Published: May 20, 2008 02:45 pm            

In Your View — 05/21/08

Help is available for the wounded

With Memorial Day approaching, it’s important to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We at Social Security honor the heroism and courage of our military service members and mourn for those who have given their lives in defense of freedom.

It’s also important to recognize those service members who are still with us, especially the wounded.

That’s why I remind readers that military service members receive expedited processing of their disability applications from Social Security. In fact, under an agreement initiated by Social Security, the Department of Defense now transmits information to us that allows us to quickly identify military personnel injured in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The expedited process is available for any military service members who become disabled during active duty on or after October 1, 2001. Depending on the situation, some family members of military personnel also may be able to receive benefits.

If you or someone you know was wounded while on active duty, find out about what Social Security can do by visiting our Website at www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors.

You’ll also find links to useful VA websites, such as the “Seamless Transition Home” link, and the “Veterans ONline APPlication” Website.

This Memorial Day, join me as I honor those who gave their lives for our nation, and salute those who served as well as those who continue to serve.

For the families of service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice, Social Security survivors benefits may be payable. To learn more about eligibility for survivors benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/survivorplan.

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security



Spc. Gullett paid ulitmate price

On May 7, 2008, Army Spec. Jeremy Gullett gave his life for freedom. I did not know him or his family, but I thank him for giving the ultimate sacrifice for me and mine.

Every day we go about our normal lives, complaining about the silliest things and forgetting that, at this very moment, there is a war going on and our soldiers are giving everything to keep us safe and free. My heart is full of pride for Jeremy Gullett.

Bonnie Collins, Ashland



Enough ‘change’ from the Dems

One of the Democratic campaign slogans during the 2006 election was “Vote Democrat — For a change.”

Those were not empty words. With the Democrats in control of the Senate and House, gasoline has changed from $2 a gallon to just under $4; a bottle of canola oil that was $1.79 in 2006 has changed to $2.79; a dozen eggs have changed from 99 cents to $1.79, while milk has changed by almost doubling in price.

I hope for 2008 they'll run on simply maintaining the status quo. I'm not sure that my wallet can handle any more “change” from the Democrats.

Hugh Davis, Worthington



Sticking to guns can be costly

When I read your editorial “Still a Choice” (May ), I thought your paper was endorsing Senator Clinton. Upon re-reading the editorial, I noted you were simply praising her perseverance.

Even though such is important for our political process, “sticking to one’s guns” can be costly. A recent case involving a political figure is President George W. Bush. His attitude of “never give up” has cost our nation thousands of productive citizens to the Iraq war, along with billions of tax dollars.

We do not need another President who does not know (thank you, Kenny Rogers) “when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away...” The record turn-outs of voters with new-found interest in the process are a direct result of the efforts of the man with the integrity, the substance, the intelligence, and the vision — Senator Barack Obama.

Barbara Walters Morris, Ashland



1973 Blazer class plans reunion

The Ashland Paul Blazer Class of 1973 will be having our 35-year class reunion Friday, August 29, and Saturday, August 30.

Friday night’s get-together will be at the home of Steve and Melissa Layman. Dinner and dancing will be Saturday night at Elite Catering.

We have been working hard trying to find all of our classmates, but there are some we have been unable to locate. They are Randy Barrett, William Eugene Cooper, Joe R. Cox, Nancie Hicks Roberts, Randy Allen Kitchen, Nancy Ellen Lester, Margaret Luellen Briggs, Michael McKay, Debbie Meadows, Marsha K. Moore, Barrie A. Perkins Cole, Dian J. Rowland Guy, Evelyn A. Salyers Khoulavong, Janice J. Sneegas, Herbie A. Trawick, John Ray Wallace, Bobby G. Whitt, Lynne A. Willis Gussler, Danny L. Wilson, Denise Wilson Carpenter, Kathy J. Woods Bailey.

If you know the whereabouts of any of our missing class members, please contact Lila Hornbuckle Cleary, (606) 324-6397, Debbie Davis Musser, (606) 324-5917, Billie Cogan, (606) 325-1693, Vicki Wright James, (606) 324-9504, or Susan Cochran Hopper, (740) 533-1287. Also, if you are a member of the 1973 class and have not received information about the reunion, please contact one of the planning committee members.

Lila Hombuckle Cleary and Billie Cogan, Ashland



Cheney must be impeached

Dick Cheney clearly had an agenda to support private enterprise from the public coffer by extending the Afghan War into Iraq and having no clear agenda other than allowing private contractors to make a killing at the public expense. His defense of torture and counter-terrorism (using terrorist methods on innocent populations) are criminal.

His use of police methods to spy on private citizens of this country violates his oath to uphold the Constitution. He must be impeached. This could become a precedent unless a clear message forbidding such practices is given.

The impeachment process will send that message.

James Recktenwald, Dwale



Letters invited

The Independent invites readers to submit “In Your View” letters on public issues. Letters must not exceed 300 words and must include the name, address and telephone number of the author. “Word of Thanks” letters must not exceed 150 words. No more than one letter per calendar month may be published from the same author. The Independent does not guarantee of day of publication for letters but makes an effort to publish all letters in a timely manner. The Independent reserves the right to edit letters for length, spelling, grammar and accuracy. Letters that cannot be verified will not be published. Questions about letters should be directed to John Cannon, opinion page editor, at (606) 326-2649 or at jcannon@dailyindepen-dent.com.

        

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