‘Guest column’ Archives
Jamboree travesty
By Robert J. Byers I don’t blame the Boy Scouts for President Donald Trump’s bizarre speech at the National Jamboree in West Virginia on Monday. The U.S. president is, after all, the honorary president of the Scouts. If he wants to speak at the National Jamboree, it would be hard to say no. I don’t blame the boys in the audience who took the bait and booed Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama or who chanted “USA! USA!” in response to Trump’s childish cues. ... Full Story
Cancer with political clout
By Robert C. Koehler A suicide bomber inflicts hell at a concert hall in Manchester, England that’s full of children, as though that was the point — to murder children. The horror of war . . . well, terrorism . . . doesn’t get any worse. And the media, as they focus on the spectacle of what happened, as they cover the particulars of the tragedy — the suspect’s name and ethnicity and apparent grievances, the anguish of the survivors, the names and ages of the victims — ... Full Story
No Exit? The NY Times and North Korea
by Mel Gurtov Three opinion pieces on US policy toward North Korea have appeared in the New York Times in the past week. They deserve critical comment. The writers are all very capable people who share a deep concern about Korea’s security and the possibility of a major blowup that would cause enormous human and material losses throughout the Asia Pacific. As a longtime student of Korean affairs, however, I find that these commentaries—which reflect ... Full Story
Lundberg: Birthday and Bills
March 24, 2017 Medical Transparency Bill Estes Park The Long Bill is Ready ______________________________________________________________________________ Medical Transparency Bill Senate Bill 65 passed the House this week. This is my medical transparency bill, requiring doctors, clinics and hospitals to list the prices of their most common practices. After the Senate approves House amendments it will be off to the Governor for his ... Full Story
Planning Will Help You See Green In Retirement
By Josh Weller Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado Social Security has been a cornerstone of financial security for over 80 years. As you might already know, a lifetime of measured discipline can ensure a comfortable retirement. Social Security can help you plan, save, and see plenty of green in your golden years. Social Security is part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker. If you’re among the 96 percent of workers in the United States ... Full Story
When Is A Good Time To Start Receiving Social Security
By Josh Weller Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado Enjoying a comfortable retirement is everyone’s dream. For over 80 years, Social Security has been helping people realize those dreams, assisting people through life’s journey with a variety of benefits. It’s up to you as to when you can start retirement benefits. You could start them a little earlier or wait until your “full retirement age.” There are benefits to either decision, pun ... Full Story
Mad About THAAD: An Untimely Decision
by Mel Gurtov The US decision, supported by the South Korean government, to deploy an antimissile system known as THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) may be one of the most thoughtless strategic moves in a generation. The official US argument is that close-in defense against North Korean missiles is necessary. But the deployment has resulted in the following: an argument in China for increasing its nuclear weapons stockpile; an incentive in North Korea for moving ... Full Story
You, Women’s History, and The Power Of Social
By Josh Weller Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado March is Women’s History Month — a time to focus not just on the past, but on the challenges women continue to face. Nearly 60 percent of the people receiving Social Security benefits are women, and in the 21st century, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history. Knowing this, you can be the author of your ... Full Story
Receiving Housing Benefits?
A Trip To Social Security May Not Be Necessary By Josh Weller Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, CO Social Security is constantly evolving to make your life easier. If you are currently receiving benefits from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and are reapplying for benefits, or are assisting someone with their application, a trip to the Social Security office is probably not necessary even if verification of Social Security ... Full Story
Set A Goal, Make A Plan, And Save Automatically:
By Josh Weller Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Saving for the future is a vital part of ensuring a secure retirement. American Savings Education Council and America Saves coordinate the annual America Saves Week. Started in 2007, the week is an annual opportunity for organizations to promote good savings behavior and a chance for individuals to assess their own saving status. For years, Social Security has collaborated with America Saves Week to promote our shared mission ... Full Story
