Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

USA TODAY EDITORIAL BOARD:

ELECT JOE BIDEN - REJECT DONALD TRUMP

The USA TODAY Editorial Board has never endorsed a candidate for president. Until now. 'This is not a normal election, and these are not normal times.' In its 38 years of existence, the Editorial Board has never endorsed a candidate for president. The nonpartisan board hasn't recommended a nominee. Until now.  "We don't do this eagerly," said editorial page editor Bill Sternberg. "We hope we don't have to do it again, but it seems like one of those break-glass moments where there's a clear and present danger and there's a clear choice." The closest the board ever came to an endorsement was in 2016,  when it urged voters to reject Donald Trump, but did not endorse any other candidate. Donald Trump has trampled each of these principles, making  more than 20,000 false or misleading statements, ducking responsibility for his actions, spewing streams of invective at his critics, trafficking in racial fearmongering, governing more as the leader of the red states than of the United States, and relentlessly attacking the free press. Biden is a worthy antidote to Trump's unbounded narcissism and chronic chaos. Having surmounted  heartbreaking personal loss  - his first wife and year-old daughter died in a car crash, and his son Beau died of brain cancer - Biden exudes decency and empathy. Ask yourself: Can you imagine Joe Biden denigrating service members as losers? Cozying up to autocrats abroad? Shaking down a foreign leader for dirt on a political opponent? Biden is an experienced hand with working-class roots who understands the American dream. He knows the levers of power and how to wield them. He has a history of working across the aisle on such issues as health care, racial justice and the environment. He has the knowledge and the personality to begin repairing America's tattered reputation around the world. Biden is well positioned to repair the wreckage Trump has made of the federal government, from the Foreign Service to the science agencies Trump has tried to politicize. As vice president in the Obama administration, Biden played a  central role in the last economic recovery and is equipped to handle another one.

TRUMP'S RALLY COMMENTS PROMPT

"LOCK HER UP" CHANTS

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer accused President Trump of inciting domestic terrorism Sunday. "It's incredibly disturbing that the president of the United States, 10 days after a plot to kidnap, put me on trial and execute me, is at it again, inciting this kind of domestic terrorism," Whitmer said on NBC'S, "Meet the Press" after a Trump campaign appearance in Michigan on Saturday. "It is dangerous, not just for me and my family but for public servants everywhere," the Governor said, calling on opinion leaders to "Call this out" and demand Trump tamp down his remarks. Saturday night, Trump held a campaign rally at an airport near Muskegon, where he repeated criticism of Whitmer over measures she has taken to address the pandemic, prompting crowd chants of "Lock Her Up." His conduct reflects his own insecurity and envy of Gov. Whitmer's respected record of leadership in a time of crisis. It also serves as a reminder that our nation is at a crossroads. Federal and state officials charged 14 men in connection with alleged domestic terror plots that included a play to kidnap Whitmer from her family's vacation home in northern Michigan. Whitmer said Trump is "complicit" in the plot by using highly charged words to criticize her, refusing to condemn right-wing groups and encouraging such groups by tweeting comments such as "Liberate Michigan." Gov. Whitmer said Trump's response to the pandemic is "The worst on the globe" because he has politicized the crisis, rather than addressing it from a science and health perspective. Whitmer said, "We should have acted as if we are in a war but not a war with one another."

