With substance abuse treatment services about to end at the Mental Health Center of East-Central Kansas, the county is looking for ways to fill the gap.
Community Corrections Director Robert Sullivan approached county commissioners at their study session to look at the possibility of leasing an office in the courthouse to another agency that deals with substance abuse treatment.
“The health center has always been a kind of safety net for the community, and has been a big help for our agency, in particular both court services and community corrections,” Sullivan told commissioners.
Looking to fill that void, Sullivan contacted Harold Casey, CEO of the Substance Abuse Center of Kansas to discuss a possible partnership.
“We explained our circumstances,” Sullivan said. “We wanted to know if they would come in and bridge that gap between what can be covered by our private providers to make this up for non-paying customers.”
Casey showed interest in the possibility, but can’t apply for a license to practice in Emporia until he has an address here.
Sullivan asked commissioners for permission to lease space in the basement of the courthouse for Casey’s organization.
“We need permission to at least tentatively proceed so he can put down an address on his application,” Sullivan said. “We’d like to provide him office space. He would pay rent, and we would have a lease agreement.”
Commissioner Teresa Walters asked if the office would be staffed full- or part-time.
To Sullivan’s understanding, there would be one full-time staffer to handle adult substance abuse treatment and a part-time employee to focus on juvenile treatment. Many details have not yet been worked out, however.
“Nothing is concrete yet,” he said.
Commissioners agreed to add the item to today’s consent agenda. Also on the consent agenda is approval of the purchase of dispatch equipment, including headsets and bases, for the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department. The equipment will cost $2,900.
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Is this something that really needs to be looked at now?
Really?
Are there some who are afraid if we went without it for a year or so, taxpayers would realize it's not needed?
December 9, 2011 at 6:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Yes, Steve. This really is a need.
I'm sorry to say that substance abuse, both alcohol and narcotics, is such a big problem here in Lyon County, but it is.
I'm also sorry to say that I don't think there will ever be a time in our future when substance abuse will not be a problem. For example, it's a fact that alcoholism has a genetic marker. Also, the younger people are when they begin to drink, the more likely it is they will become alcoholics. This is something that has grown to ridiculous proportions and it is so very unfortunate. I definitely want to see somethng for teens who have begun to use alcohol and drugs.
I wish Robert could have provided numbers so taxpayers could see.
If not Robert Sullivan's solution, is there an alternative solution to this problem now that the Mental Health Center will no longer be providing this valuable counseling service?
Or do you just let it go on and look the other way?
December 9, 2011 at 7:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Yes, I would like to see the numbers also.
I'd also like to see if the money spent on EDA has REALLY cut drug and alcohol usage in children.
Why not go a year without spending tax dollars on "counseling" and just see if the "drug abuse" figures go up or down.
These programs for the most part are a joke and they certainly do not fall into the realm of government;
ROADS
LAW ENFORCEMENT
FIRE PROTECTION
ELECTIONS
But they do provide jobs and government property for "counselors" at taxpayer expense.
In case you haven't noticed the economy is in shambles right now. Let the alcoholics and druggies do their part to help, by going without counseling for a year or two.
We'll get by, and so will they.
December 9, 2011 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
What worries me are the following statements.
" Many details have not yet been worked out, however. "
“Nothing is concrete yet,” he said.
non-paying customers .
Is this another " Cart before the Horse " deal .
And why is the service being dropped by the Mental Health Center ?
Who will be picking up the bill for these " non-paying " customers ?
Is the treatment/counseling staff for these non-paying customers an all volunteer ( non wage ) staff ?
Questions like these should be " Concretely " answered before any decisions are made .
This " Cart before the Horse " or ignore the people/taxpayers form of government " Has got to or Must " STOP and the sooner the better !
JMO
December 9, 2011 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Here's one concrete fact: Counselors, like teachers, are required to have college degrees.
