Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Have a Coke and a smile

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003 | 8:18 a.m.

January is the month when we are reminded that April 15 -- D-Day for paying income taxes -- isn't all that far away.

The mail brings reminders via official forms showing us what we have earned and what has been reported to the IRS.

Before we return to such mundane matters as taxes, I want to share a Christmas story sent to me by Sun reader Ruth Snyder.

As a lifetime believer that the majority of our co-residents on this old earth are kind and decent people, I offer this as proof.

Ruth Snyder writes:

"My grandson is a Coca-Cola collector. A few weeks ago, I was pleased to purchase a Coca-Cola-designed T-shirt, night light and mug for his Christmas.

"Later in a Greenbacks store, waiting in the cashier's line with my purchases, I noticed on a nearby shelf a Coca-Cola mug with a different and attractive design.

"I picked it up and remarked to my shopping friend that I liked it but I already had a mug. I couldn't help but pick it up a second and third time; set it back, shook my head and proceeded to pay for my oatmeal and two boxes of prunes. (I am 87!)

"We went to the car, a man tapped on the window to open. He handed me the mug and told me he knew I wanted it for Christmas.

"This gentleman warmed my heart, my grandson and my family as I told this story on Christmas morning."

There's a new top cop in town. Monday was the day Bill Young was officially inaugurated as head honcho of the Metropolitan Police department. The new sheriff faces a mighty challenge, but he comes with good credentials, a long tenure with Metro and the confidence of his peers.

Meanwhile retiring Sheriff Jerry Keller deserves credit for his many years of exemplary service. He has earned the right to go fishing, or whatever he chooses; it is my bet he won't be idle in his retirement years.

Local resident Charles Becker finds it ironic that the article about a recycling plant in Snowflake, Ariz., appeared in the local newspaper the day after the "voluminous 2003/2004 secured assessment roll" was published.

"Apparently you hoped it would mitigate any criticism which might be directed to those responsible for this waste of natural resources as well as taxpayer's dollars," he wrote.

He has taken his concerns to the governor, assemblymen, reporters and editors. I don't doubt that others shared his views when the massive tax rolls were delivered to the door.

Just for the record, however, it's the law and until it is repealed the waste (if such it is) will continue.

Short Takes:

Can you believe Bob Hope will be celebrating his 100th birthday this year?

There's something haunting and achingly beautiful about the Chevy Tahoe commercial featuring the line, "And nobody knows but me."

Kudos to TV's Judge Judy. A young girl appeared in court dressed in hip-hugger jeans with her navel exposed. Judge Judy told her she was not dressed properly for court. She told her to pull the T-shirt down and cover her bare tummy. Fortunately there were no ACLU vigilantes present to demand protection of the girl's alleged civil rights.