Censuring the President

So when I heard there was an uproar over the President of the United States speaking to the youth of our country, I thought it was just a loud minority. I compared it to the times when PETA makes a ridiculous amount of noise over someone killing a fly. I think PETA probably has some legitimate issues, but because of their loud trumpeted efforts to protect the rights of the housefly, they lose me before they begin.

I thought the same about the "pundits" who thought it was controversial that the leader of our country was speaking to our youth. I DON'T agree with everything President Obama does. But when we make a big deal out of something like this, I think it negates our credibility when something "real" is out there to be questioned.

So other than the fact that I chuckled, I ignored it.

Then I spoke with an educator yesterday (not in Coshocton County) who received an email that they were NOT to air the Presidential address. They weren't allowed to. And if they wanted to work it into their lesson plans, they would need parental consent.

Seriously? This actually frightens me quite a bit.

First of all, this is the President of the United States! He should be reaching out to the youth of our country. He should be trying to motivate them to better educate themselves. Silly me...but I thought that was part of his job.

Second, they let folks talk to our kids all the time, without parental consent. River View High School had ME of all people come and talk to two classes! I guarantee you two things. One, there wasn't a single parent that knew I was coming or that I spoke. Two, President Obama is way more qualified to inspire the youth of Coshocton County!

At the end of the day, we just censured our own President. If individual teachers decided not to show the address, I wouldn't have a problem with that. It's a part of their freedom of choice. But when entire schools dictate that teachers and students are NOT ALLOWED to participate...it's a big problem.

The irony is it makes it much more consistent with the Nazi Germany that these "pundits" seem liken Obama too. It is my hope that our educational leaders don't remove this choice from our teachers. And it is even more my hope that we, as Americans, don't stand for it.

A Busy Week

Amy has kicked off this year's United Way campaign. School has begun for the girls, and dance is not far behind. And then of course there is work, the upcoming election, and the new book. So yes, things are busy at the Hasseman House. But I promised to try and keep up with the blog, so I am making the effort.

If you just love to hear from me, you can check out my other blog. I have posted quite a bit on our business blog. So check that out!

Oh yes...for those that don't know, I am running for President of City Council here in Coshocton. Yes...I needed one more thing! I hope to be able to help serve my community well. If you want more information on that endeavor you can check out my campaign website. The address is www.kirbyforcoshocton.com.

But wait there's more! We recently launched a new website that we consider to be our new online TV station for Coshocton County. At www.coshoctontv.com you can check out all kinds of positive video about Coshocton County. Let me know what you think.

So it's been busy. But it's a good busy. I will keep you posted!

What about a book signing?

So since the official release date of the book has been set (October 10th in case you missed it) several folks have suggested I have a book signing. I am considering doing one in Coshocton and am looking for suggestions.

What about my office? Any thoughts?

A Nice Weekend

As I continue to to try and update my blog I thought it appropriate to thank my family for a nice weekend. I am very lucky to have a couple of nice (albeit slow-moving this morning) girls to raise. We had fun golfing yesterday even though we only had time for 4 holes.

And what can I say? Thanks to Amy for making us a family. Love ya all!

A River Runs Through It

In my recent travels, I have been lucky enough to have visited several different towns and cities that have rivers as a hub of their community.

I was in Marietta a few weeks ago for work and was impressed by that community. It's a charming little town along the Ohio River and has built a nice business community around their college and the river.

Then most recently I was in Cincinnati (and Kentucky) and watched as another area utilized their natural resource to spawn business as well. My family and I went to the Cincinnati Aquarium, which is located in an Easton-like shopping center on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River.

In both cases, these communities have done something that Coshcoton has failed to do as of yet. They are utilizing a wonderful natural resource to build a business-friendly atmoshere where small businesses can thrive. Marietta, in particular, is not that different from the community of Coshocton. The businesses that are located on their Main Street could be transplanted and survive, if they have the traffic. And that's where the river comes in!

Several years ago there was a beginning of a discussion of creating a "River Walk" in Coshocton. I think we need to open that discussion back up in earnest. Done right, a River Walk could create a nice new reason to stop in Coshocton County. It could easily tie in with the trails at Lake Park, and could allow us to once again utilize this natural resource that we as a community have most often ignored.

At it's most complex, the River Walk could be a massive project including the drudging of the river to allow for larger boats, large concrete paths, and free standing structures. At it's simplest, the project could simply begin with a path...and see how it progresses.

I am not sure the best way to begin this project. But I am convinced it is a project that needs to begin.

What do you think? Please let me know your input on this!

A Nice Article in the Paper

I know...I am back posting and it's all about the book! But I am excited about this project and getting it going! So...there is a nice article in the Coshocton Tribune today about the book. Check it out!

Taste of Coshocton

I saw someone tonight at the Taste of Coshocton Event that commented about my lack of posts...so here I am!

Last night was a great event called the Taste of Coshocton at the Lake Park Pavilion. It's the kickoff to the United Way Campaign here in Coshocton County. For those that don't know, my lovely wife is the Executive Director of the United Way. And from the looks of last night, she really knows how to throw a party!

The event was absolutely packed. There was fantastic food from local vendors, great entertainment from the Union Cheerleaders and Miss Jennifers Dancers, and there were fun prizes.

It was a great way to kick off the campaign. Nice job to Amy, Libbie and all of the volunteers that make it happen! Here is an article in the Coshocton Tribune about the event!

New Book!

I know it's been about forever since I have posted anything here. But this seems like a good reason to get back at it! I have a new book that is scheduled to be released on October 10th. It's called Think Big Marketing For Small Business and I am excited to announce I have advanced copies in my hands!



If you want an advanced copy, please let me know. They are $20 and I can even sign them!