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Monday, May 12, 2008

People entering the room walked past an M-1 rifle displayed on a table along with a GI helmet from World War II.
It’s a suitable decorative touch for an infantry reunion, but not necessarily the setting where a reporter would expect to come across a commentary on marriage.

Actually, the comment from the WWII veteran probably wasn’t made with that in mind. Still, his words offered an interesting insight on a marriage that has lasted more than 60 years.

They were sitting together at a table, and the wife moved down a chair so the reporter could sit next to her husband, a veteran of the U.S. Army’s 70th Infantry Division. The group held its western regional reunion recently at the Red Lion Hotel at the Quay.

Sixty-five years ago, these guys were part of the most powerful military effort the world had ever seen. They’re moving a bit slower now, and the eyes that peered down the sights of those M-1 rifles aren’t as sharp as they used to be.

Which is why the 85-year-old former infantryman offered this perspective as he and his wife traded smiles. From two chairs away, he said, “She still looks 55.”

Domestic policies?

Another local marriage offered some perspective on a issue that has become quite the topic of discussion over the past few months: What exactly are the qualifications for political leadership, anyway?

A few Battle Ground residents had a chance to consider that question a while ago. It wasn’t presidential politics, but nine people applied to fill a vacancy on the city council.

The candidates were asked about their priorities and goals. For the final item — “Discuss your qualifications” — one council hopeful wrote about his community involvement and local leadership experience.

Then he made this final argument for his qualifications:

“I have been married for almost 14 years and understand how to solve problems and come to compromises.”

It wasn’t enough to get him appointed to the city council position, however.

Off Beat lets members of The Columbian news team step back from our newspaper beats to write the story behind the story, fill in the story, or just tell a story.