New Seniors

Thomas Jefferson speaks across the centuries

Your Neighbors — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:20:12 +0000

Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence has been consistently ranked by scholars as one of the greatest of U.S. presidents. There are plenty of quotes attributed to Jefferson circulating on the Internet, some of which appear to have been fabricated. The following set of quotes has been checked for verifiable attribution to Thomas Jefferson. As one reads these quotes, it is easy to see evidence of struggles that continue to this day, and yet the common sense eloquence of these statements from the early years of our nation rings truer today than ever.

On government
“A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government.”
Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address, 4 March 1801

“I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.”
Confirmed in the Jeffersonian Cyclopedia

“It is not by the consolidation or concentration of powers, but by their distribution that good government is effected.”
Memoirs, Correspondence and Private Papers of Thomas Jefferson

On the Constitution
“I consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground: That all powers not delegated to the United States, by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States or to the people.”
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson

“Our legislators are not sufficiently apprized of the rightful limits of their power; that their true office is to declare and enforce only our natural rights and duties, and to take none of them from us.”
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson

On liberty
“I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty, than those attending too small a degree of it.”
Letter to Archibald Stuart, 23 December 1791

“Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add ‘within the limits of the law’ because law is often but the tyrant’s will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.”
Letter to Isaac H. Tiffany, 1819

On taxes
“To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.”
The Works of Thomas Jefferson

On the news media
“Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. I will add, that the man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them; inasmuch as he who knows nothing is nearer to truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods & errors.”
Letter to John Norvell, 11 June 1807

On national debt
“It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.”
Confirmed in the Jeffersonian Cyclopedia

“I sincerely believe… that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale.”
Letter to John Taylor, 28 May 1816

On firearms
“No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.”
Draft Constitution for Virginia, June 1776

John F. Kennedy stated at a White House dinner honoring Nobel Prize winners in 1962: “This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.”

The Jefferson Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Getting a new pair of shoes was a big deal when pre-boomers were kids

Don Potter: Editor-in-Chief — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:46:33 +0000

As a kid growing up during World War II new shoes were difficult to come by. So we had our Sunday shoes and everyday shoes. Often the onetime Sunday shoes became the everyday ones. Growing out of the shoes and moving on to a larger size was the primary reason to get new shoes. This made a trip to the shoe store a very big event, indeed.

The brand that was popular for elementary school boys was Buster Brown. His sister’s name was Mary Jane. The logo of Buster Brown and his dog Tige was not only on the store signage, both inside and out; it was inside the shoe as well. Mom picked the most durable shoes for the money, so I didn’t have much to say about style – nor did it really matter. All the kids had the same non-descript shoes, so none of us cared what the other kids were wearing.

The fitting process consisted of several steps. The salesman sat on a slanted stool and removed my right shoe. Why was it always the right shoe? Out came the contraption for measuring the length and width of the foot. Every store had one of these aluminum and black tools called a Brannock Device, named after its creator, Charles Brannock.

The salesman went into the stockroom after giving me a Buster Brown comic book to read. A few minutes later he emerged carrying three or four boxes each containing a pair of shoes. He plopped the boxes next to the stool and used the metal shoehorn he keep in his back pocket to help me put on the shoes after receiving an approving nod from Mom. Then I was instructed to stand up, and she pressed her thumb down firmly on the top of the shoe to see how close the toes were to the edge.

Once the shoes past the first test, I was told to walk up and down the isle. Sliding the slippery new soles on the carpet and looking at my feet in the titled mirrors scattered about the floor distracted me from this awkward task. I was asked how the shoe felt. This was only a formality, because new shoes never felt comfortable. When the selection was narrowed to one, the salesman unlaced the shoe on my left foot and placed the new shoe on it. The neat part was next: the X-ray machine. But first Mom had to press her thumb on the tips of both shoes this time.

X-ray machines in the local shoe store were bulky pieces of technology that we placed our feet in so the salesman could use his electronic pointer to show Mom how well the shoes fit (they stopped using this equipment a long time ago, because of radiation exposure or some other horrible thing caused by this procedure). Satisfied the fit was proper and hoping I wouldn’t grow out of them too fast, Mom paid the man.

