I Quit! Well, maybe. I had to do some soul searching this week to continue with my “Opinion” articles, but here’s at least one more.

I had family over last weekend and Saturday night I met with some misfortune. I really enjoy cooking and I have been told that I can turn out some rather tasty country barbeque ribs.

I had just scooped up a big platter of the most beautiful strips of pork that you have even seen and that’s when my evening changed. I quickly walked into the kitchen, platter in hand when Gus, my 85 pound Weimeraner decided to cut in front of me and stop for a better look. Well, I continued forward tripping over Gus and I slammed my right arm down on our kitchen countertop, but I did save the ribs.

I immediately realized from the loud pop and the excruciating pain that something was seriously wrong. I was quickly rushed to the Russell County Hospital where it was determined that I had broken my right arm and also my big toe. My toe looks like a purple Plum and my right arm has been immobilized. I have never been accused of being a fast typist, but now I give new meaning to slow!

I did feel obligated however to thank all of you that took the time to provide me feedback on my articles over the past months. I am happy to say that most have been positive, but one person did catch me a little off guard.

I have often found it interesting to analyze how someone’s point of view can be interpreted in so many different ways. In two of my articles it was my opinion that something has to change in the way that automobile manufactures are doing business in this country.

I still stand by that premise; however I recently received a voice message stating that I wasn’t a very good Christian and the caller said they were surprised at the joy I seemed to be having in all the autoworkers losing their jobs.

WOW! I’m not quite sure how this person came to this conclusion, but I know that most experts agree that something has got to give, and it should not be the American tax payer.

On a more positive note, I am delighted that President elect Obama has asked Rev. Rick Warren to provide the invocation at the upcoming inauguration on January 20th. This is truly going to be an historic event.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and I wish you all a Happy New Year, especially my distraught caller!

May God bless…

Ron Phillips