NON-DEBATE HAD NO WINNER… “That’s no debate” rants Anne when we watch politicians attack each other in front of the cameras that puts them in the living rooms of millions of watchers.   Sunday night’s clawing matchup between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was not any better. The bitter adversaries set the tone by not shaking hands at the onset.   Most questions went unanswered as each attempted to verbally gouge the other with charges and counter charges. The moderators were nearly useless in keeping the “debate” on track and the “debaters” in check.   I told Anne that I probably would not watch the next one, and just wait for the morning news shows to rehash the bloodbath.   Anne went one better, saying not only would she not vote for that political hack Hillary, she would not vote for the sexist pig Donald.   I admit I havae had a certain fascination with Donald the past months. I love how he chopped up and spit out the professional politicians one by one until he was the last man standing on the Republican campaign trail.   His caustic sarcasm and willingness to say anything to keep the limelight on him worked well when manhandling his fellow candidates.   That worked well for the primary races; he was trashing his fellow candidates.   That same crudeness and rudeness as the Republican standard bearer for president is not sitting well with the voters that he needs in November.  He has shown his disdain and lack of respect for nearly every voting block in the country except possibly for the white male, super rich, radical right-winger.  Smirking Hillary Clinton just came off as the cat that ate the canary. She can lie from now to doomsday (and might) and still beat Donald Trump.    She is exactly the person many of us swore never to vote for (vote the INS out). She is a fat cat politician that has ridden the system for 30 years by making promises and cashing the check of lobbyists and the taxpayer.   The bigger problem is she is running against a bigger, richer, liar who is woefully ill equipped to be president.   Too bad she will be the first woman president; we might have deserved better.   Mr. and Mrs. Clinton will also be the first presidents that are married to each other. They may be the first presidents to have both been impeached.   It may be a long four years until there is a presidential candidate that will be a real bipartisan leader. Heaven knows who it might be; I doubt it will be any candidate that has stood on a campaign debate stage with Donald or Hillary.  TIME FOR THE F WORD… frost reared its cold head Monday morning in some spots of our region. The harbinger of worst things to come, frost is a good thing that drives away the insects that have been swarming around the back door and front windows waiting for a chance to get inside.   Frost triggers the color change in the leaves of trees, and makes the hummingbirds and butterflies head south.  It also triggers the feeding frenzy of fish, the spawning run of salmon and the rut in many animals that bear young in the early spring.   Around here, it stimulates the annual exodus of “snowbirds” heading south for the winter season. I already got a couple calls Monday from folks leaving their winter address change to keep getting their Record all winter long.   Happily the first few days of the week were warm and sunshiny even with the cool frosty mornings. Those couple of cold days in mid-week will give way to more warmth and sunshine for the weekend, the weatherman promises.

Discover a whole world of retirement benefits

 Christopher Columbus might be one of the most famous explorers in America. He is credited with discovering the New World, though Native Americans were here long before the Italian sailor.  Centuries later, there are new horizons to explore and you can do it from the comfort of your home or office. With Social Security, you can discover a new world of information and services at www.socialsecurity.gov.  For example, you can apply online for Social Security retirement benefits. Not sure whether you are ready for retirement? We can help you plot your course with our online Retirement Estimator, which you can use to get quick and accurate estimates of your retirement benefits. You also can apply online for disability benefits and for help to pay the costs of the Medicare prescription drug program at www.socialsecurity.gov.  One of our most powerful tools is our website: my Social Security. Create your online account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and then you will always have quick and easy access to see and update your information. You can use my Social Security to get estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits and view your earnings record.  If you already receive Social Security benefits, you can use your account to get an instant benefit verification letter and change your address, phone number, and direct deposit information. If you receive Medicare, you can get a replacement Medicare card using my Social Security. You may be able to apply for a replacement Social Security card in certain states, all online.  We have made exploring your bright future secure and easy at www.socialsecurity.gov.  Remember, we are with you through life’s journey. Social Security online tools will help you decide when to weigh anchor, and venture into the seas of retirement.