How can the public expect counseling staff to be volunteer and work for nothing? However, people continue to expect them to work for nothing or next to nothing.
For free counseling, I guess they can go to see a priest or minister. Before long, that church will be overwhelmed just as the Mental Health Center has been overwhelmed.
Oh well, save the taxpayer, let them all go to Hell. And if within this one year waiting period the problem grows worse, what then?
Yet the purveyors of booze and drugs continue to exist. Tax them.
December 9, 2011 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Here is another " Concrete " question that needs to be asked.
How many of " Us " taxpayers would be willing to pay either an increased property tax or sales tax or any tax to pay for what is perceived as a specific " Need/Want " , especially if that " Need/Want " is due to a bad decision made by someone else ?
It would seem that there are some who don' t care how much is taken from them in the way of taxes , either property or sales taxes .
JMO
December 9, 2011 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Response to methusla and create.
meth,
the mental health center dropped the service because of budget cuts from the state. One would deduce that the mental health center cut their "fluff" services, (those with the least results) before anything else.
Create,
I sure would not want someone with a college degree to work for free, God Forbid anyone volunteers for anything anymore.
I just don't want tax dollars to pay for some losers free counseling. It is not a constitutional right, or required under constitutional law.
Most of the people in these programs are not there because they want to get free of drugs or alcohol. They were mandated to do it by the courts. The whole system is a racket designed to do nothing but extend governments reach into our lives by bloating the number of employees on the government payroll.
If the church can't counsel, I guess those poor souls are eternally damned.
hypothetical question, just like yours
What would you say if after a year of no taxpayer funded counseling, drug and alcohol "abuse" cases went down?
You keep saying that you don't mind paying your fair share of taxes, neither do I.
I think you and I have a difference of opinion on what fair share is
And yet you seem to think this is such a needed government service. More taxes please?
As far as your last comment goes,
You will be happy to know that my customers and this purveyor of alcohol have so far this year collected and paid into the state $24,941.63 on drinks sold.
That is one club out of many in Lyon county and the money comes back here to be used in part for these "services" That is NOT counting the gallonage or spirits tax collected by the state.
No I think the drinkers
"PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE".
If nothing else you comment makes a good argument for legalizing pot and taxing it.
December 9, 2011 at 11:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
americus1987 (anonymous) says...
How many non-paying customers can there be? I had to do a court appointed substance abuse meeting for a diversion and it cost me nearly $150 dollars up front to take a questionnaire and talk to a counselor for about an hour. Complete waste of money and time. Tax-payer's dollars should be completely left out of this equation. They don't make the decisions that put these people in these meetings. Gotta agree with ya Corbin.
December 9, 2011 at 12:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
"Most of the people in these programs are not there because they want to get free of drugs or alcohol. They were mandated to do it by the courts."
Please check the information upon which you base this opinion. If you are referring to drug court, the participants are charged for the service. They MUST pay for this; it is not free even though it is mandated. They still have to AGREE or the alternative is prison or jail time. Some choose jail or prison because they are THAT STUPID. You see the names of those who choose to fight the system all the time when they are constantly placed behind bars.
It's a simple matter. If you don't think drug court or a substance abuse meeting is going to work for you, IT WON'T.
Part of the drug court procedure is to keep the participant so damn busy checking in and doing piss tests and going to meetings, they have no time to fall back into their old traps.
God Bless all those who participate for all the right reasons.
Steve, thanks for paying your nearly $25,000 to the state for liquor tax. It's a percentage of what you're dragging in. Than again, how many of your customers are drinking and driving drunk? Oh yeah, pardon me, it's none of my business. But thanks for your tax dollars. After all, that's the law and if you don't want to pay it, get out of the business if it's costing you so much.
December 9, 2011 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
BTW, Steve, don't put words in my mouth or make assumptions. I do not believe in any drug including pot and I definitely don't believe in legalizing and taxing it. We have enough dumb asses walking the streets as it is.
