Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Aubrey W Kendrick's avatar

Good column, Garrison.

I too love cold weather provided it is not too cold. I feel uneasy when it gets to the teens or below. That is what some people call "pipe bursting" weather and no one wants frozen water pipes.

But a week or so ago we had a good snow fall of about 3 inches and the woods and countryside were beautiful for several days. Those cold clear sunny days without much wind are my favorites. Those cold days when the warm sun feels good.

I also worry about people like the Uber driver, pizza delivery drivers, truck drivers and others who essential foot the bill for engaging in their jobs. I believe that the Uber driver has to provide his automobile, gas, and cell or smart phone at his expense. Plus, he/she has to be ready to respond to calls so he/she might not be free to do something else. Often the driver is considered to be an individual contractor and so is probably not getting social security, health insurance, or other benefits. I have not done any calculations but feel that these drivers are probably actually making three or four dollars an hour (if they kept accurate time records) plus they are using up their vehicle. It is another case of huge corporations profiting on the backs of meagerly paid people.

Yes, many people nowadays love to ridicule scientists and other people who read or have an interest in the intellectual life. It calls to mind the old saying that "in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king." The people who believe in knowledge and learning must have tremendous advantage over the people who do not believe in knowledge or learning.

Best wishes to everyone and have a nice life.

Expand full comment
Carter West's avatar

I appreciate your resistance to making your posts into op-ed columns. This one, though, was well worth the transgression. Thanks for your clarity and your heart.

Expand full comment
22 more comments...

No posts