“Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.”
Those were the words of Casey Kasem when he would close out each episode of his American Top 40 radio show. I agree. Human beings have no business in the sky. That’s probably not what Casey had in mind when he coined the phrase, but that’s my interpretation… and here’s why.
I have long believed that humans were made to roam the land. If we were intended to be in the sky, we would have wings. We don’t, but that hasn’t stopped generations of humans from trying to get into the air. Flying in an airplane is unnerving to me, but it is now an acceptable means of transportation for me and for most people. Damn those Wright brothers.
Oh, well. I get it, and I do fly in commercial planes. But skydiving? Bungee jumping? Paragliding? The margin for error in these activities is slim. Casey was right. Reaching for the stars is fine, but keep your feet on the ground, for crying out loud.
Meanwhile, about 2.8 million skydives are made in the U.S. each year. The United States Parachute Association, which has 40,000 members, recorded 11 fatal skydiving accidents in 2020, a rate of 0.39 fatalities per 100,000 jumps. They contrast that with a 1 in 6,000 chance of dying in a car wreck for those who drive 10,000 miles or more per year. I’m not debating their math, but I still like my personal odds better in an automobile.
The thought of landing on the ground in a parachute makes my back ache. My skydiving friends tell me that the impact is similar to jumping off a garage, which, to be honest, doesn’t sound appealing either. Don’t get me wrong. I am all for supporting the 73,000 or so chiropractors in the U.S., but I prefer to avoid activities that compress my spine.
So, yes, I am choosing to keep my feet on the ground. And those stars? Well, I will keep reaching.
Have a thoughtful Thursday, and, as always, thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