December 9, 2011 at 2 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Ahem, I believe the following statement speaks volumes .
" “We explained our circumstances,” Sullivan said. “We wanted to know if they would come in and bridge that gap between what can be covered by our private providers to make this up for non-paying customers.”
Notice, that it says non-paying customers !!!
Now, I believe that a non-paying customer is someone who recieves a service/goods or merchandise of some sort, but does not pay, hence the term non-paying customer.
I would just like to know who or what particular " charity " is going to pay for the service that non-paying customer receives ?
Will it be a church or church group, an anonymous benefactor or will the cost of services rendered to a non-paying customer be passed on to the " Paying customers " in the way of higher service/treatment/counseling costs, higher insurance premiums or will this non-paying customer service cost be passed on to the taxpayers, via the usual, higher taxes ?
But I guess I should not worry about saving the taxpayer, as it would seem the taxpayer doesn' t count for anything anymore . Except, when enough taxpayers leave an area and the tax load/increase for those who are left, results in bankruptcies, tax liens, tax forclosures, loss of homes/properties, business closings, due to unaffordability of taxes, utilities, government spending .
I think I have asked some concrete, legitimate questions, that need to be answered .
Yes, I am worried about saving the taxpayer ! As everyone who is a taxpayer should be .
JMO
December 9, 2011 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Glitterbird (anonymous) says...
The equipment will cost $2,900.
What equipment? Does the mental health dept already have this "equipment"
Substance abuse is neck deep in this town. This problem shouldn't be ignored.
December 9, 2011 at 3:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Glitterbirdm,
The equipment mentioned is the cost of radio equipment for the Sherrifs Dept./Office. Not for the substance abuse treatment services.
December 9, 2011 at 3:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
AAARRRRRRRRRRGGG!
No wonder substance abuse is a problem. I want to go get a couple of drinks myself
create, I don't pay that tax, the customers do, I just collect it for the state. and with 28 clubs in Lyon County it amounts to over 1/4 million dollars for the city a year, $75,000.00 for drug abuse programs. That alone could pay for a couple of counselors, but it don't, do it?
I have come to the conclusion that we both agree on the need for fair taxation. We just don't agree on the minor things, like what is fair and what government should spend the money on.
You seem very conflicted.
You don't want YOUR property taxes to go up.
You don't mind a 8.8% sales tax in the 15th poorest county in Kansas, because "OTHER" people will have to pay it also.
And yet you think the government taking on another program is a good thing.
Why do some people think all these services are so good, as long as they don't have to pay for them?
Money has to come from somewhere, and you never answered my earlier question on another thread,
Have your property taxes gone down or up since the sales tax increases were started?
Not asking for figures, they are already on Lyon county web site. Just a up or down answer would nice.
i have enjoyed our back and forth today.
Have a great evening !
.
December 9, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Yes, money has to come from somewhere. But I must add here that all this funding hullaballoo is the result of one huge thing: state budget cuts.
I had a professor tell me one time that "you can't do one thing." That's the nature of cause and effect. The state cut the budgets of programs everywhere, severely, and that includes Community Corrections which took immense cuts and had to cut their own local programs.
Did the state realize this sort of thing was going to happen? Of course they did. They had to. What did they honestly believe would take place for fixes? We need to ask Don Hill and Peggy Mast and Longbine.
We are a civilized society. If a person without medical insurance has a broken leg, we don't let him or her suffer without fixing it do we? I suppose since substance abuse can't be seen, we should deny people treatment.
People who are disabled can file for disability. Yes, they paid into the system at one time, but I'm in favor of their being able to collect a disability payment. Maybe substance abuse can be seen as a temporary disability and payments can be made to the program --and only the program, not the recipient -- for the duration of treatment. Yes, I know how some people are. This idea will likely raise a ruckus, but notice I said "temporary" and the recipient would not receive any funds personally.
