Gripe 1: Why do we experience so much incompetence anymore? In the mail yesterday, I received a letter from the IRS informing me my tax return was being processed along parallel lines that had not yet intersected. I also received a letter from my insurance company threatening to add the children of my former landlord to my policy unless I took action. It was difficult trying to explain why I do not take other peoples’ children with me when I move.

Gripe 2: I embrace diversity. I respect that many among us do not respect property rights. I celebrate that a diverse person helped himself to my boss’ wallet and drove his car 250 miles away. It caused the boss to stress to the point of attempting to reclaim the car himself and suffering physical and financial setbacks and worrying half the county in the process. I also tolerate the belief of others that they have the right to mess with the doors and locks on my car so that now one door is in only and the other is out only. I love climbing seats. Oh, and this is the car the county valued at 30% over Kelley Blue Book’s recommendation for a perfect-condition, fully-equipped vehicle.

Gripe 3: In light of the above circumstances, I dread having to appear in court. If I help to incriminate the perp, I further endanger society. By and large, the only way for criminals of record to obtain sustenance is through the black market.

Gripe 4: Government needs more money for greenways and downtown improvements. Main Street in Hendersonville, a beloved and delightful city before the business improvement district started fixing things, is again a rubbish heap due to the latest artistic beautification. I don’t make the once affordable trip down that way much anymore, but from my limited experience, the construction appears to be continual. Meanwhile, almost every taxpayer I know is deferring maintenance.

Gripe 5: A little girl tonight kept telling us everybody is a winner. If that were the case, I should have 250 jobs. And look at all the cures for cancer we’ve found.