Straight from the Mike: Where Have the Flowers Gone?

Hopefully, the flowers of honor have not disappeared from the flowerbed of life and society entirely. It is my earnest desire that a new crop of seeds will be sown upon fertile soil and be allowed to mature in time for spring.

Specifically, I am referencing the flowers of honor that appear to be on the decline in the garden of our society. We are seeing numerous examples of actions that in another time would result in honor winning the day. 

We see the erosion at the corporate level. Boeing Corporation was a premier aircraft manufacturer at one time. Needless to say, the awesome responsibility of producing an aircraft that carries thousands of passengers and crews to destinations all over the world is under necessary federal scrutiny. The most recent incident involves a door literally coming off its hinges. Early investigations suggest an outside contractor, no doubt the low bidder, may have been lax in its quality control.

Closer to us, when looking at the mismanagement and overcrowding at the Fulton County Jail, much of it can be traced back to the DA’s office backlog coupled with too many indolent judges not willing to pick up the pace in order to ensure justice before one suffers the inhumane conditions at the facility. I seem to recall such an event as ‘Night Court’ or was that just a TV series? Additionally, we now see the situation with Fulton County DA Willis, who is incurring microscopic scrutiny regarding her professional handling of the election conspiracy case. The future effectiveness of the DA’s office, as well as the alleged misuse of government funds coupled with the domino effect of the DA’s office backlog, would clearly suggest an honorable decision would be to pass the baton.

I would be remiss though if I did not point out one silver lining in all of the recent happenings. The CEO of Norfolk Southern railroad, whose corporate headquarters has to Atlanta from Richmond, VA. The railroad has had a sparkling safety reputation in the freight sector and spared no expenses when it came to their employee-training mission. The unfortunate accident last year in Palestine, OH drew national attention to the perils of shipping toxic materials in populated areas. The Norfolk CEO has authorized the spending of millions of dollars and made numerous visits back to the area. No, he has no magic wand to make things as they were, but no one can say he has not done more than just make an appearance before a congressional committee to DC, he has stepped up to the plate. I respect that.

In the sports arena, we are subjected to an ever-increasing number of instances of disrespect, unsportsmanlike conduct and antics that should give us all pause, especially if you are a grandparent or parent of a young athlete involved in sports at any level. The sporting warriors I knew or played with and against would surely roll their eyes at the antics on display these days.

How can one overlook the serious judgment error of our national defense secretary? He apparently thought it was ok to ignore protocol and make light of the responsibility of his office at a crucial time, right in the midst of world conflicts. It seems to me a curtain call by the secretary would be in order.

Moreover, how about our county neighbors in South Fulton? Imagine being a taxpayer with the frustrating wonderment about not only the expenditures being exposed by the Willis expenditure investigations but add to that the recent court judgment against Fulton County Commissioner Hall resulting in a mega check for the plaintiff. We are indeed fortunate in Cobb County not to be under such scrutiny and served by honorable individuals across the spectrum. In my view, one can connect the dots to the blind spot that is too prevalent with some public officials and the rise of arrogance in the public arena. This should result in discussions on the very validity and importance of our social contract as well as public policy.

In my mind, pride, properly displayed, is an asset. Integrity is a virtue. Honor should be like the quality linen that covers the table of responsibility for all who are so fortunate to be a guest at this banquet table of life.

Yes, we are seeing too many instances that suggest that the guest list is dwindling. Hopefully, we will soon return to the day when our culture is fortified by honor and pride. As it has been said, there is even honor even among thieves. Let us look forward to bountiful flowers blossoming in the spring.

A special mention needs to be made to honor the sacrifice made by three of our brave Georgia soldiers in defense of our freedom.

I remain Michael Murphy…