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2010

We were sorry to hear about the death of Rachel Burton Wheeler, age 60. She passed away in her sleep at her home in Harper, Texas on Oct. 16. The lifelong Bridge City resident was a second generation owner of Burton Shipbuilding. To husband Jesse Wheeler, children and the Burton family we extend our sincere condolences. Rachel was a gracious lady with a lot of class.*****Quote of the week: This week's quote comes from former congressman Nick Lampson on redistricting. "When elected officials pick their voters rather than voters picking their elected officials, something is corrupt."******Elton John and Leon Russell released a duet album this week called "The Union." Elton calls Leon his idol. The album will be big. *****Speaking cool, I ran into one cool lady having lunch at Danny's last week. Major Donna Peterson, wearing jeans and a Drew Brees shirt, looked like a college student. If she weren't so pretty, I would call her cute. *****Special folks celebrating this week. Two unlikely guys who are both marking birthdays on Oct. 23, both born on the same day, 76 years ago, under the same sign, are Judge Claude Wimberly and VFW guru John Wayne Clark. I believe they reinforced in me why I don't believe in horoscopes. They are Scorpios. Maybe one was born on morning of the 23rd and the other evening. One is quite, the other won't shut up. ***On Oct. 24, Mary Stanton and Debbie Fusilier celebrate their birth a few years apart. ***A girl we've known since she was a well-stacked teenager, Sandi Mobley Huckabay, is a year older on the 25th. ***Another notable birthday is our longtime friend, always beautiful, Vickie Drake Brown, Orange native and longtime resident of Lawrence, Kansas. ***Our buddy Judge Jimmy Scales, drainage board member, is a year older.***John Cecil Beeson, Eric Brinson and Skipper's little girl, Laura Free Wheeler, who turns 48 Friday, also mark birthdays. The best to all.*****Always on the go. Al Granger goes for his walk every morning. I can't believe he needs to because he runs the rest of the day. I bet if a mileage meter was on Al, it would show he does at least 25 miles daily, six days a week and dances another five miles. ***** Our editor Nicole says she had a great time Saturday at the "Old Cowboy Reunion" held at Wayne Peveto's place. She enjoyed the old boys and said they cook up good vittles and the best rolls she ever ate. I can tell her a secret, the chuck wagon cooked up Wayne's famous beer biscuits, so big they look like rolls.***** *****The state's largest "Scarecrow Festival" will be held at Shangri La. Over 100 crows will participate.***** The latest, we hear, is Hopper Lumber, a 60-year-old business in Bridge City, currently owned by the Lee Angelle family. We understand the lumber company has been sold to the Lightfoot family, owners of Orange County Building Materials in Vidor.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Obituaries 10 Years Ago-2010

Richard Allen Babington, 55, of Bridge City, died Saturday, Oct. 16 at his residence. A memorial service will be 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21. He served in the U.S. Marines and was an insulator for the construction industry.  Richard is survived by his mother and step-father, Barbara and Numa Joe LaGrappe of Bridge City; four children, Riki Babington, Jr. Amy Babington Ila Jean Perry, David Babington and ten grandchildren.***** Eugene V. "Rawhide" Williams, 88, of Orange, died Wednesday, Oct. 13. Graveside service was held on Saturday, Oct. 16. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was a welder at Gulf Refinery for almost 38 years. Eugene was a member of the Bridge City Masonic Lodge # 1345 AF & AM, the Orange County Sheriff Posse and was also a local cattleman. Eugene is survived by his daughter, Charlotte Richardson and son, Gene Wayne Williams. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild.

 TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

22 Years Ago-1998

A dozen years ago this week was an active political season. County Judge Carl Thibodeaux was running for his second term. Republican Wayne Reeh was challenging him in the general election.*****Cimron Campbell, Orange Municipal Court Prosecutor and a member of the Mehaffy and Weber Law Firm, was challenging Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace, Marlin Shelton.*****Congressman Jim Turner was being challenged by Brian Babin. *****Democrat Gary Mauro was running against Gov. George W. Bush. *****David Bernsen was running for state senator against incumbent Republican senator from the Woodlands, Michael Galloway. *****Judge Don Burgess was running for re-election to the Court of Appeals. *****Mike Hamilton was running for County Commissioner of Pct. 2 against Democrat Sue Bearden.*****Pct. 4 Democratic Commissioner Bill Holland faced Republican Kyle Bryant. *****John Sharp was running against Republican Rick Perry for Lt. Governor.*****The Orangefield Bobcats over powered the Kirbyville Wildcats 35-14. Beau Daville rolled up 205 yards rushing on 25 totes. Eric Eshbach returned a punt for a 65-yard touchdown. It was Eshbach's second T.D. return in two weeks. Bo Shafer also scored twice, Daniel Savoie scored from 30-yards out and Gary Naquin connected all five extra points. *****The Bridge City Cards dominated the Nederland Bulldogs but lost the game 27 to 7. A bad call wiped out a Bridge City touchdown. Bridge City had 15 first downs, 53 plays to the Bulldogs 9 first downs, and 38 plays. Some of the B.C. players were Brad Miller, quarterback, Josh Sanders, Eric Ridley, receivers, Steven Curl, wingback and fullback, Daniel Kibodeaux. On defense Scott Curtis, Charlie Higginbotham, in on 10 tackles, Trey Latiolais, one interception, Jared Williams, 15 tackles, Johnny Montagne, 12 tackles, Shane Peveto assisted on five tackles, linebacker Kevin Norwood, 12 tackles, grading a high 93, Jason Broussard graded a 90. Offensive linemen grading high were Curt Lucian, Eric Bramblett, Jeremy Stolfa and Dathan Juneau. Kicker Raun Bryant was in the end zone on kickoffs and had an 54-yard punt average. Les Johnson was Bridge City coach. ***** The district champion Bridge City Cardinal volleyball team members are Ashley Theriot, Danielle Bourque, Misty Jenkinson, Sally Hill, Jessica Johnson, Kelly Nicks, Krista Shatto, Natalie Sarver, Erin Dillow and April Belk. Coaches are Rosetta Wilson and Mike Faulk. Manager is Cadence Trahan. *****Ken Wyatt, an eyewitness, said the dog stealing from the blind was not constable Keith Meritt's drug dog. The pup was a Lab said to belong to a deputy. *****Having birthdays this week are Debbie Fusilier, Jimmy Scales and Reba Gerik. *****Brent Buford, age 28, lost his life in an auto accident commuting from Bridge City to Houston. He was the son of Kent, Linda and Jackie Buford. His grandparents were Clarence and Mary Buford and great-grandmother Enola Buford. He had one sister Dana Chesson.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

We were saddened to learn of the death of area banker and businessman Benis Lee at the time of our press deadline. He started out in Orange as Executive Vice President of First City National Bank and Orange Bank and later partnered with John Smith, to acquire Smith-Lee Cadillac Oldsmobile Pontiac GMC dealership and assumed the role of owner and general manager for the next 20 years before his retirement in 1998 Our sincere thoughts go out to his family. *****The "Skeeter" plane has been spraying and I'm sure that is helping but they are still bad. This is what I've been doing, I call Pestco. They have a formula made from natural herbs, ginger, rosemary, etc. It really works. No mosquitoes in your yard for at least six weeks. Call for an appointment at 886-4248 and give them a try.*****Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the Republican majority whip, told the Houston Chronicle that Trump had "Let his guard down" on the coronavirus and that the president's rhetoric has created "confusion" that has hurt efforts to confront the pandemic.*****A few folks we know celebrating their special day in the next few days and other special occasions. Oct. 21: A very special lady, Vickie Drake Brown, celebrates her birthday today. The daughter of the late Betty and Earl Drake, Vickie is the artist that developed the Sherlock and Creaux characters that appear in the top of this column. Also, as a young artist 50 years ago, she did all the Office Hound cartoons in the Opportunity Valley News. For many years the Brown's lived in Kansas. I hear they are back but I haven't seen Vickie in years. I treasure one of her pen and ink drawings that remind me of her daily.***Also celebrating today is City Councilman Brad Childs.*****Oct. 23: The old soldier John Wayne Clark, the boy from Dime Box, celebrates. For years John was an advertisement salesman for the Leader, a competitor who became our friend.***Another friend who celebrated on this day was the late Judge Claude Wimberly. I think of his wife Pauline often and hope she's doing well.*****Oct. 24 Two special ladies I shared time with, Debbie Fusilier came into our lives here at the newspaper when she was a 14 years old D.E. student at Bridge City. She spent 34 years total with us. Today she and David are grandparents.***Another lady we spent special times visiting with is Mary Stanton. Don's widow has a birthday today and we wish her a great one.*****Oct. 25: My mind turns to "Gone But Not Forgotten." Doris Holts Fogel died at age 62 in 1993.***Clay Jackson Dunn, born Oct. 26, 1893, died Feb. 19, 1959 at age 66. Strange how 66 seemed old back then I have neckties that old.*****Oct. 27: Longtime friend, a beautiful lady, Corky's widow, Betty Harmon, celebrates a birthday today. Betty, we wish you the best and hope you are doing fine.*****One of the most unique people I've ever known, Pearl Myers Burgess, would have turned 100 today. She passed away May 31, 2017. She lived all 97 years to the fullest, never had an unkind word and was the most upbeat person I've ever known. She knew so much about life and its history. She was so interesting and thoughtful. I think of her often. Somewhere in this issue is a memorial marking a 100 years since Oct. 27, 1920, the date of her birth.*****Fact Check: I know you have heard President Trump say "We had the greatest economy ever before the virus, better than any president before me." That's not true, not even close. I was surprised to learn that JFK AND LBJ had the best. Out of the last 11 presidents Trump is at number seven. In fact, Obama's last three years is better than Trump's first three and today the United States economy is the worse since the great depression. It didn't have to be that way. It was mismanagement of a crisis.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few natives celebrating birthdays this week. Jennie Hutchison, Tammy Ballard, Kyle Murrell, Roy Farias, Becky Carter, Bryan Chauvin, Eric Brinson, Jimmy Byrd, Lisa Stewart, Pat New, Shery Martz, Brandy Cardner, Danny Jennings, Lainey Zenos, Dale Morris, Darren Wilson, Connie Curphey, Rachel Sanders, Tanner George, Connor Ziller, Toni Dyer, Hunter Smith, David Dupuis, John Lumpkin, Nathan Coffey, Betty Trantham and Becky Cooper.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Joe Comeaux had been working for weeks witout a day off.  He knew wit da seasonal workload, his boss Sostan, would not allow him to take time off. 

