Looking out the window on a beautiful late summer Friday afternoon, I am clearing off my desk and preparing to travel to Cairo for what will be, hopefully, a big Bearcat football win.

Several thoughts come to mind.

• I am no military strategist by any means, but I would think one of the most vital elements to any military use of force would be the element of surprise. Boy, have we missed the mark using that tactic against Syria. For the first time in history, probably, the United States sent out a “save the date” card for a military strike. And, in this case, it seems we might be much better off by minding our own business and let Syria sort out Syria’s problems. Have you noticed that, more and more, government representatives care less and less what their constituents think or want? I have not seen any national poll that indicates even a shred of public support for such a strike and it appears imminent that a strike against Syria is coming. What a mess and what a shame!

• I had the pleasure of attending a breakfast Thursday morning at the Decatur County Airport in honor of a statewide delegation on a farm tour around our area. I was happy to meet Jere Morehead, the new president of The University of Georgia, and it’s always good to see Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, a frequent visitor to our part of the state. It was certainly nice to see those guys, along with a total of five members of the Georgia House of Representatives, including our own Darlene Taylor and Jay Powell, coming to Bainbridge to check on how we are doing. Scott Angle, the Dean of UGA’s Agriculture College, was also in the group. There was a who’s who of Decatur County farmers also in attendance at the breakfast and I know they appreciate the time taken by these folks to visit our communities and tour their farms.

• I am really looking forward to attending the speech and program given by Jase and Missy Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame Sunday night on the campus of Bainbridge State College. The great people at Grace Christian Academy are bringing Jase and Missy to Bainbridge and it should be a fulfilling, entertaining, and memorable time. By the time you read this, it might be too late to purchase a ticket, but if you would like to attend, check out www.gcathefollow.ticketleap.com to see if tickets are still available. Or check with anyone you know associated with Grace and I am sure they can point you in the right direction. I bet you’ll have a good time.