Seniors are hopeful about future

The recent White House Conference on Aging held at Eastern Washington University was characterized by a feeling of optimism and unity about plans to assist the aging population. More than 150 participants from Eastern Washington gathered to create resolutions which will be forwarded to the White House as a master plan to address areas of concern.

Chief among the resolutions were the feeling that there is no imminent crisis in Social Security, that privatization would not benefit most seniors, notably women, that “one-stop” agencies are desirable even with the increased budget and staffing required, that application forms need to be simplified, and senior centers have a larger role to play in the lives of aging populations. The Resolutions will call for increased attention to the housing needs of seniors as well as services not now available to those whose incomes keep them from services available to those on Medicaid.

The daylong conference reflected the energy and enthusiasm of social service providers, organizations and individuals committed to calling White House attention to this fast growing segment of the population.

All American City

I am a child of the Midwest so the Fourth of July brings back memories of fried chicken, corn on the cob, strawberry shortcake and catching lighting bugs in a mayonnaise jar. This holiday resounded in patriotism and gratitude for the place we lived. Perhaps that is why I find it especially offensive that Spokane’s Mayor went on national television and unfairly characterized the city as an intolerant place.

Speaking on the Today Show on May 31, Jim West defended his antigay legislative record by saying he supported such litigation because the voters in his district supported it.

What Jim West neglected to mention was that the city of Spokane has passed two ordinances supporting equality for all citizens under the law: Ordinance C33625 “providing for the extension of employment benefits to employees’ domestic partners”; and Ordinance C32232 “relating to human rights and discrimination amending the Spokane Municipal Code 1.5 210…” Mayor West threatened to veto the domestic partners ordinance but later changed his mind.

Both these ordinances reflect the true nature of Spokane as a place where people are treated with compassion and justice under the law – a far cry from a community sending its representatives to enact homophobic laws. Spokane does not deserve to be blamed for Jim West’s past antigay political actions.

No Sale

While many people still dream of owning their own home, there is a new group emerging who definitely do not wish to be homeowners. My sister and brother-in-law in Kansas sold their home and opted to rent an apartment, leaving themselves free to travel and to be rid of lawn chores, leaky roofs and other joys of home ownership.

They found a wonderful apartment and a year later received notice that the building was going to be a condo and they could either buy or move. They moved into yet another wonderful building and four months later were told that it too was going to be a condo and they had the option of buying in or moving out. They have moved again to a building whose owner has said in his will that the building should never become a condo. Who could ask for more than that! But as my brother-in-law writes, “We do not want to own property again. And others, older than we and in less than the best physical condition, are faced with making a move they do not want to make.” I’m hoping that the third time is charmed.

“Twilight’s Last Gleaming”

Arthur W. Monks

Higgledy-piggledy’

President Jefferson

Gave up the ghost on the

Fourth of July.

So did John Adams, which

Show that such patriots

Propagandistically,

Knew how to die.