By Ricky Rieckert
Dear readers,
This week, I want to start out by saying, a warm welcome to the New Year, 2026.
What has Father Time done? It seems like the years just fly by, as we get older.
This year, marks the 250th year of our great country of the United States of America. The nation’s Semiquincentennial (250th Anniversary) is the celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4. The celebration will be a year-long commemoration, called America 250 or Freedom 250, including nationwide events, educational programs, and reflections on the country’s history, principles, and future, led by a Federal task force.
Perhaps politicians will start abiding by the Constitution of the United States, instead of trying to modify, or destroying our freedoms in this great country.
Remember; “Of the People, By the People, For the People.”
Our Forefathers had it right in 1787 when they drew up and signed the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution works, if you follow it and leave it alone.
We have freedoms that are being messed with all the time, that protect the people. Nowhere in the Constitution, does it mention the IRS, however, it grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes.
The Federal Reserve is not even owned or run by the United States government, but is overseen by a Board of Governors.
Our Armed Forces have protected our freedoms and rights for 250 years and continue today, to do so.
Many events are planned for the Celebration this year, with most happening July 4.
Enough of that for now.
•As many of you already know, the Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers, 31-27, in the wildcard round to advance to the division round to play the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Jan. 18, at Soldier Field.
This year will be Super Bowl LX (60, for those of you, who don’t know Roman numerals.)
As I said before, as you get older, time keeps rolling away, like a runaway freight train.
Heck, I was in New Orleans in January of 1986, at the Super Dome, for Super Bowl XX, (20), between the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots.
I can’t believe that was 40 years ago. It seems like just yesterday. That team, under the helm of coach Mike Ditka was built with talent, especially the defense.
That team’s defense could win games. They only lost one game that season, against the Miami Dolphins.
They finished that season 18-1 en route to winning the division 15-1, two playoff games, and Super Bowl XX.