Before leaving the store, the shoe box and a plastic shoehorn emblazoned with the Buster Brown logo were stuffed into a Buster Brown bag along with the Buster Brown comic book. The shoe company was a pretty good marketer back then, so good that the brand is still around today. Buster Brown and his dog Tige made friends with kids before this pre-boomer was born. It’s nice to see they’re still doing it.

You make a difference

-NewSeniors Editorial — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:56:26 +0000

The flame from a single candle lights up ones own little corner, but the flames of many candles light up the world. What we believe can have an illuminating affect on our immediate surroundings such as family and friends. However, what we do in our communities and beyond shines a spotlight on ways to make a difference and cause positive change while attracting others to join us in these efforts.

Most of us 65+ have led an active and involved life, both on the job and at home. Now, in retirement or getting prepared for it, we are faced with the possibility of having idle time on our hands. Something the pre-boomer generation is not used to. At first, this seems like a happy dilemma, but too much leisure time does little to stimulate the mind and can lead to a feeling of low self-esteem. Besides, who wants to do nothing when you can get great satisfaction from being of service?

“What can I do?” you ask. Anything you want! After all, you did this throughout your life, why stop now? Think about the dreams we New Seniors had when we were young. Being the best we could be in the areas where we had interest received encouragement from our elders – parents, teachers, coaches, scout masters and other leaders. And we carried this with us upon entering the workforce and, to some degree, throughout our careers. It’s time to dust off those memories and apply them once again, because America needs our knowledge, experience and guidance more than ever.

The nation is in a state of fear-based, self-centered apathy. If it doesn’t affect us directly, we tend not to care; so don’t make waves. Gone is the spirit that helped people survive the Great Depression. The spirit that united us against common enemies in WWII. The spirit that built a post-war economy second to none. The spirit that fought social injustices and prevailed. The spirit that placed men on the moon. The spirit that outlasted the threat of the Soviet Union. The spirit that created the Internet and the technology boom. The spirit that re-united Americans after the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

Has the life gone out of this great country, or are we just taking a breath before rising up and redirecting our efforts to ignite the spark once more? Are you ready to carry the torch the spreads the light of freedom and the opportunities that will bring America back from the lonely darkness that separates us and help bring people back together again?

This action can begin to take place immediately, but the road back is long and up hill. Don’t let that deter you. New Seniors can make a difference in the way government works and let those in elected positions know who they work for by being active during the period leading up to the November election. Without regard to party affiliation, those 65+ are expected to account t for nearly 30% of the votes cast this fall. So get involved.

While this is going on, look for ways to be of service in your community. Recruit other New Seniors to join you in making a difference. Tell your friends that you intend to make a difference. And, demonstrate to your family what it means to make a difference.

What is the most important thing to consider when it comes to retirement living?

Don Potter: Editor-in-Chief — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:50:45 +0000

Maybe it’s me, but a friend, who is also a pre-boomer, told me he is moving into a retirement facility later this year. I could not determine if he was pleased or simply resigned to it. This man is younger than I am, so it got me to thinking about this as an option down the road. Probably many of us at the farther end of the generation born between 1930 and 1945 have thought about this possibility, so let’s explore it.

When I was able to finally convince my parents to give up the house outside Philadelphia and move to Los Angeles, it was a big deal for them. Both were in the mid-eighties and had lived on the east coast all their lives. Even after down-sizing to a smaller home, they were reluctant to leave the few friends who were still living, the neighborhood where they felt comfortable and the church in which they were active.

Of course, time was taking its toll. Dad had a couple of major heart operations and mom had arthritis and an increasingly difficult case of osteoporosis. So, when I showed them the brochures from several places that met their requirements and pointed out that they could see their grandchildren and great grandchildren on a regular basis, both decided to consider the idea. Within a few months, they signed up to live in a lovely independent living facility, one with assisted living and skilled nursing as well, and only a few miles from my house. My folks sold their home, sold the car (which was hard for dad) and had a huge garage sale before the movers packed them up and brought their remaining belongings to the golden state for them to spend their golden years.

Fortunately, they made friends quickly and became active in their new community. Mom loved not having to prepare meals or do housework. Dad got used to not driving and was fine with not doing handy-work any longer. I got to spend time with them and so did my kids and grandchildren. Doctors came to the facility or transportation was provided for appointments with specialists. Two years after moving in mom fell and broke her hip, shortly thereafter dad had a similar experience. After both had surgery, they ended up sharing a room in a skilled nursing facility but would never go back to independent living.

