Legend has it that March 15 carries a bad omen, especially for Roman emperor Julius Caesar.

Caesar was stabbed 23 times by a mob of senators in 44 B.C. All kinds of bad things have happened since then, when Brutus Cassius stabbed Caesar. but Cassius was the fall guy.

I’m not superstitious, so I slept late on the morning of March 15, yet I didn’t get into trouble even once, given the turmoil in Washington these days. I daresay that the bloodthirsty Roman senators would not have been able to hold a candle to our 21st century politicians today.

I think it was the great Darth Vader of Star Wars fame who said to one of his troops, “Be afraid. Be very afraid.”

Yet spring will come, the jonquils have bloomed, and things will return to normal, maybe even better.

I missed Valentine’s Day, which is always filled with good tidings and sweetness and love.

Since I am of Irish descent, I always observe Saint Patrick’s Day. I know people who have kissed the Blarney Stone, and some of my relatives, who must have gone to old Ireland and brought back part of the blarney.

The great potato famine hit Ireland in 1845-52, and there was famine throughout the land. Many crossed the Atlantic to get to America, where they could not find work, and there were signs that read “no Irish need apply.”

Back home thus far, there have been 21 Irish presidents in the U.S., and there are far too many Irish to count, which are currently serving in political service in this country.

April Fool’s Day, or All Fools Day, is April 1. Children are delighted in playing this game. However, it is inappropriate for grown-ups, except maybe for those who are vying for a political position up in D.C. 

Dave Casper is a longtime South Hall resident.