The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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Voices: Lousy comedian
God bless America, and how’s everybody? That’s all that’s worth reading from Argus Hamilton these days.
Back when I first came to this area, I found Hamilton’s column in an Oklahoma newspaper that also explained that Argus Hamilton was an Oklahoma boy who was presently located in California, and I thought his humor was interesting because it was different.
It was also interesting to find it on the back page of the first section of the Joplin Globe on the occasions in those days that I bought a copy.
Voices: Debt ceiling
The debt ceiling of $12.1 trillion will be reached by early December. Congress will have to raise this limit, or America will be in default of its obligations. I predict an increase to at least $15 trillion, and that should be reached at the end of Obama’s first term.
Why do I think this will happen? Obama’s budget will be around $4 trillion dollars for fiscal year 2010, with at least a trillion dollars being deficit spending. If the economy doesn’t gain speed, this amount will increase by at least half, thereby insuring a deficit of $1.5 trillion dollars.
Voices: Debt ceiling
The debt ceiling of $12.1 trillion will be reached by early December. Congress will have to raise this limit, or America will be in default of its obligations. I predict an increase to at least $15 trillion =, as that should be reached at the end of Obama’s first term.
Voices: ‘Lousy comedian’
God bless America, and how’s everybody? That’s all that’s worth reading from Argus Hamilton these days.
Back when I first came to this area, I found Hamilton’s column in an Oklahoma newspaper ...
In Our View: Tough questions to answer
Should suspected terrorists allegedly responsible for the 9/11 attacks be tried under American Federal law in open court?
Proponents for this action being taken by the president and his attorney general argue that our system can handle it.
In Our View: Step in the wrong direction on breast cancer screening
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force earlier this week updated guidelines, saying women in their 40s do not need routine mammograms for early detection of breast cancer. Apparently these “experts” — none of whom are oncologists — haven’t been reading our obituaries lately.
Voices: Benefiting the child
First, I would like to congratulate the taxpayers of Joplin on our wonderful new middle schools that we as taxpayers funded.
Voices: Suspect?
On the front page of the Nov. 13 Globe was the headline, “Fort Hood suspect charged.”
Voices: Listen up
A tea bagger said: “I want my country back” — whatever she meant by that.
Voices: Another Robin Hood
I approve of the health care reform. Roosevelt helped the poor, getting Social Security passed while he was president.
In Our View: Sending out an SOS
William “Bud” Wirick not only lost a storage barn, but personal property he says was worth several thousand dollars. Cars, motorcycles, mowers, tools, 15 rolls of metal roofing and roof rafters are all gone, he claims, after his storage barn was demolished after he was cited for allowing a dangerous building to exist next to his house.
Guest columnist James R. Wheeler: It’s time we quit fooling ourselves
“Confirmation bias” is the tendency for people to instinctively seek evidence that supports the opinion they already have. Psychologists know, or should know, that this is common, and nowhere is it more evident than in foreign policy.
Voices: Mission, vision confusion
The “mission” of a group has to do with its continuing a vowed purpose. The mission need not change until there is a change in this propelling intent. A vision implies a time-specific picture anticipated at some point of progress.
Voices: Never-ending requests
Empire District Electric is asking the Public Service Commission for a 19.6 percent increase in electric rates so they can buy into other power plants.
In our view: Dubious ‘trends’
We recently spotted this interesting quote in a financial news release: “Direct comparisons are not necessarily applicable. You can make some judgments in terms of trends …” The quote was not from a professional politician, but from ...
Voices: Giving up absolutes
It is no exaggeration to say that Barack Obama’s political invention is high religion incarnate.
Voices: Missouri’s slide
An old Chinese saying tells us, “If you are planning for one year, grow rice; for 20 years, grow trees; for 100 years, grow men.” For too long now, Missouri has been growing nothing but rice.
Voices: Abandoning families
As the U.S. House voted on historic health reform legislation, my mother was in bed in a hospital intensive care unit.
Voices: Bravo, Strolling Strin
As we stated last night when the Strolling Strings performed for the Retired Employees Association of Joplin Schools, we want to extend our appreciation for one of the best programs we have seen in a while.
Voices: Property valuations
I just read an article in The Joplin Globe (Nov. 10) about property valuations in Cherokee County, Kan.
In Our View: Russian politics
If you think we have a political problem in the United States, check out Russia. A recent editorial in The Washington Post noted that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev recently gave a 140-minute “state of the union” address.
