Sarah Beckstrom, a young National Guard soldier from Webster County, West Virginia (about 30 miles from my hometown) was murdered by a radical Islamic Muslim from Afghanistan. He is in this country only because he was one of thousands flown here after our disastrous withdrawal from the country in 2021. He shot another West Virginia soldier, Andrew Wolfe, who may not survive.

We’re always generous towards those who help us in war. In the case of Afghans, we should have safely transported them to another country where Islam is the main religion. They would feel right at home there instead of being so frustrated a few of them decide to murder Americans.

We’ve got some home-grown nutty folks, too, including political leaders. They oppose law enforcement officers who are arresting dangerous criminals.

Switching from today’s news… here is a highlight from our new book, “Common Horse Sense from Will Rogers: Seven Timeless Tips for Leaders (and Everyone Else).”

“Will Rogers lived his life as a role model for leaders (and everyone else). ‘Live your life so that whenever you lose (it), you’re ahead.’ When Will wrote that in 1931, he added, ‘Get a few laughs, do the best you can.’

“Once, on the ‘lecture circuit,’ Will left his hotel and walked to the theater just in time to go on stage. Outside the theater, a group of black kids, teenagers, and probably a few adults were standing on the sidewalk, hoping to get a chance to see the famous Will Rogers. You might guess that a star performer would greet the group briefly and move on. But not Will. He pulled out his lassos and gave them a free show for at least 30 minutes, while the folks inside waited impatiently for him to take the stage. Why did Will do this? The theater was segregated. Those young Blacks were not allowed to go inside.

“In 1929, he made the first of 21 “talkies” (movies with sound). The producers and directors, including Oscar-winning John Ford, gave Will complete freedom to change scripts and alter scenes. Will used that freedom to promote the growth of fellow actors, including Lincoln Perry, known as Stepin’ Fetchit, Bill Robinson, known as Bojangles, and Henry B. Walthall. Will Rogers created situations where these three actors could grow beyond what was expected of them.”

This $5 book, by Jennifer Rogers and me, is available from: ShopWillRogers.com/collections/books. It can make a nice little gift slipped in with bigger presents.

Historic quote by Will Rogers:

       “Like a lot of my big ideas, they don’t seem to work out. There must be a bit of college professor in me somewhere.” DT #2208, Aug. 31, 1933