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Something to Think About

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Steve Sauder is president of Emporia's Radio Stations, Inc. the owners of KVOE-AM 1400, Country 101.7 and Mix 104.9. Steve has been in a leadership position with ERS, Inc., since 1987.

June 28, 2017

Details

Today some old thoughts brought back to life thanks to Face Book.

People who waste time wondering whether their glass is half full or half empty are missing the point. Their glass is always refillable!

Noah's Ark was an amazingly educational vessel. It taught us:

$1· Not to miss the boat!

$1· Remember that we are all in the same boat.

$1· Plan ahead, it wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

$1· Stay fit. When you are really old you may be ask to something really big!

$1· Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

$1· Build your future on high ground.

$1· For safety sake, travel in pairs.

$1· Speed isn't always an advantage. Snails were on the Ark with cheetahs.

$1· When you are stressed, float for awhile.

$1· Remember the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

$1· No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting....

Today there seems to be an App for just about everything. Even for putting your cell phone away and paying attention to those talking to you - they call it RESPECT.

Paul Sweeney is credited with saying: A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year.

And last, comedian Jim Carrey. Said, “A lot of love can happen in ten years.”

Couldn’t agree more!

I’m Steve Sauder

As a young man the Jaycees - a service organization for men 36 and under - was an important part of my life and development. In Emporia the Jaycees were responsible for many accomplishments including things like helping obtain a positive vote for Emporia High School Bond election, sponsoring and building low and elderly housing projects like Eastgate Plaza and Stanton Heights and many other worthwhile projects.

A wonderful residual from those days is the Jaycee Creed.

It says: We believe:

That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;

That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;

That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;

That government should be of laws rather than of men;

That earth's great treasure lies in human personality; and

That service to humanity is the best work of life.

What a thought provoking statement with every word of it still being relevant today!

What brought my attention to this creed was something David Brooks, the talented columnist for the New York Times said on Sunday.

He pointed out that while the media and many in congress are in an absolute frenzy to find Donald Trump's campaign guilty of collusion with the Russians “they may getting ahead of themselves,” because not much evidence has surfaced that the campaign and the Russians were in cahoots.

BUT, because Trump himself operates in what Brooks described as a "tribal mentality" he does not trust the rule of law to protect him.

In other words: Trump doesn't believe "government should be of laws rather that of men."

If he did he'd trust that the law of the land, which demands things like evidence, proof and due process, would eventually vindicate him.

President Trump's “tribal mentality” has worked for him in business where being loud, confident and powerful can often win the battle.

But, in leading and governing our country it isn't working very well for him because we have laws that actually supersede men!

When our president starts understanding this he will become more effective - and Not before!

I'm Steve Sauder and "there's something to think about!"

June 14, 2017

Details

During our Monday Morning Quarterback show our guest was Jory Collins, ESU Lady Hornet Head Coach and in addition to talk about his team and new recruits a question was posed about the fact our Ladies have on three occasions lately been ranked Number One in the Central Region, but unable to host because White Auditorium was busy with a high school state basketball tournament.

This has become an ongoing problem.

Years ago there was an attempt to hold both tournaments simultaneously with a less than acceptable result. A broken leg resulting in a 45 minute delay caused the college event to start late with games ending after the witching hour.

The city controls White Auditorium and isn't about to give up the very lucrative annual state high school tournament to accommodate the university on a "need be" basis.

Kind of a “bird in hand deal.”

I was in Hays several years ago when they gave up their longtime high tournament to host a college regional.

Conversations with the hotel owners and merchants indicated lots of disenchantment with not having 16 high school teams in Hays starting on Wednesday compared to having seven visiting college teams arriving on Thursday and starting to leave after Friday games and dwindling down to one visiting team by Saturday!

My favorite retired Emporia dentist texted me Monday suggesting I ask Jory about the hosting situation.

Jory obviously doesn't like it, but doesn't over react understanding that would hurt his team.

What we have is a very perplexing problem with no lack of discussion or concern, but also without a good answer.

Using Emporia high school was considered, but that floor doesn't meet championship regulations.

Moving our host location to say Washburn has even been considered, but they weren't willing.

Discussions about this can get heated. A comment from an outside source suggesting - our city doesn't look out for its' students and fans - struck a nerve with me.

My reaction was - well, maybe Emporia State needs to build a crappy little field house like Harding has in Searcy, Arkansas.