Voices: All kinds of liars out there
Some people say you should think for yourself. Don’t they know Rush Limbaugh is supposed to do their thinking for them?
Voices: Keep up the good work, Diamond students
I am writing this letter to inform your many readers that the students, teachers and staff at Diamond High School need to be recognized on behalf of the area veterans.
Voices: Continental Congress 2009
Bailouts, layoffs, foreclosures, social decay, family destruction and endless wars. Most do not know it, but virtually every problem that America now suffers is the direct result of violations of the Constitution by our (servant) government.
Finally, there is hope. This November, publicly elected citizen-delegates representing the people of each state will convene at a national assembly known as “Continental Congress 2009.”
Letter of the week: Soldiers through the ages
How times have changed. I just attended a program at the Webb City Junior High School. The complete school attended. My grandson, Capt. Ben Carter, was on a direct video hookup from Afghanistan, where many more men and women, according to the news, will be going. His wife and four children also attended the program.
When I was an MP at Dachau in 1945 during World War II, the only thing I received from family was mail.
Other views: Plugging ethical loopholes
The Missouri Housing Development Commission has been through a rocky period. In June, a state audit criticized it for incomplete record-keeping, conflict-of-interest problems and weak rules on contracting.
And the panel’s executive director was interviewed by the FBI as part of an investigation into low-income housing projects.
Parole board denies release of Carthage man
former Carthage man convicted of killings in Carthage and Rolla must stay in prison for at least three more years.
Family members of the victims were notified last week of the results of a parole hearing held in August for John Steven Martin, who was convicted more than 30 years ago of two murders.
Patricia Brigman, Carl Junction, said she was told by state officials on Friday that Martin’s next parole hearing will be in August 2012. Parole board officials could not be reached for comment.
Ken Midkiff, guest columnist: Absolutely nothing further from the truth
The Missouri Pork Producers Association, the Poultry Federation and other advocates for agribusiness have labeled those concerned about concentrated animal feeding operation as “anti-CAFO”.
In our view: Lending a hand
By now you may have noticed big cardboard boxes located in the entryways of several local businesses and retailers.
Those aren’t for trash, by the way.
A lot of people are counting on you this year to notice them and then take action.
Marian Kelly, guest columnist: I ‘ink,’ therefore I am
I am a fairly intelligent being, yet there exists a sizable list of things I don’t expect to ever understand. Trigonometry leaps to mind. Also improvisational jazz. And pants that don’t come all the way up to your waist — but then I could fill an entire column with fashion trends that elude me.
Elliot Denniston, guest columnist: Health insurance and your survival
A recently published study shows how very dangerous it is not to have health insurance. Harvard Medical School and the Cambridge Health Alliance have just published research showing that 45,000 Americans die every year because they don’t have the insurance (published online by the American Journal of Public Health).
In Our View: Area has war stories to be told
Only Wilmer McLean may be more star-crossed than Southwest Missouri when it comes to the Civil War. In July 1861, the Civil War in the East erupted on McLean’s Virginia farm near a creek called Bull Run.
Carol Stark: Students find their voice
Rhiannon Riesenmy’s life calling probably won’t lead her into the world of journalism.
She has a few other careers in mind, none that include a reporter’s notebook.
Dave Woods: Apartment still drawing fire
Voices: Just wondering
In Our View: Sneaky taxes
There is an incessant demand from most Americans for continuation of all approved government programs at the federal, state and local level. Any cuts in such programs are met with resistance, if not screams of outrage.
Voices: Part of history
Well, here I go, writing to the Globe again, but I just can’t restrain myself.
Voices: Not for the good
A recent letter writer asks: “Will someone explain to me why we should have government-managed heath care? I don’t understand.”
Voices: Can’t compete
The only reason, despite their rationalizations, that our representatives resist passing health care reform is because the general population has been wrongly influenced by the distorted information of the insurance and medical community to believe that their benefits will be negatively impacted by health care reform.
Voices: Shame on this country
After reading Rita Crowell’s letter in the Globe (Nov. 9), I felt I just had to respond. I don’t believe she has even read the health care bill that was passed. I read a summary of the bill and here are the highlights:
Voices: Foundering policies
“It’s not about Obama, it’s about issues.” That’s the Democratic spin to flip the havoc of losing “blue” state gubernatorial seats in Virginia and New Jersey.
Voices: Fan mail
Way to go, Webb City (High School) Cards.
Voices: Do not stand by
Health care is of major importance to the American people. Affordable health care has been nothing but a dream to a great portion of middle class Americans.