They moved into assisted living and spent the last two years of their lives there, interrupted by with many stays in the hospital. It was sad to see them deteriorate as they aged, but at least we spent lots of time together. As an only child, I’m grateful for this. Mom died suddenly just two days after reaching her ninetieth birthday, and dad passed on three months later at age ninety-one. That was five years ago. Having them close enough to enjoy visits and outings and being able to celebrate the various milestones together was a blessing for them as well as the entire family.

If it had not been for this retirement community and the care the staff provided, we would have been separated during the last important years. As a New Senior, I’m not sure what I’ll want to do about living arrangements ten or more years from now. My long-term care insurance provides for home or facility care, and the family is all in the LA area, so no matter what I choose to do, they’ll be nearby. To me, that’s the most important thing.

Why we need town hall meetings again this summer

-NewSeniors Editorial — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:12:21 +0000

Remember the way people flocked to town hall meetings to listen to what the politicians had to say about health care? Even more exciting was how these elected representatives were confronted by angry citizens protesting the programs the government was trying to push through. Although the wishes of the voters were widely ignored, this is an election year. So any such gatherings should prove interesting.

The tide changed last year when in location after location overflow crowds of people showed up chanting and holding signs, all with a desire to be seen and heard by those who were soon to cast their votes for or against health care reform. Supporters of the bill were outnumbered at first, but soon political organizers arrived and began to drown out the opposition visually and vocally. This political tactic proved effective, since the town hall meetings ended up on the news on a daily basis.

The folks at home saw what the cameras saw instead of the reality of the various gatherings. First hand observations in Southern California, for instance, showed that those arriving prior to the start of the town hall meeting were primarily local residents, mostly 50 and older, armed with homemade signs. Some supported the bill, which at the time was a single-pay plan, but there were about twice as many against the legislation. The crowds lined up across from each other cheering and jeering as group leaders worked up their constituents. Emotions ran high, but people were generally well behaved.

Minutes before the session was to formally begin, crowds of younger people brought in from outside the area appeared carrying professionally printed signs. These pro-health care supporters pushed and shoved their way into the anti-legislation crowd waving their signs and shouting as the people moved out of their way. The TV cameras picked up the action after the infiltration was completed, thereby giving those at home the impression that many more attendees were for rather than against the reform measure.

The Congressman holding the town hall meeting did not come prepared to listen. Instead, he assembled a group of “experts” all of whom were going to promote various aspects of the bill with the politician closing the session with a final sales message. But the crowd would have none of this. They realized if they didn’t force the issue, the whole thing would end up as a political PR event. While they didn’t get clear answers, the anti-bill folks did register their points and some of this was picked up on TV.

So what’s the lesson to be learned? New Seniors must insist that their representatives hold town hall meetings throughout the summer recess so the politicians know what we want. The economy, government spending, taxes, Social Security, repealing the health care bill, Medicare cuts and other specific issues that must be addressed. Most politicians will want to hide, so write letters, organize a phone campaign or show up at their local office with a group of friends to show support for town hall meetings. New Seniors will cast about 30% of the votes in November, don’t let the elected ones forget this. If they are not willing to listen and respond through a public forum, vote them out.

Beat the heat in Antarctica!

Your Neighbors — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:04:08 +0000

This slideshow captures the icy beauty of the coldest continent on earth!

NOTE: You must have PowerPoint software on your computer to view this slideshow.

CLICK HERE to download the slideshow.

Baby hears mother’s voice for first time after cochlear implant

Your Neighbors — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 05:05:17 +0000

This video shows the moment an 8 month-old baby hears his mother’s voice for the first time. Baby Jonathan was born deaf. Watch as his cochlear implant is activated.

The rancher and the DEA agent

Your Neighbors — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:56:43 +0000

This little story demonstrates how the arrogance of authority can land a person in a very bad situation, but good for a laugh for the rest of us!

A DEA officer stops at a ranch in Texas and talks with an old rancher.

He tells the rancher, “I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs.”

The rancher says, “Okay, but don’t go in that field over there,” as he points out the location.

The DEA officer verbally explodes saying, “Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me.”

Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher.

“See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish, on any land. No questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?”