Three old guys

 Three old guys sit on rickety chairs in a garage reviewing the sad state of affairs in our world today. Frustrated that solutions are becoming scarcer and problems are multiplying faster than our ability to deal with them, society’s direction seems to them to be rushing towards chaos and destruction. Lack of motivation and deficiencies among the youth do not help the situation.  One of the old guys suggests, “Ever think that maybe we’re just like three old guys that could have been sitting here forty years ago saying basically the same things?” Hmm… maybe.  Required reading in German class at George Washington HS in 1967 was a classic, “Siddhartha”. I remember that the central theme of that story was “Alles kommt wieder” – everything comes again. The idea being that repeated cycles determine our experience. Maybe there is something to that for those three old guys.  Yet, to fatalistically surrender to impersonal forces of the cosmos is not consistent with an effective response to the direction that Jesus said history would be taking. Jesus does not say it is just a matter of cycles. He describes more of a downward spiral of mankind’s depravity, and He warns of increasing opposition to the truth (See Matthew 24).  Paul also explains to young Timothy concerning the progress of human development: “…evil men and seducers shall grow worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13)  So sooner or later the last group of three old guys will be right when they observe “it can’t go on like this”. Jesus Christ will return as He promised and it will not go on like this any longer.  So, meanwhile? Paul encouraged Timothy to stick with what he had been taught, staying confident that his salvation is as sure as God’s inspired word. Good advice.

LETTERS

Agree with Roy Davis

Dear Editor,

I have always been a reader of Roy Davis’ column and enjoyed them very much.  The column in last week’s paper (October 6th) was especially poignant and carried the message about the importance of voting.  I so agree with him in every way.  Keep up the good work, Roy!

Julie Smith, Coloma

Clinton Foundation vs. Trump foundation

Dear Editor,

Charitable foundations are in place involving both major candidates for president.  The Clinton Foundation was founded in 2001 by former President Bill Clinton. Per the website: “The Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation builds partnerships between businesses, NGOs, governments, and individuals everywhere to work faster, better, and leaner; to find solutions that last; and to transform lives and communities from what they are today to what they can be tomorrow”. Through the actions of the Clinton foundation, almost a half billion people around the globe have benefited through improved health and lives saved.  The Trump Foundation was established in 1988. Its original purpose was reportedly to give away proceeds from the book “Trump: The Art of the Deal” by Trump and Tony Schwartz. As a private foundation, the Trump Foundation gives money to others; it runs no programs of its own. The Foundation’s tax returns show that it has given to groups associated with conservative politics, as well as to healthcare and sports-related charities.  During the campaign Hillary Clinton has been accused of using her position as Secretary of State to give special favors to Clinton Foundation donors. Those accusations have been thoroughly debunked.  Donald Trump and his use of his foundation is another story. Recent disclosures document at least four instances in which foundation funds, totaling $258,000, appear to have been used in ways that violated “self-dealing” laws prohibiting non-profit leaders from using charity monies to benefit themselves or their businesses. In addition, funds were used for political donations. For instance, in 2013, the foundation gave $25,000 to a political group supporting Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R). That gift was made around the same time that Bondi’s office was considering whether to investigate fraud allegations against Trump University. After the donation her office stopped considering that investigation. Tax laws say nonprofits such as the Trump Foundation may not make political gifts.  Bottom line, Trump demonstrates his self-centered (and perhaps illegal) approach to charity, while Hillary has been part of a high impact effort that has succeeded in improving lives on a worldwide basis.

Melissa Clapper, Benton Harbor

Hope in Annie Brown

Dear Editor,

Annie Brown is familiar with public education, having been a teacher herself as well as serving several years on the South Haven Board of Education.  Public education has been squeezed since Governor Snyder joined forces with the Republican controlled legislature.  Their actions including, Right-To-Work legislation, are aimed more at weakening the power base of the Democrats than to serve the needs of our children as students.  We in this state need to invest in our future not try to get off on the cheap.  As a retired teacher I am grateful to have a pension, many others are not so fortunate in these changing times.  And I earned it by faithfully showing up and doing my job the best I knew how. When Snyder came into office he got a 4% tax on pensions through the legislature and while not happy to lose money from my fixed income I knew I should do my part to help balance the state budget when Michigan was really hurting from the recession.  But things are better economically now and it is TIME FOR THE RETIREMENT TAX TO GO!!  This issue is important to Annie.  I doubt that either one of the issues I mentioned will be addressed by a Republican controlled legislature. Annie Brown is my hope to change the balance in our legislature.