Actually, Steve, my property taxes have gone slightly down, but I'm blaming that on the three derelict houses in my neighborhood, one of which is about to fall down but you couldn't convince Bank of America of that. Hell no, they've got it on the market. Go real estate salesmen! WTF!
December 10, 2011 at 7:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
good morning create.
Thank you for the answer. That was 1 question I asked you that i knew the answer to. Yes your tax dropped $2.34 this year, but the prior 4 years it went up every year.
And the drop in real estate valuation has nothing to do with that bank owned property in your neighborhood.
Because from what I have been told, the county appraiser is not factoring in short sales or foreclosures in the overall county sales figures.
If he did the valuation average for the county would drop big time and that would require the raising of the mil levy by a lot, just for government to operate at past levels.
Ask any real estate person that you know you can trust. I don't think I am wrong on this.
I've talked to several and they tell me the value of all homes in Emporia have dropped anywhere from 10-40%. I don't think the appraisers records reflect this drop.
Wish the Gazette would do a story on this.
December 10, 2011 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I beg to differ with the analogy of comparing a broken leg to substance abuse .
I believe a broken leg is either due to an accident or just plain stupidity of decision making.
Where as substance abuse/drug addiction is due entirely to the making of a dumb as decision and solely the responsibility of the individual that made that decision .
And to be perfectly clear, I am not getting on anyone's A$$ or scolding them !
This is just an opinion .
Thank you and have a nice day.
Now, I will take a break from these posts and mourn the death of my 1 year old, great granddaughter and give as much support as I possibly can to my granddaughter, her husband, their surviving daughter and my daughter .
December 10, 2011 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Sorry for your loss, Richard.
December 10, 2011 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Yes, Steve, I wish the Gazette would do a story on fluccuating home valuations too because it would benefit us all. The information you just told me is something I appreciate now that I don't have to blame those derelict houses and that stinking bank. Thanks.
If someone breaks their leg because they made the poor choice of jumping off a roof, should we fix it or let them go lame?
Sorry for your grand baby, methusla.
December 10, 2011 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EmporiaRocks (anonymous) says...
THEY should fix it...or THEY will continue to go lame.
I'll take care of me and mine...you take care of you and yours.
December 15, 2011 at 9:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
create,
YOU ASKED:
"If someone breaks their leg because they made the poor choice of jumping off a roof, should we fix it or let them go lame?"
!st off, what were they doing on the roof without a ladder?
But to answer you, I would say it's not my place to take care of others because they made a poor choice. I'm responsible for my decisions, (right or wrong), as you are yours. I would feel sorry for the results of their stupidity, but it's up to them to fix their leg. If they couldn't or wouldn't take care of it and went lame, I suppose we could shoot them like a horse. :>) A little "thinning of the herd" action.
That's what i like about charitable giving versus mandatory taxation going to "special" circumstance individuals.
I can choose to help those, who through no fault of their own decisions, need help.
Those that go lame because of poor decisions can be supported and kept as pets by others.
Hope that's not too harsh during the holiday season.
By the way--------:>)
December 15, 2011 at 12:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
It can all be summed up by the words;
"LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.
THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES OF HAPPINESS.
December 15, 2011 at 12:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
And it seems that "LIBERTY" may be in trouble also.
December 15, 2011 at 12:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
According to this morning's headlines, 1 out of 2 Americans are now poor or low income. I don't know about you guys, but I am not low income or poor. However, I have relatives who are very low income. I am not so uncivilized as to suggest they be kept as someone's pets. Crass suggestion, this time of year or anytime.
My stupid relative is an alcoholic, a condition which was gained sitting on a barstool in somebody's bar. I hate that this person made the mistake of throwing his life away in somebody's bar, somebody who made a lot of money off of him. So now I should turn him out as a pet? Lotsa veterans in that category too.
Some of the remarks I read on these forums are downright astounding and uncivilized.
May the holiday season go well for you and you rake in tons of money by serving others their choice of poison.
