank you for having the guts to stick to your convictions. We are all the better for it.