Welcome to the Friday mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.
“You stated, ‘Social media has been gasoline in this political fire…’ (Political endorsements, Dec. 13, 2023). Truth. In the good old days, political rhetoric was heated, but most people didn’t even know it. BTW, since I cannot gain your endorsement, I’ve decided to steer clear of the political arena.” - Brian
Thank you, Senator. - Shane
“Hello, Shane. I appreciate your position on a business not taking a political stand (Political endorsements, Dec. 13, 2023). Also, I would refrain from taking a business position on social issues or religion. We are a country of diverse ideas and philosophies. As you said, do not anger one-third to one-half of your customers. Some large companies based in this country are finding out the hard way that you are right. A business owner or a CEO should focus on leveraging the company’s assets to make a profit and improve the company's value.” - H Ross
I don't mind if a business wants to take a stand. I simply don’t want to hear them whine about the fallout later. - Shane
“You are right on spot on the hats (Hats off, Dec. 5, 2023). It's a pet peeve of mine. Take them off inside.” - Brian
Hats off to you as well, my friend. - Shane
“When HD TV began, an antenna was often necessary, even locally in Des Moines (Antennaes, Dec. 18, 2023). We have a couple of weird ones to use when cable or satellite go out or there is a contract dispute and a channel gets dropped. My CB antenna must have had a better magnet than yours because it never blew off the car. Your mention of rooftop antennas caused me to recall summers at relatives in northern Iowa where reorienting the rooftop antenna was necessary because the three network stations were in towns in different directions. Some relatives literally had to climb up on the roof and manually change the antenna direction. One uncle would make the family pick a single network for the evening and then redirect the antenna, if the roof wasn’t icy. Fortunately, my grandparents had a rotor and could change the direction from inside the house.” - Chuck
And today we think we have a problem when we can’t locate the remote control. - Shane
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com
See Shane Goodman's previous columns here. | 
