‘Voices & Thoughts’ Archives
Social Security facts
To the editor: Myths about social security are like monsters in B movies that keep returning no matter how many times they're killed -- like the myth that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme. While there was a Charles Ponzi, and there is a scheme named after him, that's where any accuracy ends. That took about two minutes online to discover. Social Security was created to help everyone; Ponzi's scheme was devised to enrich himself. Social Security was created by a man ... Full Story
The 14 Biggest Lies of 2011
The 14 Biggest Lies of 2011 By David J Rothkopf I live in Washington where lying is an art form. Actually, that suggests an artist's intent and here in D.C., lying is more reflexive, like breathing or taking cash from fat cats. But when you live in a place like this -- if you can call it living -- where somehow we have managed to train moral mice to produce the shit of bulls, you really get an appreciation for a fine lie. Some stand out ... Full Story
Obituary: Gary Ray Brack
Gary Ray Brack, 65, of Berthoud, passed away January 2, 2012 after a valiant eight-month battle with glioblastoma cancer. Gary was born to Ray and Betty Brack on October 26, 1946 in Great Bend, Kansas Gary grew up in Fort Morgan, Colorado and graduated from Fort Morgan High School in 1964. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966, and served in Fort Lewis, Washington. He married Janet Isert, his first wife, in September of 1967. Gary had a 41-year career in the gas pipeline industry. ... Full Story
Obituary: Robert L. Brehm
Robert “Bob” L. Brehm, 77, of Berthoud passed away peacefully on January 3, 2012 at his home. He was born December 10, 1934 in Johnstown, Colorado to Adam and Mary (Schafer) Brehm. He graduated from Berthoud High School in 1953, lettering in football and basketball. Bob married Charlene Johnson of Berthoud on February 26, 1956. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958 and received an honorable discharge. In May of 1959 he retired from Hewlett Packard after 32 years of services. Bob was ... Full Story
Springtime for Toxics
Springtime for Toxics By Paul Krugman Here’s what I wanted for Christmas: something that would make us both healthier and richer. And since I was just making a wish, why not ask that Americans get smarter, too? Surprise: I got my wish, in the form of new Environmental Protection Agency standards on mercury and air toxics for power plants. These rules are long overdue: we were supposed to start regulating mercury more than 20 years ago. But the rules are ... Full Story
Who Would Jesus Vote For?
Should Christians Ask: Who Would Jesus Vote For? By Doug Bandow Evangelical churches long have been called the Republican Party at prayer. The observation might be close to true in Iowa. And that should make American Christians nervous about their future in politics. The relationship of religion and politics has been fraught with controversy since America's founding. In Europe a brutal mixture of church and state harmed both institutions: faith was perverted by power, ... Full Story
Hurt Obama, don’t hire
Tea Party Group Urges Small Businesses ‘Not To Hire A Single Person’ To Hurt Obama By Marie Diamond Congressional Republicans have acted shocked and offended at Democrats’ suggestions that they are intentionally sabotaging the economy to try to win back the White House in 2012. Republicans have refused to pass President Obama’s jobs plan — which experts estimate will create at least 1.9 million jobs — and proposed an alternative plan that ... Full Story
Life’s Outtakes: A Relative Disaster
A Relative Disaster By Daris Howard The church bulletin carried a notice for a genealogy class that was going to be offered in our local community. A friend of mine joked that I ought to take it to help me find out why I’m so nutty. “Maybe you will learn that you have had squirrels in your family tree.” “Very funny,” I replied. But I must admit that the thought intrigued me. I have some old aunts that work on this kind of thing all of the time. They can tell me who my ... Full Story
Obituary: Thomas McGovern
Thomas McGovern, 48, of Berthoud passed away Saturday, December 24, 2011 at his home. He was born on July 19, 1963 in Denver, Colorado to Kevin and Darlene (Malmquist) McGovern. He graduated from Thornton High School in 1982. He lived in Florida before moving to Berthoud in 1998. Thomas had worked for Pouley Construction since 2004 and at Mastec North America prior to that. He loved the Lord and knew the Lord loved him. He was a loving son, brother, and uncle to his family. He enjoyed ... Full Story
Obituary: Jason James Olinger
Jason James Olinger of Timnath, Colorado passed away on December 17, 2011 at the age of 40. He was born in Bloomington, Illinois to Jack D. and M.J. Olinger. Jason grew up and was baptized in Dubuque, Iowa. Early life found him around family, friends and relatives, where his dad taught him to bowl. At age eight, Jason and his family moved to Westminster, Colorado, where Jason attended Mesa Elementary and Scott Carpenter Junior High. During this time, he became a Boy Scout and was active in the ... Full Story