December 15, 2011 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
americus1987 (anonymous) says...
Sounds like you're ready for another prohibitionist movement create.
December 15, 2011 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I'll drink to that!
December 15, 2011 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
So create says it is MY fault she has a stupid relative who is an alcoholic? Or is it my fault if I sell a drink to her stupid relative? Or how about the liquor store that sells her stupid relative booze?
Doesn't you alcoholic relative deserve any blame for throwing their life away?
Should you and I pay for his choice of lifestyle? I shouldn't, but he is related to you. Las Familia !
i hope to make lots of money this year, who wouldn't? And if I do think of all that income tax I will have to pay to support these noble causes.
By the way my bar also has coffee and tea, and we make a mean Roy Rogers and Shirley Temple.
December 15, 2011 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
create,
Why don't you come down to the bar tonight around 6 and introduce yourself?
We can split a bottle of peppermint schnapps, (my poison) and solve the worlds problems.
I'll be there as long as my oxygen tank holds out.
December 15, 2011 at 3:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
http://www.kansas.com/2011/12/15/2141...
Emporia should put in a bid. Put at either Tyson or Dolly
December 15, 2011 at 3:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Malique (anonymous) says...
I like beer. It makes me a jolly good fellow.
December 15, 2011 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I wonder why the Gazette hasn't covered this story about Brownback changing his mind about getting SRS to take over Juvenile Justice. At the time, I thought JJA was better left to people with law experience, and not social workers. I'm glad to see he has changed his mind. JJA is already in place. What a waste of trained personnel this would have been.
"Gov. Sam Brownback said this morning he will back off his plan to push the Juvenile Justice Authority into the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, instead concentrating on the bigger issue of overhauling Medicaid."
Harder times coming. Hope those who have a few bucks can find their way clear to donate to the poor.
December 15, 2011 at 4:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I'm spending all my "disposable" income on
beans
bullets
barbed wire
Got to go crash a Christmas party. There may be free food.
December 15, 2011 at 5:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Huh, the Christmas message was hit by a bad post and now its gone,,,,wish that when a poster makes an improper remark that he or she could be put on probation for violating the Emporia Gazette rules, and yes Steve serves coffe and tea at his bar...
December 16, 2011 at 4:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EmporiaRocks (anonymous) says...
There were 2 people on that thread that were out of line.
December 16, 2011 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
God bless the families of all those who have worked for peace in war zones and lost their lives doing it.
December 16, 2011 at 5:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Malique (anonymous) says...
create,
You are out of line! If there was a caring god, there'd be no war zones.
Why is it that the Gazette doesn't like us commenting on religious topics? Why don't they delete the entire article? I don't see why the person who wrote the letter can voice her opinion, but I cannot.
Freedom of speech? Only if you're a Christian, says the Gazette.
December 16, 2011 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rabid_Randy (anonymous) says...
God bless this crazy cat that jumped out the back of a boat and had to fight it's way to the peaceful land:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHvL4w...
December 16, 2011 at 6:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
ahhhh Malique,
there has been many a debate/ discussion on these threads about religion.
Perhaps you went a tad too far in your post?
Try sending a letter or e-mail with your real name and address like Ms. Pester did. Maybe the Gazette will publish your views on the subject?
December 16, 2011 at 8:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Create, I missed you thur. night.
Might have been because i drank your half of the schnapps I mentoned ;>)
It was a good night, and there was some free food. Mr. Walker was there for a while, you could have asked him about your above post. I was counting out the quarters from the pool table to see how much I could help out the poor this Christmas.
You are correct, harder times are coming, on top of what has already happened the last few years.
December 17, 2011 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Sorry Steve, I am recuperating from major surgery right now.
December 17, 2011 at 7:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Here is wishing you a speedy recovery.
And Iunderstand your point on the other thread.