And therein lays my question for today.

Maybe our solution is bigger than we've been considering.

Emporia High's gyms are not convenient for fans in terms of parking, bathrooms or concessions. Maybe an upgrade is in order?

Maybe a new venue in Emporia could make sense?

What if the school district, university, community, area schools and the public all decided to collaborate? Maybe Jones Trust could help?

Pittsburg State and the city just built a facility together.

Hosting indoor track, tennis, wrestling, other youth sports, and the list goes on might be considered?

We'd still use White, but maybe another gym solves lots of problems?

Let's at least take a look.

It's "Something to think about" and I'm Steve Sauder.

June 7, 2017

Details

This dying thing is getting out of hand for me. Half of the guys I played poker with on Wednesday nights three years ago have passed away with the loss Sunday of Ray Beals.

Death is scary for most of us and unpredictable for all of us. Ray knew his time was near, but our friend Billy Martin hit practice balls on the golf course the day before he passed. He obviously wasn't planning to die.

I had a death experience years ago when my doctor told me my cancer was serious. After some consideration I concluded I wasn't afraid to die because I believe there is an even better life after our earthly life.

But, despite such a good promise from our Creator most of us fear death and take on amazing challenges to avoid it.

I wonder if truth be known how big a motivator staying healthy and alive is for all these bike riders we have locally?

Speaking of which with this year's Dirty Kanza came the showing twice of the incredible documentary called "Blood Road." It told the story of Rebecca Rusch riding her bike on the Ho Chi Minh Trail to find the spot where her father's airplane had crashed during the Viet Nam conflict.

Most enlightening for me from the film were the messages her dad Steve sent home telling about his job, the danger and how he feared for his life on a daily basis. At one point he said, "I love flying these planes, but I hate my job."

Death is a big part of life for all of us. We fear our own and we fear death for members of our family and friends. It's a part of life we strive hard to control.

Sunday morning on TV several older actors discussed death. Their best line was about the possibility of dying in your sleep. They said the way to avoid dying in your sleep was always "to go to bed with something important you had to do in the morning." They were funny.

I've noted a couple of things recently about getting older. First, they only renew your Driver's License for five years after age 65.

And, recently I went to the Motor Vehicle Department to get a new Handicap placard. The lady gave me one with an expiration date in 2022! I said "Wow! I now have a new goal."

"What do you mean?" she inquired.

"My new goal," I said, "is to live long enough to renew my handicap placard in 2022!"

I don't think she understood, but I do.

So death is as they always say at funerals "a part of life." So prepare for it, but try not to fear it.

Smell the roses! Don't put things off. Tell people you love them today! Get in shape. Cut out salt.......... yady, yady, yady.

I'm rambling.

From Face Book:

Appreciate what you have while you have it.

Don't dwell on the past, don't worry about the future, just live in the present and make the most of it.

All Good advice!

I'm Steve Sauder

May 31, 2017

Details

William Martin, better known as Billy passed away last Friday. He was almost 77, but way too young to die.

Billy was good at a lot of things: among them: being a cowboy, as a commodity broker, investor, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, sportsman, world class cook and story teller.

His golfing legacy is strong having won multiple championships including the Emporia Country Club and EmporiaCity titles. In the local golfing community when you mentioned "Billy," everyone knew about whom you spoke.

Billy always had a story to share. Some were true often about hunting or fishing, but his most memorable moments were when he told jokes or tall tales.

With that in mind the following Forrest Gump story made me think of Billy and how he might have told this story.

Please don't be confused. I'm not drawing a parallel between Billy and Forrest Gump although Billy could slip into his country boy persona when necessary.

Seems Forrest Gump died and approached Heaven's Gate where St. Peter informed him there would be a three question test to enter.

Question #1 was: "There are 2 days of the week beginning with the letter T, name them.”

Forrest thought and answered “Today and Tomorrow.”

St. Peter said "Not exactly what I was looking for, but you aren't wrong, so carry on."

Question #2. was: “How many seconds are there in a year?”

Forrest took some time on this one and then replied " That's really hard, but it has to be 12."

St. Pete sighed and said "How did you come up with 12 Forrest?"

"Well, there’s January second; February second; March second.......

"O.K. said St. Peter you got me, so here's number three. What is God's first name?"

Without any pause Forrest Gump replied, "That's easy - it's Andy."