Joe Dailey, Bangor

A vote for Annie is a vote for change

Dear Editor,

For those of you who reside in the 66th District in Southwest Michigan and are concerned about the funding of education, seniors, lobbyists, and the direction of our state, there is a ray of hope this election year. The ray of hope is Annie Brown.  As a retired high school teacher, I have been and continue to be very concerned with the lack of funding for our public schools.  One of Annie’s primary reasons for running for State Representative is her concern for our public schools.  Annie has served on the South Haven School Board for over 12 years, so she is very aware of what should be done to make our schools work.  Annie also, like most of us, wants an economy that works for all of us, not just the privileged.  She wants seniors to feel confident that their pensions, Social Security, and Medicare will be protected, along with their other needs.  Annie is a dedicated public servant that is very passionate about what she believes will work for the people of Michigan, especially in her district.  A vote for Annie is a vote for change.  I know her well enough to know that she means what she says and is honest and trustworthy.  So, if you want change in Michigan, give Annie a chance to show you what she can do.  She is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and this is a good thing for us. Vote Annie November 8th!

Sharon Caron, Kalamazoo, MI

Beth Griffin is able to do the job

Dear Editor,

My husband, Bud, and I have known Beth for a number of years. I met her in the Republican Women’s Club, and her enthusiasm struck me. When she was elected to her commission seat, I could see her growing in knowledge and respect for her office and the people she serves. Before she supported issues, she was willing to investigate and then come out and explain why she supports them. Beth has continued to flourish in experience and passion for her calling and she is an honest, hard working candidate for State Representative. She will apply everything she has learned during her time of service and she has great mentors helping her along the way.  We support Beth and are grateful she is willing and able to do the job!

Bud and Cyndie Howes, Hartford

Vote McKay

Dear Editor,

I have taken my personal time to evaluate both candidates for 7th District Court Judge.  After searching records and information on both it is clear there is only ONE choice and that is Mike McKay.  McKay is a former Michigan State Trooper (because of an accident he had to leave that position) and current Assistant Prosecutor; has tried over 5,000 criminal cases in Van Buren County, and has proved his ability to do the job. He is experienced as an Assistant Prosecutor and works hard every day to protect us with his decisions.  Vote McKay, for experience, qualifications, trust, integrity, and honesty.

Thank you.

Carl Davis, Hartford

McKay is a clear cut qualified candidate

Dear Editor,

The 7th District Court Judge race to be is clear cut and only one candidate is qualified: Mike McKay.  He has spent years on multiple sides of law and order. As a State Trooper he maintained law and order by risking his life day in and day out making sure the people of Van Buren County were protected. As an Assistant Prosecutor Mike has tried thousands of cases making sure everyone is held accountable for their action, and that victims and their families received justice. Not to mention he is the only one in the race with jury trial experience.  We must make sure as brothers, sisters, mothers, daughters, fathers, and sons that this county be protected for years to come! I urge and call every one of you to vote Mike McKay for 7th District Court Judge.

Jeri Tapper, Paw Paw

The obvious choice is  Michael McKay

Dear Editor,

Two candidates currently seek the office of Judge of the 7th District Court of Van Buren County, Michigan. The 7th District Court is part of the unified court system of Van Buren County. These courts decide nearly 400 trials per year, many by jury verdict. The obvious and compelling choice to become the next Judge is Michael McKay.  Having practiced law for 45 years including nearly 175 jury trials together with many significant bench trials in both state courts and United States district courts, I have had exposure to many judges and have had the opportunity to evaluate judicial effectiveness.  In April of 2016 Mr. Martinez appeared at the Keeler Township Board meeting to speak to potential voters. It was and is clear from his presentation that his legal practice and experience is limited to immigration and naturalization matters together with a few domestic relations cases. These cases are not tried in the 7th District Court. He could not recall having tried any major bench trial during his legal career.  More significantly, Mr. Martinez conceded that he has never tried a jury trial. In short, he has not relevant legal experience which is necessary to qualify him to serve as a judge.  By contrast, Mr. McKay, who also appeared at a Keeler Township Board meeting, was able to point to his extensive trial experience, both bench and jury, including high profile legal matters. The experience to serve as judge is honed in the courtroom not by service upon various boards or service organizations.  Lawyers are evaluated by their peers in an independent publication, Martindale Hubbell, not Super Lawyer which is paid advertisement.  Lawsuits are expensive to try, both for the litigants and the taxpayers. The taxpayers of Van Buren County, I conclude, cannot afford to educate a judge after he has been elected to the bench.

Don G. Blackmond, Dowagiac