The Independent-News, Volume 121, Number 9, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 13 July 1995 — Page 4

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- THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS - JULY 13. 1995

| EDITORIAL I

A VERY TOUCHY SUBJECT It is no big secret, a big effort is being made since last year to move toward a balanced budget. This was the main force behind the Republican triumph last year in the elections and is continuing to be an item of great importance. It is something that has to be faced as the country cannot continue to build their national debt at staggering figures. The plan now calls for a balanced budget by 2002, which will be very hard to do. There are a couple of programs that have been targeted for possible big cuts in funding, Medicare and Social Security. These two big programs are targets mainly because of the large sums of money involved, sums which we cannot even comprehend. However, it has been pointed out, Social Security and Medicare did not, and we stress did not, lead to the huge deficit. Cutting them to help balance the budget would affect a large percentage of people, especially the older citizens of our country whose numbers increase all the time. President Clinton campaigned hard and fought for health care reform that would have give all Americans coverage to some extent. There are supposedly almost 40 million Americans that do not have any health insurance, and certainly if you have sought medical attention at about any level in recent years, you know what the costs of health care are. Os course he was shot down in all aspects as this became not what is best for America, but a political issue as the opposition wasn’t about to let this man accomplish goals that would increase his popularity. It was to hell with the public, let’s worry about ourselves. Canada has a national health care plan. It is often ripped apart by our people ... but Canada still has something to work with. We are not saying their plan is the best or the basic way to go, but certainly they have a lot more to look out for them than we do in this country. If members of Congress had to live the way the average persons lives, they would have a different outlook on some of these issues also. Social Security and Medicare were not meant to be the answers to our financial problems in our later years. They are insurance programs to assist in maintaining health and living conditions. Taking away from those, mostly senior citizens, would have drastic results for many of them. They simply can not go ahead without this help they have now and are dependent upon. I know it is not good policy to use personal examples, but I want to comment on this matter from a personal standpoint. Since January 12 of this year, I have been on dialysis as my kidney problem dictated this to survive. I am just one of many Americans who face this treatment on a very regular basis. Being treated three times a week, for several hours at a time, you get to see and know the other patients who come and go at similiar times. These are human beings from different walks of life. They are all ages, various nationalities, in many different conditions. They too receive the treatments three times a week ... to survive. Dialysis is not cheap. Consequently, when renal kidney problems lead to this, one qualifies for Medicare after a considerable waiting period. It is a necessary thing for survival. Having been going for a little over a half a year now, it appears that my expenses for this full year will be somewhere near SIOO,OOO for these treatments, medications and accompanying procedures. Not very many people could afford this. Fortunately, insurance has picked up the majority of this and the Medicare will take over in another year to continue to make treatments possible. Now what about the others. We are not talking just old people who are in their last years. We are not talking keeping people alive as “vegetables” . . . these are real people who can still contribute and have much life ahead of them. Many of them still work, many are retired. Some are disabled, others appear normal outside of their treatments. But they all have one thing in common . . . they are fighting to live. To see the dedication of families, friends and medical personnel to keep these people going is something. Most of these people depend on Medicare for this treatment. They and their families could not afford the expense otherwise. This only touches one segment of Medicare and Social Security. A similar story could be told for thousands and thousands of other people. They depend on this help for survival. To take away or alter these very necessary programs to satisfy some political whim, is absolutely asinine. So many politicians can think of so many ways to spend money, it is about time they start thinking of some very good ways to save it as well without taking away programs that are necessary. There are countless programs that could and should go before the crucial ones that actually can mean life or death. They have an oblication to the public ... all the public . . . not just the hometown people or those who donate heavily to their campaigns. It is time the public let their representatives and senators know how they feel about some of these very important matters. You could be affected too, some day . . . one never knows. Take it from one who now knows! Were it not for bunglers in the manner of doing it, hardly any man Many a man is mad in certain would every find out he was laugh- instances, and goes through life e( j a t. without having it perceived. Lord Halifax —Samuel Johnson

