Opinion

Even with the Branson Airport Agreement it’s the process that counts, not what an Ole Seagull thinks or believes

Branson, Government, Opinion / /

“Glory be another miracle!” Given the political pressure of the community and in spite of months of study, work and preparation, City staff has gone back into the allegedly “bare bones budget” they originally submitted and found a way to save about $295,000. Now, dear citizen, don’t get your hopes up thinking that money might be used to subsidize your water or sewer rates, buy needed equipment for the city or pay for any of the other operational aspects of the city etc. …

Even with the Branson Airport Agreement it’s the process that counts, not what an Ole Seagull thinks or believesRead More »

Even with the Branson Airport Agreement it’s the process that counts, not what an Ole Seagull thinks or believes Read More »

An Apology for Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

General, Government, Opinion / /

Dedication: The republication of this evolving tribute is respectfully dedicated to America’s veterans and active duty military and their families with thanks and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

It is a sad fact of life that the politicians, and those in power, start wars and that the people of the nations involved bleed, die, suffer, and otherwise pay the price of war. Even in today’s world of terrorist attacks, as the people of countries or ideologies make war on each other they fall into two general categories, “Military” and “Civilian.” The Military or the fighters, generally kill each other and the civilians they believe are making war on them the old fashioned way, directly, with bullets, bombs, suicide or otherwise, terrorism, planes, etc. History testifies to the fact that they, and the civilians their actions impact on, are generally the first to bleed, suffer, and die.

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An Apology for Hiroshima and Nagasaki?Read More »

An Apology for Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Read More »

Taney County Assessor James Strahan and The Ole Seagull “trick-or-treating” together

Branson, Government, Opinion, Taney County / /

In examining the opinion piece appearing in the October 23 edition of the Branson Tri-Lakes News by James Strahan, Taney County Assessor (Strahan) entitled, “Assessor’s office should remain” the Ole Seagull was reminded of an Abraham Lincoln quote. The quote says, “I believe it is an established maxim in morals that he who makes an assertion without knowing whether it is true or false, is guilty of falsehood; and the accidental truth of the assertion, does not justify or excuse him.” …

Taney County Assessor James Strahan and The Ole Seagull “trick-or-treating” togetherRead More »

Taney County Assessor James Strahan and The Ole Seagull “trick-or-treating” together Read More »

Why are some Branson shows and attractions successful and other not?”

Branson, General, Opinion / /

Although it’s more involved than this, the Ole Seagull’s initial answer to the question “Why are some shows and attractions successful and others not?” is at least simple. That answer would be, “Successful shows and attractions have enough paying customers purchasing tickets to their shows or attractions so that they can pay their bills, keep operating and make a profit consistently.” …

Why are some Branson shows and attractions successful and other not?”Read More »

Why are some Branson shows and attractions successful and other not?” Read More »

“Yes” means “No” and “No” means “Yes” or ” How much additional authority do you want to give the city of Branson to tax you and your property?”

Branson, Government, Opinion, Taney County / /

Missouri voters going to the polls in the November election will have to vote “Yes” for “No” and “No for “Yes” on two important issues relating to their pocket books. Remember always the Ole Seagull’s warning, “We promise that if you vote for this we will do that.” “What the heck does that mean?” “By itself nothing, but when you add up the total number of times you have voted for ‘this’ and they actually did ‘that,’ or a variation involving less than what was promised the significance of the warning becomes clear.”
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“Yes” means “No” and “No” means “Yes” or ” How much additional authority do you want to give the city of Branson to tax you and your property?”Read More »

“Yes” means “No” and “No” means “Yes” or ” How much additional authority do you want to give the city of Branson to tax you and your property?” Read More »

Physically battered woman suffers through City of Branson’s abuse!

Branson, General, Government, Opinion / /

It was, at the same time, one of the most courageous things the Ole Seagull has ever seen and one of the saddest. It was courageous, as a trembling, terrified recovering victim of intense physical abuse entered the Branson Municipal Court and defended herself against a different kind of abuse, the city’s abusive use of “a corrupt practice or custom.” It was sad because she was put in the position to have to defend herself in the first place. …

Physically battered woman suffers through City of Branson’s abuse!Read More »

Physically battered woman suffers through City of Branson’s abuse! Read More »

Kid’s hunger trumps behavior of Taney County Commissioners as pathetic story of the week

Branson, Opinion, Taney County / /

An Ole Seagull’s prayer would be that if you remember nothing else from this column that you would ask yourself what you would do if you were the teacher in the following scenario. It’s Monday morning, you look up from your desk into the distressed eyes of one of your first grade students who says, “My mommy forgot to cook for us this weekend.”
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Kid’s hunger trumps behavior of Taney County Commissioners as pathetic story of the weekRead More »

Kid’s hunger trumps behavior of Taney County Commissioners as pathetic story of the week Read More »

Is there “any love in the room” for splitting Taney County into two different counties?

Branson, Government, Opinion, Taney County / /

In a 2005 column entitled, “‘Free at last,’ a new Freeus County formed from the western portion of Taney County?” the Ole Seagull wrote, “Ok, let’s get to the nubbin of it, eastern and western Taney County live in two different worlds. An outsider watching what has been transpiring recently would sense the same thing that the Ole Seagull sensed when he moved to Taney County just about twenty years ago; that eastern Taney County and the Taney County Commissioners treat the economic generator of the vast majority of …

Is there “any love in the room” for splitting Taney County into two different counties?Read More »

Is there “any love in the room” for splitting Taney County into two different counties? Read More »

It’s the expectation of morality not slime that makes Branson so special

Branson, Opinion / /

It’s the expectation of morality not slime that makes Branson so special

A visitor to Branson wrote, ” I came to this small town in Southwestern Missouri to indulge myself in the way things used to be….This is the town that slime forgot. That’s why increasing numbers come here for … wholesome entertainment.”
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It’s the expectation of morality not slime that makes Branson so specialRead More »

It’s the expectation of morality not slime that makes Branson so special Read More »

Nelly makes Branson history with the “F” word and when is a “vandal” a “vigilante?”

Branson, General, Opinion / /

August 21 was just another Saturday night in Branson with people attending shows, going to attractions and sharing in the fun and excitement that Branson has to offer. “Whoa, now Seagull, wasn’t Saturday night, August 21,2010, special because ‘Nelly’ did a concert in Branson?” …

Nelly makes Branson history with the “F” word and when is a “vandal” a “vigilante?”Read More »

Nelly makes Branson history with the “F” word and when is a “vandal” a “vigilante?” Read More »