We are almost half way through December and it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. But when covering the news, it’s a bit difficult to find the holiday spirit.
As this week concludes, Indiana’s senators have become a national story by voting with Democrats to stop mid-decade redistricting in Indiana, voting 31 to 19 to defeat the bill overwhelmingly approved by Indiana’s House last week.
Perhaps most disappointing is the response by Gov. Mike Braun who issued a statement about the GOP senators who voted down the measure, pledging to work with President Donald Trump to “challenge” (insert the actual word primary) them, despite these senators voting the way their constituents asked them to. This comes after multiple bomb threats, swatting incidents and other intimidation tactics some senators endured before the vote.
Braun “rebuked” these senators, saying, “I am very disappointed that a small group of misguided state senators have partnered with Democrats to reject this opportunity to protect Hoosiers with fair maps and to reject the leadership of President Trump. Ultimately, decisions like this carry political consequences. I will be working with the President to challenge these people who do not represent the best interests of Hoosiers.”
And yet, there was Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, who became emotional stating his unwavering stand against redistricting, saying “I refuse to be intimidated ….I will not let Indiana or any state become subject to the threat of political violence in order to influence legislative product. I honestly don’t feel from fear for my safety… I fear for this institution (the Indiana Senate), I fear for the state of Indiana, and I fear for all states if we allow intimidation and threats to become the norm.”
Walker’s stand against Trump’s bully pulpit is now a national story, with his comments opposing redistricting reprinted in various national news outlets, including The New York Times on Wednesday. Walker has hinted he may be rethinking about retiring and running for his Indiana Senate seat again — but we say, why not governor, or maybe even president.
Also this week we saw chaos ensue on I-65 when a semi carrying 300 howitzer shells started having overheated brakes and called for firefighters, as local sheriff deputies shut down the interstate for miles while waiting for an Army explosive ordinance disposal team to arrive. Motorists went into a tailspin, literally with two accidents on either side of the road closure, with Indiana State Police and Columbus police clearing those.
And yet, we note the courage of the Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department firefighters and assistant chief Nick Lloyd who went to the scene, noted the issue of overheated brakes and stayed next to the semi for hours in case fire erupted before being moved back 2,000 feet to wait for the Army team. And they knew what was in the truck after a sheriff deputy called an emergency number to get specifics.
Nothing blew up and there were no injuries. As Lloyd put it, “We’ve still got to do our job,” when asked about staying with the truck and adding, “It didn’t change the situation.” Firefighters — you just have to respect what they do and who they are.
So we arrive at today, and actually the biggest holiday news story is happening probably as you read this. The Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund Delivery Day began at 8 a.m., when the Columbus community gathers to send Christmas boxes full of toys and well wishes to those in need.
We don’t need an “and yet” for this. It is the most pure and perhaps joyful holiday gathering of the year. Individuals line up hours before the event opens to be the first in line… Santa and the Grinch show up, and you may spot an elf or two, and you will see Columbus officials wearing Santa hats and blinking Christmas lights as they load boxes into the volunteers delivering boxes in the community.
So if you’re feeling a little dismayed at all that has transpired this week, remember the “And yet.”
There’s still unother 12 days to find your Christmas spirit, and share it with someone who needs it.
