Nobody Asked Us, But ... Suggestion for those opposed to health bill

To the Republicans, Democrats, Tea Partiers, et al, who are aghast at the new health care law, morally and in good conscience, please go down to your local Social Security and Medicare offices tomorrow and insist on withdrawing or opting out of those programs. After all, they were "forced" onto the American people in their times, too. And for those of you who say, "but it's my retirement," or "Medicare pays my health bills," remember that Social Security was meant to be only an "adjunct" to your retirement, and Medicare was meant to help the elderly with health care...sort of like the government is trying to do with it's "younger" constituency. This country has been "talking" about health care since Teddy Roosevelt ... don't you think in 90 years or so, that it was time to stop "talking" and do something? Ensuing years will give Congress time to "tweak" it, but at least something has been done. Or, if this fails, just send your money to your favorite insurance company, and hope you have stock in it, because that's about the only way you'll see your money again. Nothing in this world is perfect, we can only try to do the best we can while we have the chance.

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Speaking of books, Robert Leonard Reid (of "I Say Nevada" fame) has his new book, "Arctic Circle ... Birth and Rebirth in the Land of the Caribou," in all major bookstores this month. It is a story of his trips in the wilds of the Arctic Circle, and should interest the adventurer in all of us.

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Stacie Peterson sent us the following off the Internet: "A strawberry blonde was weed-eating her yard and accidentally cut off the tail of her cat which was hiding in the grass. She rushed her cat, along with the tail, over to Walmart. Why Walmart? Helloooo! Walmart is the largest re-tailer in the world!"

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It's Palm Sunday today. We have some sad news ... several old friends have passed away. They are Charlie Miskulin, former NDOT employee (Carolyn's boss at one time) and P38 pilot in WWII; Larry Wright, also a former NDOT employee, who helped C with her sprinkler system; Peter "Mickey" Laxalt, part of the very prominent Laxalt family, and all-around good guy who gave great parties in the old days; Janet Gilman, former ESD employee whose birthday was on Feb. 29 every four years, so she was MUCH younger than the rest of us; and, finally, Lt. Col. (U.S. Army retired) Buel Trenton Rose, an old friend of M's. May they all rest in peace.

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Couple of warnings: DO NOT reply to e-mails about changing your password on Facebook - they are bogus. From Newsweek magazine (How Can I Make It Out Alive): if you are in a hostage situation... "don't be a hero, do what you're told, don't speak unless spoken to, get comfortable (but don't turn your back on your captors), don't make suggestions or try to escape, let medical needs be known matter of factly, be observant, answer only 'yes' or 'no,' signal the police if your captors are listening, don't be argumentative, and, hit the floor when help comes." This advice was given by Frank Bolz who negotiated the release of more than 800 hostages as head of the NYPD negotiation team. Read and remember.

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And isn't it nice to see the sun and feel warm again? Yeaaaaah! The crocuses and daffodils are already brightening the day.

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. They can be reached at editor@nevadaappeal.com.