Just got back from wally world, what a zoo ! We ran into a lot of friends doing their Christmas shopping so it was fun. Had the car loaded with presents for the angel tree kids but no one was at the slavation army when we got there. Hopefully they will still take them this coming week. Sure were a lot of angels left on the trees out there. Kind of sad, but times are hard so I understand.
December 17, 2011 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bharder2 (anonymous) says...
I am willing to bet the major reason that there all the "angels" on the tree is that the kid's parents are addicts (& alcoholics). Kids are the real losers when addiction takes hold of a person. Nobody plans on being addicted. Do you suppose he would tell the teacher what he wants to be when he grows up....I think I will be a drug (alcohol is a drug) addict? If you have never experienced it or had someone close affected by it or educated about addiction, I don't know how you really know much about the topic. After all, its easier (and lazier) to call names, like stupid, than it is to understand a person.
Bill Harder
December 17, 2011 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Bill, I am not the one that mentioned stupid 1st, just usng anothers description..
And yes the children, (through no fault of their own) are the ones who suffer. I would like to think the economy and unemployement rate play a bigger role in this instance.
I did a short stint of drug abuse counseling myself while in the service. On both sides.
And have had relatives with drug and alcohol problems. I think I understand quite well, thank you. In every case of their problems, stupidity played a roll.
Now in some cases you CAN fix stupid.
I'm just arguing that I shouln't have to pay tax dollars for the fixing.
December 17, 2011 at 4:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
After all, its easier (and lazier) to call names, like stupid, than it is to understand a person.
LET'S CHANGE THAT UP ?
After all, it's easier, (and more stupid) to call names, like lazy, than it is to understand a person.
December 17, 2011 at 5:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
It sure seems harder to get into the holiday spirit this year. The economy sucks, many go without jobs, retirement accounts have lost much value. Add to this the fact that, our government, federal, state and local, either don't care or refuse to acknowledge this fact and keep spending and raising taxes.
While optimism has its place, it should be tempered with some realistic thinking.
"GOOD NEWS" is great, but as a wise sage once said; "You can polish a turd all you want, you still end up with a turd".
Some may feel that I am a grouchy old "grinch" who doesn't do anything but complain and bitch. Sorry if I give that impression.When I see something positive happening, I comment positvely.
However I am at a time in my life, where I think more about "the kids" than other things. I am really concerned about how the actions we take now will affect my grandchildren and their children in the future.
So when I complain about government programs and actions and taxes I do so not to be negative, only becase "It's for the children".
I would like to give them the gift of a better world than my generation inherited. Shouldn't we all?
Will we?
Merry Christmas !
December 18, 2011 at 7:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Drug and Alcohol counseling protects the children too if it can get parents off the poison in their lives. I can't see letting kids down just because their parents can't afford counseling.
Unfortunately, it's a lot easier to get high or drunk than save your money to pay for counseling.
And with regard to taxes, I think we'd have more to go around if people would bring their delinquencies up to date.
December 18, 2011 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I spent the biggest part of the day yesterday, " Saturday " in Chanute, undoubtedly one of the saddest days of my life . Honoring and remembering my 1 year old great granddaughter, laying her to rest in her final resting place, knowing with all my heart that she/her soul is with Jesus in a better more beautiful and peaceful place .
Most of the time our government tells us that their spending and tax increases are " For the kids " , but the particular cry of " It' s for the kids " has become nothing more than a sympathetic " Con " for their lack of being able or wanting to make do with what they receive .
If our government wants to do something for " The Kids " , they should relieve " The Kids " from the responsibility of having to pay for the debt they are continuing to build, that they, The Kids , their kids, my kids, your kids, our kids, will be obligated to pay , Possibly for generations into the future. And what kind of a future will that be for our " Kids " ?
JMO
December 18, 2011 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Steve , liked your comment on the turd,,,,our gov. seems to think that if they can only pick the turd up from the clean end ,then the gov. can polish it.
December 18, 2011 at 8:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )