Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
10:19 pm Sunday, November 25, 2007

History repeating itself

By By Melissa Cason
It's been a decade since the blockbuster movie "Titanic" opened in theaters and became the highest grossing movie of all time, passing Star Wars.
I know that Jimmy and I watched the movie in theaters at least three times, and once it hit home video in September 1998, I made sure our home had a copy of the movie. I even pop it in the VCR occasionally when there is nothing on the tube and I have three hours to kill.
When I heard the story of the cruise passengers being rescued from lifeboats in sub-zero temperatures Thursday night after their ship struck an iceberg in the Antarctic Ocean, I couldn't help but think about how strange it is that history often repeats itself-maybe not with the exact course of events but in similar circumstances.
I feel like the events Thursday night were a repeat of the Titanic disaster on a smaller scale with a happier ending.
After hearing the story, I was thankful that we all learned from history.
We might not can keep disaster from striking but we can learn how to deal with it better.
I know many of us complained during history classes or decided that it would be an appropriate time to nap. But, learning about the past is extremely important.
I am thankful that our teachers forced us to learn it by making history lessons interesting.
There is no doubt that the Titanic story helped keep the 150 passengers and crew members aboard the ship alive because of what was learned from our past, and it is certain that proper protocol was followed to ensure passenger safety this time around.
I know that technological advancements were also a major contributing factor in the passengers being rescued from the freezing waters quickly.
Lessons were obviously learned and procedures were developed to ensure safety to provide a positive outcome.
I know all of the 150 people on board are thankful that lessons were learned from the past.

Also on Franklin County Times
Main Street gets new director
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — New Main Street Director Erica Childers said she hopes to build momentum downtown through community events, business cooperation and in...
Legion will dispose of old flags
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — As Flag Day (June 14) approaches, officials are encouraging residents with dilapidated U.S. flags to dispose of them safely and properl...
Red Bay OKs website redesign
Main, News, Red Bay, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
June 10, 2026
RED BAY — Town Square Group will redesign the city’s website, a move officials said would improve communication with residents and visitors while help...
Grand jury charges 2 in child porn case
News, Russellville
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The next time Abigail Roberts enters a courtroom will be to say whether she is guilty or not guilty of charges ranging from first-degre...
Sentencing for Dowdy is set for Aug. 4
News, Russellville
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Almost nine months after being convicted of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, Brandy Dowdy will finally learn how long sh...
Progress in education pays off for Alabama
Columnists, Opinion
June 10, 2026
Public education is powered by dedicated educators who believe in Alabama’s children — from the classroom teacher helping a student discover a love of...
Study club prepares for next chapter
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
June 10, 2026
The May dinner meeting of Book Lovers Study Club featured guest speaker Cynthia Geis, GFWC Alabama North District director. Geis and I have been frien...
Bendall takes role in ‘Waiting for Godot’
News, Russellville
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
Konner Bendall has been chasing the stage since he first put on a Santa suit for a school program at seven years old. Now, the Russellville native is ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *