"We Must Expect The Unexpected"
By Capt. Fred Davis
Published: Friday, May 30, 2014

When headline news begins with a story regarding a minor scuffle in an elevator that escalates into a major event carried by all news media, it makes me wonder.

A surveillance video recorded activity in a private elevator — or what was thought to be private. As the account I read reported: a young man whose job was to view the videos that took place in the elevator noted a scuffle and recognized those involved. He called someone he thought might be interested in the footage. Later, he was able to sell the video to a media source for a reported $250,000.

The young man was surprised when he was fired for his actions. I would think with the money he made for the sale, he could take it easy for a time or perhaps start a private viewing business of his own. I also think behavior in elevators will be altered for some time to come.

Another front-page report regarded bad boy Alec Baldwin.

It seems he was busted for riding his bike the wrong way on Fifth Avenue in New York City. When he was unable to provide identification to prove who he was and became belligerent, yelling at the young officer, “Don’t you know who I am?” He was taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct. Maybe Alec should have noted how young the officer was before committing his third offense.

As I see it, no matter the form of news we watch or listen to, we should not be surprised with anything we are confronted with. How about when Michael Sam found it necessary to kiss his male partner in jubilation upon learning of his acceptance by the St. Louis Rams?

In other topics, here is an update on my recent attempt to make it home to Huron County. It did not become a news story, but it sure seemed like one to me.

Have you ever had to call 911 for help on the interstate? Let me tell you, you won’t forget it. As I was driving along I found myself unable to focus and pulled into a Georgia rest stop to ask for help. They called 911 and very soon a fire rescue truck arrived followed by an ambulance. They loaded me up and the fireman assured my wife he would safely secure my vehicle so she could ride in the ambulance with me. He parked my car in a well-lighted area and local police deputies we met at the medical facility later kept an eye on it and reassured us. Our concern was heightened by the fact the vehicle was crammed with all our stuff we haul back and forth for a six-month stay.

You know what they say about southern hospitality being so great? It is totally true and extremely true if you are on the receiving end when you’re in trouble.

I worked alongside firefighters, EMS and police personnel for many years and always appreciated their dedication and professionalism. Those men and women in Georgia could not have treated me with any greater respect or kindness.

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