OpinionNovember 12, 2009
Speak Out 11/12/09
How we got here; Have at it; The right thing; Mowing leaves; Having trust; What transparency?; Pay it all; Medical research; Free produce; Voting mess; Phone bill; Mow the leaves
How we got here
"THE powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite. The former will be exercised principally on external objects, as war, peace, negotiation and foreign commerce." -- James Madison. There can be no question as to where or how we went wrong. In answer to President Obama's much used phrase "how we got here in the first place," this would be it.
Have at it
I read the criticism of the neighbor who ventures into other people's yards to trim trees and do other yard work because she's allegedly obsessed with her yard and expects others to look the same. I would give anything if that person lived next to me. Believe me, I would give her free rein to go at it and do what she pleases. That would give me so much more free time to watch TV and nap.
The right thing
AARP endorsed health care reform in part because it knows that the future growth of Medicare must be trimmed in order for it to survive. AARP is doing the responsible thing and doing something that will benefit senior citizens in the long run. Three cheers for AARP.
Mowing leaves
MY neighbor spent half a day blowing his leaves to the side of the road where they will clog drains or blow right back into his or someone else's yard. I mowed mine down to nothing. This didn't block any drains, and it got rid of the leaves. It took me about 20 minutes. Some people make things a lot more difficult than they need to be.
Having trust
SOUNDS a little bit like Chicken Little these days: "The sky's falling. We can't get the H1N1 vaccine." Everybody's scared to death and running around in circles. Get a grip. It's probably one of the biggest hoaxes ever. As for me and my family, we serve the Lord, and our refuge is in him. Our trust is in him. Calm down and put your trust where your trust belongs.
What transparency?
WHEN Nancy Pelosi became speaker of the House, she promised transparency. When President Obama became president, he promised transparency. Yet when I look at the major bills passed this year -- the stimulus, the supplemental spending bill, cap-and-trade and now the health care bill -- I have to ask: Where is the transparency? All these bills were written behind closed doors. They were rushed to a vote before the American people and even members of Congress could read them. The health care bill was voted on in the House in the middle of the night. When is common sense going to return to our government?
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Pay it all
WHAT would happen if the federal government decided to pay 100 percent of the health insurance premium for every U.S. citizen? Job growth would increase dramatically. The number of doctors would increase dramatically. Our federal deficit would go down due to increased revenue. Keep it simple, Congress.
Medical research
IT surprises me that during a strained economy people will price shop for electronics, groceries and home improvement needs but will not search for the lowest price of medical screenings and procedures. After a few phone calls and some research, I was amazed how much money I could save. Take some time to do research. It's well worth it.
Free produce
A Cobden, Ill., regular at Cape Girardeau's farmers market was the only one on the lot last Thursday with his pickup truck and the produce that he had in the back of his truck. He was giving it away. He said, "We'll call it appreciation day." I was impressed.
Voting mess
I'M 86 years old and have voted ever since I was voting age. For the first time last year I did not vote for either presidential candidate. I could not in good conscience vote for either one. The mess in our government started long before Barack Obama was elected president.
Phone bill
I just got my phone bill. The basic phone bill is only $9.98. But surcharges, fees and taxes increase the bill to $19.30. This is outrageous. We're being taxed almost as much as the bill itself. Our government is taking too much from the people.
Mow the leaves
I wish the city would quit picking leaves up. It would save a lot of money. I work for hours mowing my leaves, and the people around me pile them up at the curb. When the wind blows, I get all of their leaves. Have your trees trimmed or cut the leaves. Other cities do not pick up leaves.
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