Guest columnist Anson Burlingame: Soldiers ‘fight’ under many conditions
I am writing this at the suggestion of my wife. We were not married during my years of service, but the currents run deep and she knows it.
In Our View: Investigating Fort Hood shootings
The murderous rampage of a U.S. Army major at Fort Hood, Texas, that left 13 active and retired soldiers dead and 29 wounded is incomprehensible to any rational being.
In our view: Permanent tribute
In no way is it a feel-good story. That doesn’t mean it should be forgotten. Today, more than 146 years after 15 black Civil War soldiers were shot, killed, mutilated and their bodies burned, a monument will be dedicated as a reminder of the story behind the deaths of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry.
Voices: We subscribe, too
There always have been politically leaning community newspapers and the reason they are leaning one way or the other is simple economics.
Voices: Failing to stand up to lobby
With the passage of House Resolution 3962, the U.S. House of Representatives has written the first serious reform of health care in this country in more than a generation.
Voices: No influence?
According to the Globe, a bevy of legislators recently avowed that the thousands of dollars donated to them have no influence on their votes on legislation.
Voices: It’s not a choice
I understand the feelings of Mary Lou Bower and Wayne King with respect to the animal shelter, but it’s really not a choice between homeless people or homeless animals, although, in some cases, there are people who choose to be homeless whereas animals don’t have that option.
In our view: Change ink on this policy
Missouri Southern State University’s policy regarding nursing students and tattoos should be updated. The Globe, last week, published a story about a few students who were not allowed into the nursing program because they had visible tattoos.
Voices: The ‘anti-Titanic’
Why is it that many folks who didn’t even approve the federal support for finance and industry or the huge dollar surge are now so quick to criticize the slow recovery?
Voices: Don’t sign petition
The people of Ward 3 should not sign an agreement to let a committee of Ward 3 manage the golf course and raise our taxes whenever they feel it necessary.
Voices: Thank you
We just returned home from the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America. The concert was fantastic and we want to thank the Globe for sponsoring it. We really enjoyed the show.
Voices: Get out and vote
It is one thing for people to be rebellious against government — that’s a healthy exercise of our freedom. It is quite another thing for government to be rebellious against the people. That is the very definition of tyranny.
Voices: Feels better for writing
I too, like Wayne King, am a first-time letter writer. I also agree with King’s letter about the homeless community in our area. I think it is a breakdown of our society when we are more concerned with the animal shelter than we are with our homeless people.
Other views: Desensitized violence is a growing danger
We have had national conversations about race, national conversations about immigration, and now we’re having a national conversation about health care. Perhaps it would also be a good idea to hold a national conversation about violence, ...
Letter of the week: Greetings from Rhode Island
I am writing to say hello from Rhode Island. I am in the seventh grade at Goff Junior High School in Pawtucket, R.I. For my geography project I chose your state, Missouri, to do an oral report on.
Voices: Please pray
Let’s point out some facts about the deadly Obama health care bill. No matter what the liberal Democrats say about Obama’s health care plan. It would provide the following:
1. A mandate for abortion.
2. “End of life” counseling every five years especially for the aged and ill leading to euthanasia.
3. Dictate pregnancy intervals and number of children.
4. Requires taxpayers to pay for sex-change surgeries.
5. Rationing and decrease in quality of health care.
Voices: Tax burden
I want to thank all the 722 yes people in Carl Junction for voting yet again for another property tax burden on myself and others.
It’s so easy to use “children” as a reason to pass tax issues and I’m tired of this same old song.
Tim D. Ripperger: MDC working on communication
Richard Massengill donated approximately 207 acres to the Missouri Department of Conservation in 2000. The Department of Conservation now holds this land in public trust and manages the area in a natural state for the citizens of Missouri as requested by Massengill. The Department of Conservation takes our public trust responsibilities seriously and works hard to promote, improve and implement conservation practices on public land throughout the state.
Larry Dablemont: Encroachment not intent of man's gift
A sleek looking buck jumped up from a brush pile where he was resting, and white-flagged it through the timber away from us.
He was on land owned by Deanna and Dacey Hewett, but there are posts across it with Missouri Department of Conservation’s yellow signs designating it to be its property. It seems it intends to take it, and take land of two other private owners, which are neighbors.
Miranda Lewis: Americans are at war with diabetes
If you have diabetes, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re one of more than 23 million other Americans who have it.
