Ike's strike

New York journalist Horace Greeley in 1865: “Go west, young man.”

Texas journalist (me) in 2008: “Go west, young hurricane.”

Fortunately — for us, at least — Hurricane Ike seems to be following the setting sun.

That means he probably won’t slam into us … but will slam into something around Corpus Christi or Port Lavaca.

I know the folks down there aren’t too happy with that, but it’s the best possible outcome for Ike.

There are parts of the southern Gulf Coast that are lightly populated. If Ike could make landfall in one of them, the damage would be minimal.

All I know is that we have had our share of hurricane pain. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but it’s someone else’s turn.

As for Ike doing what Rita did in ’05 — heading west and veering north — don’t even think about it.

I have a good feeling about Ike. I think that as with Gustav, we’re gonna dodge this bullet.

Thank God.