Say Cheese...but cut the cards!

Finley Peter Dunne, the humorist, created a column and character Martin. J Dooley saloon-keeper/philosopher who dispersed wisdom from behind a mythical Chicago bar.

His musings were carried in the Chicago newspapers in the late 1800's.

One of his quotes, and my favorite was "Trust everyone but still cut the cards.

My little town, like many across America, has been reaching out to business owners and entrepreneurs to help resurrect an old, (and former pre-mall) bustling downtown business district.

Modeling after some successful small towns (located not too far from us) we have attracted some of the stereotypical favorites; restaurant/coffee houses frequented by deadbeats for the free Wi-Fi, consignment shops, Art studios, Farmer's Markets, renovated Railways Stations and of course the obligatory Tattoo Parlor.

I am "tat-free" and have no desire for a colorful Dragon or Grateful Dead dancing bear to grace my less than taut fleshy parts, but if I ever were to sloganize my skin, this Martin Dooley quote would surely be one to consider.

It took years for me to realize the truthfulness behind bartender Dooley's statement, usually after much pain and loss during my youth, when carelessness and invincibility partnered with naïveté; trusting those I once considered close.

Life's learning curves can be both painful and embarrassing, especially when your foibles and indiscretions are exposed for all to witness, mock and leer.

As a father of a daughter, and grandfather to 5 little girls (with a 6th grand-baby on the way), it would pain me if in the future I would have to witness the embarrassment and humiliation now experienced this week by a number of young, beautiful "celebrity" women who trusted friends and I-clouds with very personal moments in their lives.

By all accounts it appears that this dissemination of photographs were unauthorized for public view.

They trusted friends, lovers and security but were betrayed by technology and social media hacker-profiteers lacking conscience for the sake of twisted conquest.

For those who want a sneak peak at feminine anatomy the Internet is never lacking. There has and always will be those whose decision it is to display their wares.

For the young women affected by this current scandal, you have my sympathy and support of the capture and prosecution of the scoundrels involved.

Live, Learn, Move-On and next time "cut the cards".