Voices: Little effort; big reward

May 19, 2008 09:31 pm

— Having been born in Joplin and having lived in the area for more than a half century, I, like many of you, have seen some interesting times.
Some very good and some very bad like this current storm we had that devastated so many people, and no one could do a thing but try to get out of its way. I just shook my head as I saw the terrible results.
Our times we’re living in now are very hard financially for many. Hard times break good people, too.
The other day I watched on TV as Herb Schmidt, president of Conway Trucking, told how his company had decided to have all their drivers slow down 5 mph. He explained what the massive savings would be to his company and our world. My world. It was very impressive to me. Little effort, big reward. I wanted to stand and applaud such a wise effort on Conway Trucking’s part. I wanted to vote for Herb as president as that was some of the first wisdom I could really believe that I’ve heard this election years. Yes, years. When I saw a Conway truck at Food 4 Less loading to help those who had suffered in the tornado tragedy, I paused, as if to unconsciously thank God for people who help others in need.
People who do things and not just talk are the real heroes. Jesus said a cup of cold water given in His name is like giving it to Him and is important. It lasts forever. Forever’s a long, long time. We all can give a cup.
As someone who has cut back to the speed limits and at times a little below, and who gets the No. 1 finger for being in someone’s way who didn’t plan their travel time well, I know this won’t sit well with many. We need the federal folks and state folks to change the speed limits again like several years ago, and save gas and nature, but more importantly, innocent lives on our highways and freeways. Seems a no-brainer. We’d slow the folks down here at home and some overseas who don’t love us anyway. Some seem to want to decide our futures by their greed for money and power. Heaven forbid they might have to lose a jet and ride a good used camel.
I think it clear the only green they’re worried about. We all can do something folks, if we all want to. Slow down and smell the roses. Ask our representatives in government to help and not just promise.
Max Basye
Oronogo