Some Columns You Won’t See This Columnist Write in the Senior Journal
Fallout from making comments often results in confrontations - time this writer not willing to concede
By Bill Kalmar, Retiree
Dec. 19, 2011 - As a frequent columnist for “The Senior Journal” and several other publications I have learned that there
are certain topics that are out of bounds. These are topics that elicit heated debate, irate e-mails and phone calls and the occasional
cancelling of a newspaper or magazine subscription.
I read recently that there are three topics that should not be discussed in public or in print media because the reaction
is often volatile. Those topics are religion, politics and automobiles.
Now I can certainly understand religion and politics but how would my discussing the beauty and reliability of my 1970
Plymouth Valiant evoke anger? Just wondering.
No biker helmet laws in some states, lots of corn for E85, return the coffee sleeve? Special: plea for unity on 9-11
- By Bill Kalmar, Retiree - Sept. 2, 2011
Quite frequently I receive requests from friends, relatives and readers of my columns to write about certain issues. In
most cases it is about a personal matter that would not have wide spread acceptance.
The other day though a friend asked that I write about an event for the twenty-two Navy Seals from the elite Team Six
group who were killed in a helicopter accident. I, of course, agreed.
But there are a number of topics I stray away from, not because I don’t have an opinion, but, because there is a time and
place for everything and for some of these topics this may not be the time.
In addition, the fallout from making comments often times results in confrontations that at this juncture in my life just
take up time that I am not willing to concede. That is not to say that I don’t stand up for my convictions in an unwavering stance, it’s just
being able to recognize the venue for discussing my beliefs.
Having said that, here are some topics you will not see me touch in the
Senior Journal:
● Any selection of a Presidential candidate
● Legal stances of the ACLU
● Same sex marriages
● The Israel/Palestine discussions
● Pit bull dogs
● Unions and right to work states
● Government bailouts
● Any issue raised by PETA (People for the Equal Treatment of Animals)
● Immigration issues
● Tattoos and body piercing
● Rap music
Topics you have a better chance of seeing:
● Updates on our grandchildren
● Celebratory events with family
● Our Keurig coffee maker
● The beauty of my wife Mary
● Boxers or briefs
● Government waste and corruption
Topic I will always write about at this time of the year:
It is called Christmas. And, it is called a Christmas tree not a Holiday Tree! Anything contrary to that is balderdash.
I will also yell out “Merry Christmas” in any store that refuses to recognize that! Will that upset some people?
Evidently yes. Do I care? Absolutely not!
So there you have it. Now I have to respond to a friend who wants me to write about the price of pecans. Guess he prefers
pecan pie over pumpkin pie.
Well, at least he didn’t want me to take a stance on real or artificial Christmas trees, which would mean a confrontation
with the Sierra Club. Whew! Dodged that bullet!
L Bill Kalmar is retired in Lake Orion, Michigan,
and is the former Director of the Michigan Quality Council. He is a
frequent contributor to SeniorJournal.com. His opinions are his own.
James Dean museum
- are there really any people attracted to a film star who had only
about three movies? Then again, Justin Bieber, a teenager, has already
written his autobiography.
Editor’s Note: Ever wonder why people often refer to
senior citizens as “cranky old men.” Read this column by our occasional
contributor, who is a retired senior.
Editor’s Note: Ever wonder why people often refer to
senior citizens as “cranky old men.” Read this column by our occasional
contributor, who is a retired senior.
Aug. 1, 2005 - Many senior citizens approach their
golden years and retirement with trepidation. Not me. I retired two years
ago after forty years in the business world and am now looking forward to my
next forty years in a lifestyle filled with excitement, fulfillment and a
schedule of my own making. Each day is a new adventure and I’m ecstatic to
be going along for the ride! Read
more...
Dec. 19, 2011 - As a frequent columnist for “The Senior Journal” and several other publications I have learned that there
are certain topics that are out of bounds. These are topics that elicit heated debate, irate e-mails and phone calls and the occasional
cancelling of a newspaper or magazine subscription. 
The flag has become the symbol for a people who are
kind, generous and hard-working
A sign of
the times that makes a columnist rethink his attitude on retirement