Did you know that diabetes is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness and circulatory problems? Unfortunately, diabetes continues to be a growing problem in the United States.
Dzve Woods: Horror film prompts debate
Wally Kennedy loves to dig for the naked truth in a story. Last week, the longtime Globe reporter — who has spent years covering environmental issues in and around the town of Picher — discovered a story of a different kind.
Apparently, several locations — including a deserted church — in the almost abandoned community were being used by a movie company, deathfactoryinc.com, to film a hard-core horror film titled “Bad Girls Burn in Hell.” Once news of the flick made it around town, and locals took time to check out the company’s Web site, it wasn’t long until “Bad Girls” was forced to shut down production in Picher.
In our view: A year later, politcially
A year ago, Americans wholeheartedly endorsed “change” promoted by then Democrat candidate Barack Obama. He won the presidential election hands down.
Two states, New Jersey and Virginia, on Tuesday elected Republican gubernatorial candidates, by a 20 percent margin in Virginia and 5 percent in New Jersey (a usual stronghold for Democrats). What, if anything, do those elections mean nationally and here in Missouri?
Guest column, Miranda Lewis: Americans are at war with diabetes
If you have diabetes, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re one of more than 23 million other Americans who have it. Did you know that diabetes is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness and circulatory problems? Unfortunately, diabetes continues to be a growing problem in the United States.
Guest column, Tim D. Ripperger: MDC working on communication
Richard Massengill donated approximately 207 acres to the Missouri Department of Conservation in 2000. The Department of Conservation now holds this land in public trust and manages the area in a natural state for the citizens of Missouri as requested by Massengill.
Guest column, Larry Dablemont : Encroachment not intent of man’s gift
A sleek looking buck jumped up from a brush pile where he was resting, and white-flagged it through the timber away from us. He was on land owned by Deanna and Dacey Hewett, but there are posts across it with Missouri Department of Conservation’s yellow signs designating it to be its property.
Voices: An erstwhile liberal
We must make no mistake: “Progressivism,” “liberalism,” “socialism,” “communism” and “collectivism” all come under the umbrella of neofeudalism. All of these political entities denote systems in which we, the citizens, are reduced to a master-slave relationship to the state.
Voices: Foundation laid for MSSU international mission
Thanks for your insightful editorial in the Globe on Nov. 1 concerning the international mission at Missouri Southern State University.
Voices: Quirky calculation
Confession: For a week or so a while back, it looked as if seniors had breathing room.
Voices: Repeat the message
I would like to repeat Don Landrith’s letter (Globe, Nov. 4), as many times as anyone will listen. Some spoke up on Tuesday, loud and clear, when they went to the polls.
In Our View: Fort Hood tragedy
The facts as we know them are that an Army major, who was a mental health professional, shot and killed 13 soldiers (including himself) at Fort Hood, Texas, and wounded 38 others. Truly a tragedy of major proportions. Our hearts and sympathy obviously go out to the dead, the wounded and their families.
In Our View: Coke deal deserves to go flat
The CEO of the American Academy of Family Physicians says a six-figure deal with Coca-Cola Co. will not have any effect on the group’s editorial content about soft drinks and obesity.
Does that come with fries, too?
Voices: Sounds like a leader
The vote of no confidence for Bruce Speck is an embarrassment for Missouri Southern State University.
Voices: Think for yourselves
Saturday’s Globe edition Oct. 31 article, “We want equality for everyone,” needs to be evaluated to the fullest degree.
Guest columnist Bob Cumley: Kudos to local medical services
On Sept. 28, I had spinal surgery performed by Dr. Brian Ipsen of Orthopaedic Specialists of the Four States in Joplin. I would like to relate the positive experience I had.
In Our View: Let’s even the playing field
Area first-round high school football playoff games on Wednesday night were held minus several players. You might have heard about it, especially if you’re a student, a fan or a parent. We carried a brief mention of the suspensions Wednesday morning on the sports page in advances on area games involving Carthage and Webb City.
Voices: A special prayer
Oh God, help those who are hungry. When I have plenty of food, help me to remember those who don’t. My house is warm, help me to remember those that are homeless.
Voices: Medical Katrinas
There are wonderful intentions and desires in our search for “universal” health care. What have we learned from prescription Medicare D experience? We’ve seen the difficulty in acclimating seniors to 30-something plans in Missouri.
Voices: Overriding common sense
On Oct. 26, a Globe letter to the editor ran a letter from a man who referred to Highway 71’s four-lane extension from Fidelity Corners south to Neosho a few years ago. He wrote: “Why did they not follow the existing route south where the Missouri Department of Transportation had already purchased right of way?”