■ voice ofthe| I PEOPLE I

“To All North Liberty Residents” Last Saturday, I stood on Main Street in downtown North Liberty and my heart broke. I stood there and looked at building after building ... . empty! My mind went back to years past when this was a bustling little town, full of fun and activity. The thought hit me, we have lost at least four businesses in the last year alone. I plead with you to take a long hard look at our lovely little town, if at all possible, please patronize "our” local businesses, our friends! Lets keep North Liberty alive, so that in years to come future generations can know the joy of small town living. Anonymous “Sportsmanship” What has happened to sportsmanship? Or playing for fun? It was apparent to me at the Cardinals vs. Royals game that the Royals weren’t having fun. Part of the team didn’t even shake hands at the end of the game I What has this coach taught these boys? To play for blood? That’s winning is it? It’s a fact that everyone likes to win, but it is only a game. There are poor losers and poor winners. As a Christian parent in this community it concerns me as to what else was taught to these boys. At one point in the game, as the Cardinals started coming back, one of the Royals players threw a temper tantrum, he left after yelling obsenities at his coaches, slamming the gate and a car door while doing so. How many coaches would have tried to get this boy to return? How many parents would have let their child get away with this? I believe most coaches would have ended that child’s season. As a parent, that child would have been punished. But instead he was given money and allowed to return to the ball park to watch the majors game. Cardinals, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You had a winning season, a winning attitude and you win the trophy. A Cardinal Fan “Fourth Os July” Well, the Fourth of July has come and gone. The fireworks display was very nice, but I missed the handiwork of Len and Greg. After spending so many years tucked away in a ticket booth and missing all of the ground work displays, I was disappointed in the lack of them this year. Maybe next year. Many of you have met my brother, Joe Maruska, who is visiting from Sheridan, Oregon. He has already stirred up trouble, by showing my kids a picture of me when I had a different color of hair. Just don’t give him too much current gossip about me. Don’t forget the county fairs. They are a good place to buy high quality meats and it also helps the 4-H kids. I’ll probaby buy another chicken or rabbit. Have you been out to the Walkerton sale bam on Monday? It is really growing. There is an unusual flea market. If you are looking for strange items, there is also an auction. There are a lot of treasures or misfit items. A small animal auction is also held, selling rabbits, chickens, exotic animals and eggs. Take your family out and have a fun time. There are fresh vegetables and even a lunch room. Bingo will soon be starting up at Al’s Diner, sponsored by the Koontz Lake Association. I have just been informed that I will be helping. More about this later. We’re going back into hot weather, so be sure to keep plenty of

I Hi^Oß IES I FROM OUR FILES |

1985 COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY — This past winter, the Board of School trustees of the John Glenn School Corporation engaged a consultant team to conduct a comprehensive school survey. The charge to this consultant team was (1) look at the current student population and projected population; (2) ascertain views from entire faculty; (3) analysis of existing facilities; and (4) financial conditions. School boards are continuously confronted with problems of many complexities and varieties. Attempts to solve problems often touch a vital community nerve. Reactions are then evoked among persons who hold varying views on problems. Emotions may run rampant among people, while others, nor tuned to these problems, may appear apathetic and disinterested. The decision of the Board to engage in this study is evidence there is an awareness of the need to study some issues of the school corporation. It was the decision of "The Inde-pendent-News’’ that we could assist the Board in getting this word to the people of the school district by publishjing this survey. The 75 page survey is too much for anyone to go into the administration office and set down and read. We therefore are going to publish this survey in a series of articles, giving fresh water out for your pets. Sincerely, Nedra Williams

