Vets, caregivers need support
As a Dole Caregiver Fellow representing Georgia, I am proud to advocate for our nation's incredible community of military and veteran caregivers, and for veterans across the country.
My new normal as a veteran caregiver began when Joseph, my husband, was injured in March, 2004, after serving in the Army in Kuwait and Iraq. I felt overwhelmed and frightened, but knew I had to do everything in my power to secure Joseph's comfort and wellbeing. Joseph came home with severe post traumatic stress (PTS) and a moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). For five years, Joseph struggled with self-medicating and trying to provide for his family, but that was no longer possible.
This November marks National Family Caregivers Month, centering on the theme of respite care. Critically important, respite care allows caregivers the opportunity to reduce stress and dedicate much-needed focus on their own wellbeing, while having the peace of mind that their loved ones are being taken care of as well.
Respite care means getting some time to myself to take care of me. This can be the hardest thing, as we caregivers tend to take care of others first. There are days that simply going to the store alone can be respite care, proving that even the smallest acts can reap the greatest rewards.
I encourage readers to learn more respite care and our nation's growing community of military and veteran caregivers.
Pam Busenius
Columbus
Pro-MCSD spin
How could the L-E print the MCSD propaganda about the increased graduation rate without noting that the these numbers represent the first graduating class that was not required to take, to pass a Graduation Test? The only pertinent info in the whole story was the info about how much higher the graduation rate was in Harris County when the Graduation Test was required.
Hal Kirven
Columbus
Wrongheaded suit
Today and tomorrow, November 19-20, there will be EPA public hearings in Atlanta on the Clean Power Plan, the single largest step the country has taken to curb carbon pollution from power plants. Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens sued the EPA over the plan as soon as it was officially on the federal register.
Georgia is the fastest-growing solar market in the U.S. We are well positioned to make renewable energy a pillar of our state economy. There are already over 170 solar companies at work in Georgia, giving jobs to over 3,000 Georgians, and powering thousands of homes and businesses, but we still only get one percent of our energy from solar. Our potential to boost solar in the state of Georgia and the Clean Power Plan go hand in hand.
Rather than sue the EPA over the Plan, Georgia should be focusing its efforts on becoming the solar leader of the southeast.
Colleen McLoughlin
Environment Georgia, Decatur
Political 'Christians'
While embracing Trump, Carson, Cruz, Rubio or other wacko saviors of "Christian" values in dumbed-down America, see if this fits your support.
"The national government will maintain and defend the foundations on which the power of our nation rests. It will offer strong protection of Christianity as the very basis of our collective morality. Today Christians stand at the head of our country. We want to fill our culture again with the Christian spirit. We want to burn out all the recent immoral developments in literature, in the theater, and in the press-in short, we want to burn out the poison of immorality which has entered into our whole life and culture as a result of liberal excess during the past years"
Heard that stuff before? Sure, every conservative in America spouts this corrupt stupidity daily and no doubt feels anointed by Jesus. Trouble is, it ain't Jesus talking, folks -- the quoted language belongs to Adolf Hitler and it is taken from the "Speeches of Adolph Hitler, 1922-1939, Vol. 1," Michael Hakeem, Ph.D. (London, Oxford University Press, 1942) pp. 871-872.
My inspiration is the Beatitudes; I prefer the Sermon on the Mount to anything uttered by Hitler. But that can't be; I'm one of them liberal "excessors."
I'll pray for you anyway and ask for your inspiration to turn off the radio, shun Fox "News" and read a book or two. While you're at it, ask your preacher how he feels about linkage to Hitler. God save America from ourselves.
Robert John White
Georgetown
Leadership lacking
I write with concern over what has long been suspected and now publicly acknowledged: Our nation is in crisis and in need of leadership, strength and determination. The world looks to us, but we look the other way while Paris and parts of our world burn in flames.
Our nation is the most powerful on the planet and at one time the most respected; now, however, politics, ideology and indecision mark the decline of America. Defense, crime, morality, economics and division amongst us are issues that evidence the breakdowns in our political leadership. We as a people are embarrassed, our history tarnished and our beliefs compromised by a gross failure in leadership and example by our President. Among other matters, the first-ver direct challenge to NATO has apparently been overlooked or rebuffed by us and treaty partners, a move Mr. Putin has surely noticed. I am reminded of the directive by a former business titan: "Lead, follow or get out of the way." Mr. President, heed that admonition!
Christopher L. Meacham
Columbus
Thanks for tributes
On Veterans Day the following establishments were among those that remembered the veterans: Applebees, Chilis, Texas Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Golden Coral. They all offered a complimentary meal for members of the armed services & veterans.
As a Marine veteran, I am very thankful and appreciative of their kind offerings. I and the rest of the participants enjoyed a fine meal and the hospitality shown to the vets.
J.B.Genesky
Columbus
This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 12:18 PM with the headline "Vets, caregivers need support ."