Needing help vs. needing a fix
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 12:12 AM PST
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E-mail this articleDec. 23 Letters to the Editor
Needing help vs. needing a fix
During one of my recent visits to the Department of Social and Health Services (like many others, I, too, am having to request food and child-care assistance during these rough times), I noticed something that really ticked me off.
There I was, a single mother with a full-time, minimum-wage job legitimately needing help. As I waited in the lobby, a paper-thin toothpick walked past me up to the counter. I had noticed her sunken cheeks and blue-rimmed red eyes a few moments before. This woman’s thighs were no bigger than the forelegs of my parents’ dog. And I thought to myself, “Well, there’s one person we can all guess is trading her food stamps for drugs.”
Then it dawned on me, why don’t people have to take UAs in order to get, basically free, food and money from the state? Why are our tax dollars going straight into the pipes of our local tweekers?
As for me, I’ve already sent a letter to our legislators regarding this grotesque malfunction in the system. Please join me so we can enforce that these benefits go only to the legitimately needy.
Amy Childs
Castle Rock
Can’t someone step up?
The Kelso Police Department is experiencing the expected results of indecision — turmoil, tension, accusations and now the department is short one captain. It is almost always true that “the worst possible course of action is to do nothing.”
Can’t someone step up and insist that a chief be chosen so that the department can concentrate on doing its duty?
Don Cullen
Kelso
Foundation grant is appreciated
Your local American Red Cross sincerely thanks the Health Care Foundation Board of Directors for the 2008 grant of $8,407. Grant money was spent to enhance two training areas offered by Health and Safety.
Babysitters Training Program added real care baby simulator manikins. When Cowlitz County youth take the American Red Cross baby-sitting class, they experience life-like sounds from a simulator baby which demonstrates the challenges of responsible child care.
In addition, infant and junior manikins were purchased for CPR classes to add to the compliment of adult manikins. Manikins provide simulated training for Cowlitz County participants, which is an essential component to prepare for and respond to people in real life emergencies.
American Red Cross is proud to partner with the Health Care Foundation for the benefit of Cowlitz County.
Suzanne Arnits
Community Partners Director
What Christmas is all about
To the lady who wanted to remain anonymous and bless the people of North Kelso, we want to say “thank you.” You have personified what the Spirit of Christmas is all about: “For God so loved the world that He gave ...”
Your generosity has left us speechless. Thank you again.
Jim Whobrey, Pastor
and staff at Fellowship Assembly of God
Kelso
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