Glut of political junk mail, flood of partisan robocalls gives me pause ...

I dearly love our republic. I revere the Founding Fathers. I cherish the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

My loyalty wavers not.

Similarly, I am a student and a fan of marketing, advertising and public relations.

But I must share a thought that causes me concern.

The glut of political junk mail and the flood of partisan robocalls we've received in the last month help explain, at least to some extent, why the citizens of some nations — particularly those who haven't enjoyed our heritage of freedom and representative government — dally with returns to repressive, totalitarian, one-party regimes.

Not that I consider that a solution, but surely there are better ways to run political campaigns.

Suggestions? Options? Opinions?

Anyone? Anyone?

Dear Don McLean, 'February makes me shiver,' too.

In "American Pie" the great Don McLean sang, "February made me shiver."

I feel your pain, brother.

It's chilly and breezy and sloppy wet today in North Texas, but the snow that blew in earlier this week slid to the south.

Dang it all.

Hey, we can always talk about the weather, right?

And it's even more fun to remember favorite old songs.

McLean's "Tapestry" was another fine LP.

But don't take my word for it. Try it yourself.

Olympics observation

Only one thing's missing from the exciting Winter Olympics. I have yet to hear "Texas, Our Texas" during the medal ceremonies. Bummer, dude.

What are those great songs?

The songs in some TV spots just make you wanna tap your feet.

Go ahead; try to resist.

I dare you.

Miriam Makeba performs "Pata, Pata" in the Honda Accord Crosstour "Boxes" spot.

Michelle Branch performs "Everywhere" in this Chase Bank spot.

Shiny Toy Guns performs "Major Tom" in the Lincoln MKZ spot.

Roll with it.

I hope Jack Bauer appreciates this input.

Tick-tock. Tick-tock.

"The following takes place between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m."

No, Jack-o, it takes place between 11 p.m. and midnight.

Thank you, Harmon Morgan, for the many valuable lessons you provided in newswriting and editing.

"Twitter is over capacity. Too many tweets! Please wait a moment and try again."

Be careful what you ask for, Twitter.

It appears you're a victim of your own success.

Or poor infrastructure planning.

Or gremlins.

At the price I'm paying to tweet, I want uptime, dang it!

PRSA Dallas Feb. 11 Luncheon: "Super Bowl, Super Opportunities for Communicators"

PRSA Dallas welcomes Tony Fay, vice president, communications, for the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee.

Tony is responsible for planning and executing the committee’s public relations, community services and overall communications strategies.

He began his career with the Dallas Mavericks, where for 12 years he was the club’s director of communications. In that capacity he managed media relations, publishing, Web development, broadcasting and community relations.

Most recently at Fay Sports Publicity, Tony's clients included the Heisman Winners Association, Lifetime Fitness, Red Bull, Chuck Norris’ World Combat League and the Frisco RoughRiders.

The meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 11, at the Park City Club, 5956 Sherry Lane, Ste 1700, in Dallas.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.

Members and guests can register now at https://www.prsadallas.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=115:monthlyluncheon&catid=38:groups