ITo Your Good Health I by Paul G. Donohue, M.D. 1

DEAR DOCTOR DONOHUE: You asked for people who prefer dark and gloomy days. I am one of them. I love a cloudy day. A walk in the fog is great. I also love winter and snow. I close the drapes. I love dark colors — black is a favorite. Thank you for a great column. DEAR READER: I resurrect this issue for two reasons. First, the response to the dark-loving letter writer was overwhelming. There is a horde of like-minded folks out there. Second, I am apparently becoming enamored of gloom. I find myself more energetic, more alive, looking forward to overcast conditions. I hope to overcome this apparent atmospheric perverseness in time, but if not, I will just throw in with all those gloom-loving compatriots out there! I , / mF /Wv DEAR DOCTOR DONOHUE: My husband and I are both 78 years old. My cholesterol is 220 and his is 225. Isn’t that considered high? We both enjoy a dish of ice cream every evening. Should we cut out this practice? I asked the doctor the last time I was in, and he did not see anything wrong with the level. Would this concern you? DEAR READER: Neither your reading nor your husband’s would concern me in the slightest. When a person reaches your age, the cholesterol-heart disease relationship loses significance. Studies fail to show any real cholesterol-heart disease correlation in senior citizens. Don’t cut out your evening treat, which is, I am sure, doing more good at your age than any harm that extra bit of fat and cholesterol would cause. I am sending on my cholesterol booklet which discusses such matters.

everyone an opportunity to read and digest the results and form their own opinions concerning the' future direction of the school corporation. The Board is planning public meetings in the month of September at North Liberty and] Walkerton, to be announced later, 1 for public input. 1970 WORK BEGINS ON NEW WILCOX SUPERMARKET — Work has started in Walkerton by Wilcox, Inc., of North Liberty. The site on Michigan Street, in the 300 block, will be the scene of much activity for the next few weeks as the 9000 sq. ft. building begins to take shape. The building will be of Inland Steel, similar to their present store in North Liberty except it will be larger. ( The store will feature 30 foot of meat cases, an 8 foot delicatessen case and eight foot of five deck self service meat case. The modem store should be completed in the early fall months. AT DAVE & RAY’S — Choice round steak, lb. 89c; boneless rump roast, lb. $1.09; boneless round tip roast, lb 99c; boneless sirloin steak, lb. $1.29; boneless round steak, lb. $1.09; Bonnie bread, 6 Ivs. $1.00; cantaloupe, each 39; seedless grapes, lb. 39c; Chase & Sanborn coffee, 2 lb. can $1.39. 1945 THE WAR ON THE HOOSIE 1 HOME FRONT — Some July poi f values changed. Point values toy margarine and canned fish will b< increased. Points for cheese wil* be reduced and the point values or nearly all meats will be unchangec during the rationing period begin* ning July 1 and ending July 28 OPA said. The point value o butter will remain unchanged, A two-point increase in the margarine point value from 12 to 14 points t pound, is necessary because of the increased supply and to improv^ distribution. Rationing canned fist with the present point value; ranging from four to nine points < pound, will be increased two te three points a pound dependir • upon the kind, because of reduced supplies for citizens. Although the overall supply cheese will be somewhat smalle during the third quarter, new poin values for the July rationing peric h will be from two to four point; i pound lower than during June t< prevent loss of perishable varietie: from spoilage. Point values o hard cheeses such as cheddar ant blue, were reduced four points The only fresh or cured meat poin value changes for July are increase es of one and two points a poun< for seven fat pork cuts. New Regulations On Used Can Used 1942 automobiles were rd moved from rationing on July 2 OPA announced. The principle reason for rationing of used 194 cars — that they were the be^ automobiles in the country asid from the new 1942 cars in stock are so should be restricted to essentii users — no longer holds trul Many of these cars have bees driven by public officials, doctor and war workers who traveled lon distances and consequently, th cars have had more mileage afl more hard useage than than soiß earlier models that have bdK driven fewer miles. Thereto® continued rationing is unnecessary OPA said. The four percent decrease e used passenger car ceiling price scheduled for July 1, will not affe< the warranty allowance when th allowance amounts to SIOO or less OPA said. The July 1 reduction announced July 7, is the first of] series of four percent reductions J be made each half year, reflectir normal depreciation in value, OP*explained.