Rhubarb Ruminations: Episode 2

Who needs fiction? Need a plot line for a movie? Book? Just check out the reality of our world. More often than not, truth is far stranger than fiction.

You could check out some reality TV or, better yet, just turn on the news. It doesn’t get any stranger than that.

So as we go into episode 2 of Rhubarb Ruminations, let’s keep that “truth is stranger than fiction” mantra alive and well. Here are three more news items that just make you say “hmmmm”.

Let’s start with Item number one, which definitely needs to go in the category of “best moment of dramatic irony” in recent news memory. The confessed assassin of Malcolm X Thomas Hagen was released from jail a few weeks ago. I guess with our legal system as it is, that shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Go to jail for murder, get out 44 years later on parole or good behavior – or something along those lines. Hold on a second – get out for good behavior? You killed someone! But I digress.

So how does this little snippet of rhubarb become more intriguing?

The irony? Hagen walked out of the minimum-security Lincoln Correctional Facility, which is located at the intersection of West 110th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard. I had to shake my head in disbelief when I heard that one.

In a news item that certainly doesn’t have (and probably won’t ever have) the historical significance, Tim Tebow was drafted by the Denver Broncos. Old side-arm Tim is apparently going to now be molded into an “NFL quarterback”, under the bright lights of Denver, Colorado. The irony? Denver was once the home of perhaps one of the great true passers of our era, John Elway. Though he may have the number one selling rookie jersey in the NFL right now, the time will come when results matter. The time will come when charm will wear off and it will come down to results. And John Elway is a tough reference point, both as Hall of Fame quarterback material and as Bronco’s icon. Have fun dealing with the comparisons, Tim.

Sidebar to item two - isn’t it a little coincidental that Tebow’s number 15 is now available with the departure of Brandon Marshall to Miami? Foreshadowing, perhaps?

And then we have item number three. Or perhaps Exhibit A – Florida GOP candidate Dan Fanelli.

If this doesn't insult your intelligence, or your sensibilities, I am really not sure what will. Of course, it might just make you laugh at the insanity of it all. Truth, once again, is stranger than fiction.

And while we're ruminating, let's send a message to Floridians. Remember, you can say everything you need to say about this with your votes. Please don't forget that. Stop the insanity and make this, once and for all, unacceptable behavior for our elected officials.

Photo credit: Wikipedia