Commentary By Danielle Pelkey

The North Jefferson News



This past Thursday, I attended the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce luncheon. I go to all of the luncheons because it is a great way to mingle with different businesses, and the company pays for my lunch, so who’s gonna turn down an offer like that?

There was a big hype about this particular luncheon because well-known Paul Finebaum of the Paul Finebaum Radio Network was scheduled to speak.

I have listened to Paul’s show off and on for many years. I can remember driving down the road with my dad and him making us listen to this man give his opinion on all these different sports.

I listened like I knew what was going on. But much like today, I only knew enough about sports to keep a conversation going.

Don’t get into the history of the team or former players because I have already trashed that knowledge in order to make room in my mind for the players of this year’s team.

Paul is a controversial media figure. He’s not afraid to hurt your feelings or to give you his true opinion. I like him. I wish that I could be more like him in that nature.

I know that there can often be controversy swirling around my columns, but nothing like the sensitive topics that Finebaum tackles.

We all know that in the south, football is a religion for many people. He has the guts to throw it all out there on the line. He usually just says what everyone else is thinking, but are scared to say it themselves.

I know that in life, sometimes it is hard to decide whether you should keep your mouth shut about a certain issue or if you should just yell your opinion from the roof top.

There is much said in the Bible about keeping your mouth shut and listening instead of talking. I’ve heard the old saying, “It is better to shut your mouth and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and prove it.”

I know that I have proven my foolishness more times than I wish to remember.

I have tried to adopt a new theory on giving my opinion. I try not to just push my opinions on everyone. I have, in the past few years, learned that if I wait and let someone ask me what I think about an issue, they usually listen better than if I just blurt out my every thought.

But here is the catch, don’t ask my opinion if you don’t want my true and straight forward opinion.

I guess people really do want Paul’s straight forward opinion, and that’s how he makes his living. It must be nice to be Paul Finebaum.