Seagull Musings Column for March 14, 2004
During the Alderman’s Report segment of the March 8, Branson Board of Aldermen meeting, Alderman Ron Huff, for the second meeting in a row, chose to use that time to specifically talk about the Editorial Cartoonist of this paper, John Logan.While he was at it he also decided throw the Ole Seagull into the pot.
Huff preceded his remarks by saying he wanted to add a little humor to the meeting. While he has us all in the mood to laugh, here’s some potential “belly busters.”
Just think of the hours of potential laughter that could be involved with the publicity, or lack thereof, regarding the incentives that Bass Pro received to come to Branson Landing? Isn’t the Board of Aldermen currently in the process of approving tens of thousands of dollars in increased costs for work done on one small phase of the Branson Landing Project? Surely the community will be rolling in the streets with laughter at the prospect of similar potential cost over runs as the project proceeds.
An Ole Seagull would suggest that there will be no end to the potential humor when the City tries to explain to the residents and property owners of Branson why they were originally told that the City would have no legal obligation on the bonds issued for the Branson Landing Project? Oh well, enough humor.
After the meeting, the Ole Seagull told Huff that he thought his piece was very well done and suggested that he send it into the paper for publication. He thought it would be interesting for Huff to share the manifestation of his intellectual prowess, humor and logic with the community at large rather than just the few who were at the meeting.
Oh it’s pretty certain that some would say it was a great idea that Huff offered to share the services of Logan and Groman in Forsyth and other areas away from Branson and the Branson Board of Aldermen. But then some might ask “Why does Huff advise them to go write about “Forsyth;” what doesn’t he understand about the name and coverage area of the “Branson Daily Independent?” Why the Ole Seagull would bet that there are a few who might say, “Never seen anything like it but it does illustrate the type of logic, analytical genius, and wisdom that has resulted in the plans to build a convention center in downtown Branson.”
Above all they might ask, “Of all the opportunities and challenges facing our community, why is Huff seemingly so fixated on a lowly Ole Seagull and editorial cartoonist for a free local paper? With all this ‘smoke’ is there a fire some place?”
From the Ole Seagull’s perspective, has he written something about Huff, the City Counsel, or their actions that was not true? Has he said that they said or did something that they didn’t say or do? If so wouldn’t either a letter to the editor or a press release from the city pointing out his errors be an efficient intelligent way to get full, convenient, and documented public exposure and interaction on any concerns? An Ole Seagull thinks so.
Gary Groman, a.k.a. “The Ole Seagull,” is an independent columnist and the editor of the Branson Courier. He may be reached by clicking here or by calling 417-339-4000.
