“Friday Night Popcorn, Monday Morning Quarterback”

By: Corey Thompson, “The Thirsty Quill”

Let me kick this week off by thanking the many fine fans of ‘The Quill’ who flooded my inbox with messages over the past several days. From the emails that inquired about my health, to the blunt messages that just wanted to know where the heck I had run off to, all were received and I appreciate your sincere thoughts and genuine concern.

No, I HAD NOT gone into hiding from an intrusive, governmental bureaucracy that was hell-bent on the enforcement of the “Fairness Doctrine” here at this little penny ante publication we know to be ‘The Quill.’

No, I WAS NOT in an underground bunker, wrapped in a swathe of surgical masks, duct tape, and bubble wrap, all in an effort to avoid the Swine Flu pandemic.

I was, for all intents and purposes, taking a break.

The combination of a fulltime teaching job, my family, my friends, and multiple outside obligations, the prospect of trying to post a new article each and every weekday took its toll. At the same time, outside contributions dried up and the site was in the midst of another “slow period” in regard to hits, comments, and feedback. Furthermore, I was in the final stages of interviewing for a principal training program in conjunction with my school district, which ate into my “free time” (and critical thinking threshold) as well. Coincidentally, in the end, I did not get the promotion.

So, I took a break, sat back, propped my feet up, and decided to take a week or so and enjoy “the game” as a mere spectator. Let me tell you, the popcorn really tastes so much better up in the stands.

Now that I have partaken in a little selfish refreshment, I will once again fire up the lantern in the darkness, and let loose the quill like a brushfire fueled by gale force winds. Moving forward, I will not promise new material each and every day, as I rediscovered the pure enjoyment of going to bed before 1:00 am in recent weeks. I will, however, commit myself anew to the high calling of meeting the Liberal Left with unwavering courage and thought-provoking commentary.

So, back to the front…or more appropriately, the Right…

While ‘The Quill’ was taking a much needed break, the game still went on. Here are a few highlights of some items that I wanted to jump into over the past week-and-a-half…

My comments will be straightforward and to the point. Think of each of these as small ‘snacks’ as opposed to a ‘full-course meal.’

Enjoy the popcorn…

Last week we experienced the media’s coronation, I mean celebration, of Barack Obama’s first 100 days in office. Many have applauded his achievements and continually hail Obama as one of the “greatest presidents of all time.” Are you kidding me? Pass the popcorn back over my way…and some of the Kool-Aid, from the jug which never seems to run dry. Is it just me, or does this Kool-Aid seem to be a bit too RED? Oh who cares, let’s all share! There is plenty for everyone…

In recognition of his own forthright transparency, Obama held his third primetime press conference last week. Bill Clinton had two in his first four years in office. Can we get a question from FoxNews, please?

As further celebration, a public painting of Obama went on display in New York last week. It was entitled “The Truth.” After enough outrage, pressure began to mount for its removal. You be the judge…

Never mind that picture, how about sending me a photo from the Air Force One flyover in New York City. In the midst of an “economic catastrophe” (Obama’s own words), I’m glad to know we had an extra $400,000 (estimated) just lying around for a flyby of Lady Liberty. And from the look of things, I think most New Yorkers were equally amused. Hey, grab me some Goobers while you’re up.

Speaking of pork and flying, let’s not overlook the Swine Flu. Vice President Joe Biden sure didn’t. I think it’s a safe bet to assume that the bumbling, stumbling Veep won’t be Obama’s choice for the ticket in 2012. Maybe he can get a gig promoting the travel industry. More Goobers, please.

Would someone please tell me what in the world Perez Hilton was doing judging the Miss America Pageant? Is the pageant really that desperate? Seriously folks, how about selecting someone with real talent to judge the young ladies who will best represent our nation.

Hats off to Miss California. If only our elected leaders had her courage, integrity, and charisma.

The retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter should make the flavorful variety of the Supreme Court a little more “bitter” in the coming months. This is Obama’s first opportunity to embolden his leftist agenda in the Judicial wing. Beware…

While in the stands, I enjoyed wearing my flip-flops as opposed to my combat boots. Speaking of which, I guess you heard about Arlen Specter, right? What’s better, getting a sunburn, or sporting a fake tan? Personally I’d choose the sunburn.

I couldn’t help but notice ABC’s revealing of the names and faces associated with the perceived torture of suspected terrorists. Funny, weren’t they the same outlet that called for President Bush’s impeachment when the identity of a CIA Agent was revealed? These Junior Mints have left a sour taste in my mouth. Pass the Big League Chew and get me back to Fox and Drudge.

Hey, it looks like Chrysler will go (Jelly) belly-up after all. Too bad they took Billions of our tax dollars with them. Wouldn’t it have been easier (and cheaper) to allow this to happen months ago?

There seem to be a lot of nuts out there these days. You don’t have too look far to find them either. They’re driving cars into royal processions in the Netherlands, teaching classes on college campuses, and even advertising on Craig’s List. Geeez…

And finally, I’m glad that Congress has taken on the huge responsibility of fixing the college football BCS bowl game controversy. I hope they have as much success as they had in fixing steroids in baseball. I’m all for a playoff system, but this is NOT a government priority right now. The government’s appropriate place is in session, in committee, or in a cabinet meeting…on GOVERNMENT matters…NOT in the marketplace, in our banks, in our auto industry, and especially not down on an athletic field. When it comes to such matters, they should, of course, remain in the stands. It is our job, as THE PEOPLE, to see that they stay there. After all, the view from up high in the nosebleed section isn’t all that bad. As a bonus, they can have my popcorn…I’m heading back down to the field where I belong.

It’s time to get back in the game…