What a Year It's Been

So, how was 2018 for you?

Your taxes were cut, right? Well, not really. Corporations and the super-rich had their taxes cut. Big time.

People died in shootings all over America, more than in the last 40 years. The report about it is issued on the anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting. But Congress and the president still won't act on comprehensive gun-control legislation.

It didn't matter if you were a championship coach (Joel Queennville) or a loser (Fred Hoiberg) in Chicago. You got fired.

Colin Kaepernick, meanwhile, a Super Bowl quarterback, is still not employed by an NFL team. How is that possible when you look around the league at some of the backups, let alone starters, who are still employed? At least Nike thought enough to make Kaepernick a symbol for standing up for that in which you believe.

In Arizona, pro teams are squawking at the state and/or the city of Phoenix to upgrade existing facilities that are virtually brand new or build them ones. Try winning a championship first, OK? Your tax dollars at work.

Not far from there, the U.S. Army, not the National Guard, is standing by to prevent women and children from crossing the border into the United States.

Wow, do I feel safe.

For me, it was a year of reunions - with my class of '68 fellows at Brooklyn Tech, the country's largest high school (that now has girls - thanks a lot). And with my GDX brothers from UAlbany (I remember when it was Albany State - doesn't that sound so much more powerfully athletic?).

Brooklyn has changed so much - so much construction, so much gentrification, but nothing can top a dinner at Peter Luger's. Best steak, best meal. Period.

Some doors closed but many others opened in book publishing and radio broadcasting. I am still in awe. If you'd asked me a year ago if I'd be a radio deejay and a book editor right now, I'd have told you that were you crazy.

But I am. Both.

While investigations close in on the White House and its principal resident, that national debt continues to soar, with politicians showing little to no concern over that. Spend away, let our children and grandchildren pay for it later. When we're a third-world country.

Smile, though. As I write this, the NY Giants could still make the playoffs this year at 8-8 if they win out.

Or ... not.

May your 2019 be better. Save your pennies. The national debt is still growing.

I love you Jocelyn, Jordan, Erin. Let's make this wedding thing work.