Voices: In defense of Rush
I’m thinking that I need to express much sympathy for Rush Limbaugh for being blocked by a powerful coterie of professional football investors from becoming a minority owner of the St. Louis Rams. Rush speaks well enough for himself.
Voices: Death of common sense
Will someone explain to me why we should have government-managed heath care? I don’t understand!
In Our View: Where do we go from here?
A vote on Monday by 78 percent of the faculty indicating “no confidence” in Missouri Southern State University President Bruce Speck’s leadership by a margin of better than 3-to-1 warrants serious and immediate consideration by the MSSU Board of Governors.
In our view: Time to get out of Iraq
It’s been six years and counting since our invasion of Iraq. What has been accomplished? Certainly a brutal dictator has been overthrown and his regime silenced. The Iraqi military forces and government are no longer a threat to any neighbors, including Israel and Iran.
Voices: Define ‘true and accurate’
The letter to the editor by John T. McDonald (Globe, Oct. 24) states that he is impressed by the standards of the written opinions that are published on the editorial page. He notes that the increasing number of varying points of view is very encouraging.
Voices: Polanski not above the law
We see it happen quite often — celebrities and others with “big names” committing criminal acts and believing that they are unaccountable for their actions. We see it happen with politicians, writers, even pastors and attorneys and others who are sworn to uphold the law. It also happens a lot in the entertainment world. One example is Roman Polanski.
Voices: Employees part of recovery
On Oct. 23, I had shoulder surgery at a local hospital. I am for some sort of health care plan where doctors don’t have to pay tons of money to protect themselves against silly lawsuits.
I am for a system that doesn’t rip off Medicaid and Medicare, I am for a system where the old or unemployed don’t suffer because they can’t afford treatment.
Voices: Effort would cripple nation
On Monday, Oct. 26, a letter appeared in the Globe under the headline “Disappointed in editorial.” This was from Emily Robinson, of the Union of Concerned Scientists, Chicago, Ill. Personally, I find it ironic that she is now from Chicago, but that’s another matter.
In her letter, Robinson takes The Joplin Globe to task for daring to challenge the “(consensus of) all major scientific institutions and professional societies around the world (that) concluded that human activity is driving global warming.”
Letter of the month: More rate hikes?
You have got to be kidding! We are struggling now to pay bills, the ones we already have, and now Empire and Missouri American Water have the nerve to want more because of upgrades and construction of plants of which some of them are not even here.
You know, our incomes do not go up year after year. My income has gone down steadily the last two years. So what makes you think we can keep paying this money you want? I think you should take the money we pay you month after month and invest that in your plants. Quit asking us poor people to help you. We could use some help too.
Other views: Regulations defy logic
Congress and the Obama administration continue to spend a great deal of time trying to come up with a way to regulate the financial services industry and irregular investment instruments that caused last fall’s financial disaster.
Lawmakers and regulators and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner continue to be at odds over some of the new regulations moving through Congress as part of an enormous regulatory overhaul bill.
Carol Stark: Candid talk paves way for 2010w/ Community Conversation interview audio
Before I left for China, Missouri House Speaker Ron Richard asked if he could bring a few committee chairs to the Globe to meet members of the editorial board.
In Our View: Don’t undercut mission
We believe the international mission at Missouri Southern State University is a critical component of the school’s educational experience. We also believe the international mission helps set MSSU apart from other Missouri universities.
Dave Woods: Global warming debate heats up online
Emily Robinson is disappointed in The Joplin Globe. Last week, the Globe published a letter to the editor from the former Missouri resident, and member of the Union of Concerned Scientists in Chicago, calling the editorial board on the carpet for our Oct. 20 In Our View editorial concerning America’s participation in the Copenhagen Treaty.
In Our View: Make good on promise for walking trail
While the Joplin City Council has effectively scrapped plans to build a walking trail at Schifferdecker Park, in our view, city leaders should reconsider their decision.
Voices: Government IOUs
Do you know what happened to a lot of the Social Security money that was put back?
Voices: No cause for celebration
On Sept. 20, the Empire State building was lighted red and yellow to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. At the same time, this event was either being celebrated on the south White House lawn or across the street, depending on whom you talk to.
Voices: We are in charge
My high school science teacher constantly repeated one of his standards to live by: When it concerns people and facts, believe none of what you hear, none of what you read and only half of what you see.

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