Dateline Dayton – In the news:

In the Michigan of Niles, a high school wrestler and his coach pulled a man from a burning car, likely saving his life.

The wrestler, who had just taken fifth place in the state tournament, and his coaches were on their way home when they came upon a single car accident. Flames were streaming from the engine compartment. The coach driving stopped the van 200 yards away, and he immediately called 9-1-1 while the rushed to the driver. They found a woman standing near the vehicle, visibly upset, asking for help in freeing a male passenger from the front seat.

The wrestler climbed around and freed the man’s legs, jammed underneath the dash. Once freed, the wrestler and coach carried the man to the school van, where the lady already had been taken. Just as they got into the van, the car exploded.

All three are being hailed heroes.

I’m proud to say that the wrestler was my grandson, Ryan Casey. One coach commented that he was “really impressed by Ryan and the way he handled the situation.

“He showed courage way beyond his years.”

This is not the first time that a member of my daughter Darlene’s family saved someone from a fire. When Heather was very young, she and a friend alerted a neighbor that her house was on fire. She and the friend received an accommodation for their quick thinking.

A Lesson for Us

In the Dayton newspaper, there was an article with the headline “Ohioans aim anger at Congress, Obama” over government cuts. Give me a break.

Didn’t Ohioans re-elect Mr. Obama,while knowing full well of his inability to lead and his ineffective administration? Didn’t Ohioans re-elect Sherrod Brown to the U.S. Senate, knowing he is ineffective and doesn’t even know where cars are made? How many incumbent Congress members were re-elected across the state with the knowledge they are contributing to the gridlock in Washington?

When Will We Learn?

Did Ohioans expect things would change just because it’s a new year and term? Nothing will change until we elect a leader who has the best interests of our country as his agenda, someone who does not want to be king. Nothing will change unless we elect representatives who truly want to do their job, represent the people and not their self(ish) interests.

Sorry ,Ohioans, we are getting exactly what we elected, poor representation.

Update – In my essay of last week, I told about cases that would be going to trial. The third one, involving the gentlemen who actually was claiming that he was let go because of discrimination, lost on both counts, with the jury ruling 6 to 2 in favor of the company.

From what I read in the newspaper, I would agree with the outcome.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net