"Andy" St. Peter gasped, "How did you decide that?"

Forrest blurted, "It's in the song silly - Andy he walks with me; Andy talk with me; Andy he tells me I am his own.”

St. Pete opened the gates and said "Run, Forrest, run."

Billy Martin might very well have told that story!

Not sure if they get the Golf Channel in heaven, but if they do you can bet Billy has St. Peter watching with him maybe even taking notes.

Hit’em pure Billy!

I’m Steve Sauder

5-31-17

May 24, 2017

Details

According to Wikipedia the Census bureau's primary mission is conducting the U.S. Census every ten years, which allocates the seats of the U.S. House of Representatives to the states based on their population.The Bureau's various censuses and surveys help allocate over $400 billion in federal funds every year and it helps states, local communities, and businesses make informed decisions.^.

The U.S. census is at the heart of our electoral process according to the TIME magazine article I read. It not only determines how political districts are drawn, but which Americans are counted and how federal dollars - allocated per capita are distributed. And a long list of important decisions rely on an accurate census.

But soon, the U. S. Census Bureau will be leaderless!

The 30 year Director of the Census Bureau is quitting the end of June. Colleagues suggest he was hobbled by pressure from Congress about cost overruns on a new Internet-based questionnaire and of course uncertainty about support from the new administration.

TIME points out the Census Bureau being "rudderless" with the 2020 census looming creates a major concern. Without strong experienced leadership the 2020 census could lack the integrity American's have always demanded.

Donald Trump is not responsible for the Director leaving, but he will be the person to appoint the successor. Our President's track record thus far for appointments has been shaky at best. This position might be as important as any he has ever filled.

Congress had already indicated a desire to under fund the Census Bureau when in April it allocated less than half the budget increase requested. With the austere new federal budget being proposed under funding seems to be a certainty.

Experts say if you under fund the census you get an under count and when you under count you lose the "hard to find populations."

Yikes!

At a time when we need integrity and accuracy in our government we find the Census Bureau - an institution American's have believed in and respected all our lives in danger of becoming a political football.

The United States needs a census we can trust. A compromised census will create even more chaos!

I'm Steve Sauder and there's something to think about!

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Something to Think About

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

June 28, 2017

June 21, 2017

June 14, 2017

This has become an ongoing problem.

Years ago there was an attempt to hold both tournaments simultaneously with a less than acceptable result. A broken leg resulting in a 45 minute delay caused the college event to start late with games ending after the witching hour.

The city controls White Auditorium and isn't about to give up the very lucrative annual state high school tournament to accommodate the university on a "need be" basis.

Kind of a “bird in hand deal.”

I was in Hays several years ago when they gave up their longtime high tournament to host a college regional.

My favorite retired Emporia dentist texted me Monday suggesting I ask Jory about the hosting situation.

Jory obviously doesn't like it, but doesn't over react understanding that would hurt his team.

What we have is a very perplexing problem with no lack of discussion or concern, but also without a good answer.

Using Emporia high school was considered, but that floor doesn't meet championship regulations.

Moving our host location to say Washburn has even been considered, but they weren't willing.

Discussions about this can get heated. A comment from an outside source suggesting - our city doesn't look out for its' students and fans - struck a nerve with me.

My reaction was - well, maybe Emporia State needs to build a crappy little field house like Harding has in Searcy, Arkansas.

And therein lays my question for today.

Maybe our solution is bigger than we've been considering.

Emporia High's gyms are not convenient for fans in terms of parking, bathrooms or concessions. Maybe an upgrade is in order?

Maybe a new venue in Emporia could make sense?

What if the school district, university, community, area schools and the public all decided to collaborate? Maybe Jones Trust could help?

Pittsburg State and the city just built a facility together.

Hosting indoor track, tennis, wrestling, other youth sports, and the list goes on might be considered?

We'd still use White, but maybe another gym solves lots of problems?

Let's at least take a look.

It's "Something to think about" and I'm Steve Sauder.

June 7, 2017

This dying thing is getting out of hand for me. Half of the guys I played poker with on Wednesday nights three years ago have passed away with the loss Sunday of Ray Beals.

Death is scary for most of us and unpredictable for all of us. Ray knew his time was near, but our friend Billy Martin hit practice balls on the golf course the day before he passed. He obviously wasn't planning to die.

I had a death experience years ago when my doctor told me my cancer was serious. After some consideration I concluded I wasn't afraid to die because I believe there is an even better life after our earthly life.

