Hello readers, friends, customers, and honorable guests. It has been far too long since I put pen to paper, so I am sharing some random thoughts that piqued my interest over the past week…

#1

If you haven’t heard, the City of Saratoga Springs reached a settlement with Adam Rupeka.

Mr. Rupeka is the obnoxious little agitator who decided to antagonize police to see how they would react. In the case, which took place in May 2015, Mr. Rupeka gave Saratoga Springs Police Officer Nathan Barker the middle finger, and then refused to cooperate during the ensuing traffic stop.

Officer Baker ended up allegedly pepper-spraying the driver which was caught on tape. Since the incident, Officer Baker has resigned and Rupeka has been rewarded with an undisclosed settlement.

I know that officer Baker didn’t follow police protocol by pepper spraying Rupeka; but I will counter that Rupeka didn’t follow society’s protocol by acting like a disrespectful jerk.

OK, you know how I feel on that topic. Let’s move on to some other subjects.

#2

In a society that devalues the role of the father, it is heartwarming when I hear stories of fathers who go above and beyond for their children. There is one particular Saratoga Springs father that always comes to mind, but you will have to read about him in an upcoming edition of Simply Saratoga magazine. Personally I thank God every day that I have been blessed with a child.

One last comment on this topic for the many dead-beat dads out there…Get off your lazy, self-centered butts and do the right thing. Pumping out sperm doesn’t make you a father; being there for your children does.

And last but not least…

#3

Apparently I am not the only one who finds it refreshing to hear a candidate who speaks from his gut and doesn’t dance around questions to appease constituents. Win, Lose or Draw, maybe Trump’s meteoric rise will lead the way for a new generation of politicians who buck the status quo. Enough with the Bushs, Clintons and lifelong career politicians! I want fresh ideas and a bold vision to get our country back on track.

Cheers.