A view of Alzheimer’s

To hell with America, to hell with the public, to hell with the economy or the military or federal workers, said the Democrats as they shut down government. There was no excuse. They said it was about saving the Dreamers, even though there were six weeks before the current program’s protections would elapse. Then came another piece of flapdoodle. If the Republicans controlled the House, the Senate and the presidency, the shutdown was their fault, some Democrats pronounced with self-righteousness, failing to hide the nonsequitur. That argument is like saying, if you’re the manager of a building and a burglar steals stuff, you are the burglar.

Yes, the Democrats did finally agree to postpone their coercive buffoonery until Feb. 8, although Americans once more had their confidence and trust in government rattled, no small deal. A shutdown, after all, makes governmental inefficiency more inefficient and, while governmental essentials are supposedly protected, they are in fact at risk in various ways over time.

Meantime, we do not know for sure what happens next, even though the Republicans seem mostly willing to legalize the Dreamers. What is also needed are security measures that make a genuine difference and can pass for a wall. Democrats once seemed headed in that direction, but now maybe not, and we therefore arrive at still another matter: a merit system for immigrants.

The current system of family ties being the main factor is bosh, and let’s understand that getting rid of it is not somehow being inhumane. People who have gained skills and can easily assimilate and further our high-tech economy are still human and may themselves have suffered misery in their home countries.

You want diversity? Then end a system that has mostly favored one nation over all others. Give everyone an equal chance. Focusing on the individual is not just a way to help America. It is also just.

None of this is to say that unskilled workers are not needed. We do need them, but not in the numbers now pouring in and increasing governmental costs exceeding their economic contributions. Their presence can benefit companies specializing in low wages while doing little for companies looking in vain to find people with the skills they require.

The DACA recipients who could soon be on a road to citizenship would probably pass most of the merit tests, but understand, too, that there are also some 4 million parents of the Dreamers that Democrats want to legalize.

One more matter — this business of needing 60 senators’ permission to take up even a bill to keep the government running, what’s known as the filibuster. It is not. A filibuster was a senator talking on and on to stop other measures and gain attention until unable to go any longer. Let’s get back to that.

I happen to think we need a liberal and a conservative party to stand in the way of the excesses possible in either direction, and I think compromise a good thing. But our system is now so dysfunctional I think the old system would be preferable. If the Republican senators don’t get together to give it a try and lose the midterm elections, watch and see what the Democrats do.

Approximately 10 years ago my wife was diagnosed with severe memory loss. It is hard to pinpoint, but I can remember incidents that on reflection could have been the early signs of her memory loss. Over the years, the disease has been a slow but steady decline of normal abilities. I will not bore you with 10 plus years of details, except to say it’s been a very hard and painful, but a very loving, trip. If anything, my love for my wife has increased by leaps and bounds.

As of this writing, Sue is bed bound for most of the day, but daily she is moved around our home for 4 to 6 hours, to a recliner. I am 88 years old and her care, as I have said, is very hard. But it has become possible thanks to the help of our 24/7 sitters (Donna, Ashley, Rita, Judy, Sophia, Angel and Jeanine). Additionally, Floyd Hospital’s Heyman Hospice division, under the care of Dr. McCormick and nurse Maxine Cochran, have also been amazing. I refer to these people as “the hands of God.” I just want to thank the above folks for a smile and a laugh my wife has given me during her very tough fight to survive.

PCharles Hack Rome eople who love Shorter University want the beloved, historic school to return to a place of eminence in the community. The disdain and harsh criticism that appears in social media, in letters to the editor and guest columns cause damage to the University and hurt employees and students. I hope this letter shows that there is another side to this story, and it is a positive and encouraging one.

As an alumna and director of Student Health Services for 21 years, I served under the presidencies of four fine men. Much of what has been said about Shorter has been inaccurate because emotions have precluded accuracy. When faced with someone sharing “facts” about Shorter, mindful people should ask questions such as where did the information come from; did the person actually speak with the president or human resources; or did the person review the financial records? If not, their knowledge probably did not come from a reputable source, but is based on conjecture, not fact.

Concerned individuals often ask me about Shorter. While clarifying any distortions, I encourage them to speak with Dr. Dowless. Scripture teaches that one who has an offense against another should take that offense to the person (Matthew 18:15). It frustrates me that Dr. Dowless will not respond to personal attacks, but as a minister, he lives what he preaches. He is a man of prayer, and he is able to forgive those who disparage him.

As for the rumored demise of the music department, it remains alive and well with talented, award-winning music majors and well-trained faculty. One has only to attend a concert or performance to appreciate the quality and beauty of the work put forth by our faculty and students.

Dr. Dowless has financial and educational visions for the university. He believes that “it is God’s money” and Shorter “works for God alone.” Consistent, prudent handling of finances is a way of daily life on “the Hill,” as it is in many small, private colleges. All employees work hard to be good stewards of university resources.

Hate is not tolerated at Shorter University, as inaccurately expressed in a recent letter. Regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation, qualified students are welcome at Shorter. The Lifestyle Statement is signed by employees, who promise to refrain from certain behaviors while in Shorter’s employ. Shorter has First Amendment rights as a private Baptist college. It does not dictate how Rome’s community should live or believe.

Shorter’s mission statement is “Advancing God’s Kingdom through a commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, Christian leadership and global service within the context of a Biblical worldview,” and sends students into the world to reach others for Christ. Shorter’s faculty, staff and students contribute mightily to the community through sharing of their time, energy and money. Shorter is essential to this great community, and it will benefit both when there is unity.

Please support Shorter with your good will, your words, and, if so led, your finances. Mary Shotwell Smith

Rome