But, despite such a good promise from our Creator most of us fear death and take on amazing challenges to avoid it.

I wonder if truth be known how big a motivator staying healthy and alive is for all these bike riders we have locally?

Speaking of which with this year's Dirty Kanza came the showing twice of the incredible documentary called "Blood Road." It told the story of Rebecca Rusch riding her bike on the Ho Chi Minh Trail to find the spot where her father's airplane had crashed during the Viet Nam conflict.

Most enlightening for me from the film were the messages her dad Steve sent home telling about his job, the danger and how he feared for his life on a daily basis. At one point he said, "I love flying these planes, but I hate my job."

Death is a big part of life for all of us. We fear our own and we fear death for members of our family and friends. It's a part of life we strive hard to control.

Sunday morning on TV several older actors discussed death. Their best line was about the possibility of dying in your sleep. They said the way to avoid dying in your sleep was always "to go to bed with something important you had to do in the morning." They were funny.

I've noted a couple of things recently about getting older. First, they only renew your Driver's License for five years after age 65.

And, recently I went to the Motor Vehicle Department to get a new Handicap placard. The lady gave me one with an expiration date in 2022! I said "Wow! I now have a new goal."

"What do you mean?" she inquired.

"My new goal," I said, "is to live long enough to renew my handicap placard in 2022!"

I don't think she understood, but I do.

So death is as they always say at funerals "a part of life." So prepare for it, but try not to fear it.

Smell the roses! Don't put things off. Tell people you love them today! Get in shape. Cut out salt.......... yady, yady, yady.

I'm rambling.

From Face Book:

Appreciate what you have while you have it.

Don't dwell on the past, don't worry about the future, just live in the present and make the most of it.

All Good advice!

I'm Steve Sauder

May 31, 2017

William Martin, better known as Billy passed away last Friday. He was almost 77, but way too young to die.

Billy was good at a lot of things: among them: being a cowboy, as a commodity broker, investor, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, sportsman, world class cook and story teller.

His golfing legacy is strong having won multiple championships including the Emporia Country Club and EmporiaCity titles. In the local golfing community when you mentioned "Billy," everyone knew about whom you spoke.

Billy always had a story to share. Some were true often about hunting or fishing, but his most memorable moments were when he told jokes or tall tales.

With that in mind the following Forrest Gump story made me think of Billy and how he might have told this story.

Please don't be confused. I'm not drawing a parallel between Billy and Forrest Gump although Billy could slip into his country boy persona when necessary.

Seems Forrest Gump died and approached Heaven's Gate where St. Peter informed him there would be a three question test to enter.

Question #1 was: "There are 2 days of the week beginning with the letter T, name them.”

Forrest thought and answered “Today and Tomorrow.”

St. Peter said "Not exactly what I was looking for, but you aren't wrong, so carry on."

Question #2. was: “How many seconds are there in a year?”

Forrest took some time on this one and then replied " That's really hard, but it has to be 12."

St. Pete sighed and said "How did you come up with 12 Forrest?"

"Well, there’s January second; February second; March second.......

"O.K. said St. Peter you got me, so here's number three. What is God's first name?"

Without any pause Forrest Gump replied, "That's easy - it's Andy."

"Andy" St. Peter gasped, "How did you decide that?"

Forrest blurted, "It's in the song silly - Andy he walks with me; Andy talk with me; Andy he tells me I am his own.”

St. Pete opened the gates and said "Run, Forrest, run."

Billy Martin might very well have told that story!

Not sure if they get the Golf Channel in heaven, but if they do you can bet Billy has St. Peter watching with him maybe even taking notes.

Hit’em pure Billy!

I’m Steve Sauder

5-31-17

May 24, 2017

But soon, the U. S. Census Bureau will be leaderless!

The 30 year Director of the Census Bureau is quitting the end of June. Colleagues suggest he was hobbled by pressure from Congress about cost overruns on a new Internet-based questionnaire and of course uncertainty about support from the new administration.

TIME points out the Census Bureau being "rudderless" with the 2020 census looming creates a major concern. Without strong experienced leadership the 2020 census could lack the integrity American's have always demanded.

Donald Trump is not responsible for the Director leaving, but he will be the person to appoint the successor. Our President's track record thus far for appointments has been shaky at best. This position might be as important as any he has ever filled.