KALAMAZOO OPINION

Local Columns, Blogs, Editorials, Letters and Guest Columns

The Michigan Supreme Court has designated Tuesday as Michigan Adoption Day. This event is co-sponsored by the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Department of Human Services. With more than 30 counties participating, Michigan Adoption Day is poised to be the nation’s largest Adoption Day event for the seventh year in a row. Full story »

The comedian Rodney Dangerfield would always complain, "I get no respect." Today there is the increasing trend to show love for our pets but at the same time to ignore human beings. For example, on Oct. 4, 400 people from 30 churches stretched two miles down Westnedge Avenue in silent memory of unborn children lost in abortion clinics. Full story »

When I was growing up, the conservative mantra was "those welfare women." My entire childhood was met alternatively with judgmental Christians who marginalized my mother for having children out of wedlock or, on the other hand, complete disinterest in helping my mother cope with the incredible burden of raising children by herself.  Full story »

Reading a magazine or watching TV, you see that women are still seen as sex objects and less than equal in status. Full story »

On Dec. 10, 1948, the United States voted in favor of adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 25 of the Declaration states: "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care." Almost 61 years later we have yet to live up to this international standard. Full story »

"Out of Afghanistan." You might see these hand-painted signs, held up by a friendly group, in front of the federal building, if you happen to drive down Michigan Avenue in downtown Kalamazoo between noon and 1 p.m. on any given Sunday. Full story »

I recently received a card in the mail addressed to me. For the return address, it said 2009 Medicare health plan update, dated Oct. 26, 2009. Senior citizens beware, this card did not come from Medicare. It is an effort to sell you insurance. Full story »

The decision by the Kalamazoo Public Library to end its Bookmobile service was a difficult one. Nevertheless, the library board acted responsibly Oct. 26 in recognizing fiscal realities and deciding to shut down its operations by June of next year. Full story »

We are not going to get an increase in Social Security this year and I empathize with my fellow seniors.  Full story »

I keep hearing commentators on the national news networks talking about Tea Party members with a sneer in their voices like we’re something disgusting they’re trying to wipe off the bottom of their shoes. Full story »

Medicare is not the major part of sweeping health-care changes that have been passed in the U.S. House and are pending in the Senate. However, Medicare fraud is a troubling aspect of the current federal insurance plan that covers more than 44 million senior citizens. By the year 2030, that number could reach 79 million. Full story »

Thank you. See it's not that difficult.  Full story »

As a cancer caregiver, I know that patients can encounter all of the major problems in the health care system today. They are often denied coverage because of pre-existing condition exclusions or charged more than they can afford for critical care simply because they have cancer. Many are forced to delay or skip screenings because they cannot afford them. Full story »

I had dinner with two graduating seniors who, in a few days, would walk across the stage in Miller Auditorium to receive their bachelor's degrees. Full story »