Published: May 15, 2009 09:32 pm      

DAY: Write what you know

A reader told me recently that I should write something I know about, instead of showing the world that I am dumb about how our system works here in America. So until I get a little smarter and I know what I am writing about, I guess I will bring to you my “Days of Old” experiences.

What is odd is that I do a lot of research about things I don’t know about, and I pass them on to you, the reader, because I feel that it needs to be said. And there are many readers out there who tell me that I opened up a few eyes.

So, I will sometimes write my thoughts and hope that my critics will know I have gotten a little smarter in my old age. I am still learning one day at a time.

In my younger years, I met people like John Miller, Raymond Gilbert, Bob Sargeant and Tex Scott, who were very good representatives of the people here in Kokomo. All served our city well.

I also knew very well a man and woman named Roscoe and Lucille Day, my parents, and both said many times that if you have something to say, then do it. What you say to the world could benefit many, although there will be many who will disagree.

John Beamer was probably the best representative we ever had. His knowledge of the law of the land was one that benefited all he represented. I have had school administrators like Lee Walters and Richard Rea, who did a lot for education of our young people. They told us to go forth with the truth; you will greatly benefit from the experience.

I have through the years gotten to the point of knowing that if I can’t change it, I don’t worry about it. But I also know that there are times when we have to stay status quo, or we change what is wrong to make it right.

So, yes, I know a lot about how it was in the old days, and that will be my primary basis for this column. But I think that I do know a lot about the goings-on in our political system. There will be times when I feel that you need to know what I know.

There are many very knowledgeable people who live in this area, and we do have some very dedicated representatives serving us. But it sure doesn’t hurt to keep a close eye on what they are voting on. Their vote will affect you and me alike, and there is my reason for once in a while writing in this column my thoughts about them.

I guess that having two grandmothers who lived to the ages of 94, who lived a life that many today couldn’t do and were hard-working ladies, sort of helped me. To know what I write about, I had to have a source. They were that source.

Also, being able to know the people who led this city and state in our government, and getting their knowledge transferred to my memory, I have the best of both worlds, so to speak.

My column will never be an attempt to bring someone down or belittle anyone. This column has been entrusted to me to write about my memories, about my thoughts of today, and about how I think we can make things better for all, not just a few. As long as I am on this earth, and this newspaper gives me the opportunity to do so, I will try to give you the best I have and no more.

As I write, I also learn. As you read my words, you can agree or not. Knowledge is a thing that grows within you, and we gain from it. Keep reading, and I will keep writing.

• Ray “Uncle Ray” Day is a weekly contributor to the Kokomo Tribune. Contact him at uncleray@earthlink.net

or (765) 457-3819.