Columnists
Pearls: We need to work toward balancing our existence
I hate to kick over an anthill. Seems like a ton of hard work on the part of those poor ants, all demolished with a sweep of my clumsy foot. When I was a kid, I remember kicking one intentionally and watching those ants scatter. Oh, well, I thought. They’re just ants. They barely know…
Read MoreSocial Security: Five benefits you can apply for using SSA.gov
We continue to make it easier for you to access our programs and benefits. Our website offers a convenient way to apply for benefits online. Here are 5 ways you can apply for benefits using ssa.gov. Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months and want your benefits…
Read MoreView from the Front Porch: Bigger is not always better
“Autobots of the world- UNITE!” -Optimus Prime “MOM!! What are you doing?!” “Um, Les … do you realize we are not moving?” “MOOOOOOMMMMM!!!” There we were, Jackson, Dave, Emma and myself, spending quality family time together in Utah. The kids were in middle school at the time and family trips were our favorite. Only, on…
Read MorePearls: The kind of world you want for your grandkids
As I observe the world through the lens of media coverage, I have never been more convinced that positive action is the only effective weapon we have against the social and political divisions that are keeping us separated from our friends and neighbors. Positive action – by this, I mean doing what we feel is…
Read MoreCapitol Perspectives: There must be a better way to do ballot descriptions
Recent disputes and lawsuits about how abortion-rights initiative petitions would be summarized on the ballot demonstrates a serious problem with the process required in Missouri before signatures can be collected. Under the current process, the top of the proposal contains an estimated cost written by the state auditor and a short description written by the…
Read MoreSocial Security: Elder abuse: Combatting injustice
Elder abuse is the intentional mistreatment or harming of an older person. An older person is defined by the Social Security Act as someone over age 60. This abuse takes many forms – including physical, emotional, and sexual harm, neglect, and financial exploitation. More than 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of abuse…
Read MoreLetter to the Editor: Taxpayers deserve better
Dear Editor, Earlier this year, Missouri homeowners received their reassessment notices on the value of their property. For many homeowners, the new values were quite a shock. In Jackson County, for example, the average assessment increase was 30 percent. Missouri’s Hancock Amendment is supposed to require tax rate rollbacks as assessed values increase. Reassessment is…
Read MoreNotebook: A third party
Next election I expect to vote Republican. It is what I do, but there have been a few instances of crossover through the years when I felt an individual was capable beyond party restraints. It is part of the elective process to look around and to weigh the possibilities. That stated, I believe America is…
Read MoreSocial Security: Expanding SSI outreach, access
Social Security has expanded its outreach to people in critical need of financial help who may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI provides monthly payments to adults age 65 and older or to other adults – and children – with a disability or blindness who have limited income and financial resources. SSI helps…
Read MorePearls: Failings in life are necessary
If my years spent working as an educator have taught me anything, I would have to say one of the greatest lessons pertains to attitude. I would never undermine academia in any form. I live learning, and I love to know things. But when it comes time to test what a student knows, I have…
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