Finally he figure if he act crazy him, Sostan would give him a few days off. 

Joe him, he hang upside down on da ceiling and made funny noises. 

Marie Boudreaux, a co-worker, not too bright her, but she's Sostan's sister-in-law and his wife made him give her a job. 

Marie axe Joe, "Wat he was doing hanging dere?" 

He said, "I'm pretending to be a light bulb me."

Sostan walked in and axe, "Joe, wat you doing hanh?"

"Me, I'm a light bulb," Joe answer.

Sostan say, "Joe, you stressed out, go home and rest up for a couple days."

Joe jumped down and walked out of da office and Marie, her, followed Joe out.

Sostan yell at her, "Where you tink you going you?"

Marie answer, "I'm going home me, how you expect me to work in the dark, hanh?"

C'EST TOUT

BIDEN TARGET OF RUSSIA, RUDY SCAM

You can always tell when a campaign is in its final stage. Accusations of wrong doing that you have never heard before start to focus. President Trump, who has fallen behind in battleground states, and his cohorts at FOX News, Hannity, Tucker, FOX and Friends, along with radio hosts Rush Limbaugh, are spinning untrue conspiracy theory about former V.P. Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. A few weeks ago I wrote that Trump's October surprise would be Hunter all the way to Election Day, targeting his father Joe Biden. Federal authorities are investigating whether the material supplied to the New York Post by Rudy Giuliani, Trump fixer, is part of a "Smoke Bomb" of disinformation pushed by Russia and Rudy. Two Republican led senate committees unveiled a report in September stating they found no evidence of wrong doing or corruption by Biden in connection with his son Hunter's law firm business dealings with Ukraine. Trump, Rudy and the Hannity bunch have continued to lob false allegations at Biden despite multiple investigations that have found no basis for the claims. The New York Post story provided no evidence that said its reliance was on questionable sources and documents that were not verified. Giuliani refused to provide the material to other news outlets. In the meantime, Rudy's daughter Caroline, who works for Vanity Fair, says her father is part of the mob, with Trump as the Godfather. The bottom line for them is always the money, she said. Because of her knowledge of her father and his mob she is voting for Joe Biden. Michael Carpenter, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense said, "I'm very comfortable saying this is a Russian disinformation operation." You can bet Rudy, their stooge, and the FOX News bunch and talk radio will run with it in an attempt to defeat V.P. Biden. It won't work; last minute slams very seldom work. Now they are attacking Dr. Anthony Fauci, the national leading infectious disease expert, because he's right about COVID-19 and how it's been mishandled.*****Between now and Nov. 3 will be the longest 10 days in the last four years. It will seem like a month before we get the election results but then it might really take that long if the election is contested and Trump refuses to accept the results.*****That's all for me. Remember to practice good hygiene, wash hands, wear mask, etc. Take care and God bless.