The rancher nods politely, apologizes, and goes about his chores.

A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and sees the DEA officer running for his life chased by the rancher’s big Santa Gertrudis bull.

With every step the bull is gaining ground on the officer, and it seems likely that he’ll get gored before he reaches safety. The officer is clearly terrified. The rancher throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs, “Your badge. Show him your BADGE!”

Were pre-boomers’ toys and games more fun than those of today?

Don Potter: Editor-in-Chief — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:48:18 +0000

While peashooters, sling shots and cap guns have had their day; yet the yo-yo, slinky and water guns are still enjoyed every day by kids of all ages. Many of the toys and games developed after our childhood evolved from the more primitive ones of our time. Even electronic and computer games have the roots in the toys of the not-so-distant past.

Those born between 1930 and 1945 were exposed to a set of completely different values and rules than today’s children. Safety was not as big an issue. Boys were told not to stick an arrow in someone’s eye, to be careful around knives (used to play mumbly peg and as a tool) and not to shoot at anyone with a BB gun. Girls didn’t have such dangerous playthings, but it is possible that one could get tangled in the long jump ropes if they got overly aggressive in a competitive session of Double Dutch.

The truth is, virtually everything we did back then involved some element of danger. Even though today’s kids ride bikes and skate, they are protected from injury from head to toe. Helmet, elbow guards, knee pads and sometimes goggles are standard gear. If somebody had shown up to play decked out like that, they would have been called a “sissy.” Of course, in the politically correct society in which we live, referring to someone as a sissy could land a kid in the principal’s office or even lead to suspension. That was then and this is now.

Simplicity may be the first thing that comes to mind when we look at what separates the games we engaged in and the toys we played with versus those available to the kids of today. However, the primary difference has a deeper social significance than that. Most of what we did as youngsters was with other youngsters. We played together every day, not just on scheduled play days. Our games involved everyone and they were very competitive – someone or a team won and the other lost, because we always kept score.

It’s been said that play is the work that kids do. Believing this to be true suggests that play can prepare individuals for a lifetime in the workplace. And, because the activity is fun, the youngsters won’t even realize they are involved in a learning experience. There is nothing wrong with striving to achieve a personal best. But learning to compete and still get along with others are attributes that serve both the individual and society at the same time.

Children attending after school programs at the Y or other venues offering play programs may be better prepared for life because they interact with others. Or, New Seniors can gather up our grandkids and their friends and take them to the park to play together. A big rubber ball, a bag of marbles and some clothesline for jump ropes are all you’ll need to keep a group of boys and girls busy as well as happy for a couple of hours.

The kids will figure out the games they want to play, choose up sides and get the process going. All you need to do is watch and enjoy how it all unfolds. Given a chance, today’s children can have as much fun as we did.

Is experience all it’s cracked up to be?

a NewSeniors contributor — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 01:42:55 +0000

Some say experience is what you gain when you don’t get what you want. A less cynical way to look at what New Seniors offer society is the knowledge base and the character built by having lived life for 65+ years. We can look back on even the seemingly bad times and still find something worthwhile to share with other generations. So our role is to be the teachers of life’s lessons for all who listen and observe.

Those born between 1930 and 1945 have a wealth of experience simply because we were lucky enough to be born in difficult times. The Great Depression and WWII brought much pain and suffering to our parents. We did not endure the experiences thrust upon them. The need for a job, food, clothing and shelter were the basics denied many in the ‘30s. And for the first half of the ‘40s the reality of war took its toll in human lives and emotional distress.

What we don’t remember from those days, we heard about from those who raised us. They believed it was important to know what happened, how they got through those difficult times and were committed to provide us with the opportunity for better lives than they had. These events, and what the Greatest Generation learned from the experience, then became the foundation on which our lives were built. What they taught us about values, teamwork and belief in a common cause are things we will never forget.

Even during the dark days, when our parents were hurting, we were kids and therefore saw more of the brighter sides of life. They took the blows for us and got us on the road to success. Probably no generation had more educational and career doors opened as wide as we did. What an experience. We were the roots of rock and roll. Most of us were in school and missed the Korean War. We saw segregation exposed and integration come in. Watched the Vietnam War come into our living rooms through the magic of television, when just a few years earlier we were being entertained by Howdy Doody and Uncle Milty. Lived through a short missile crisis and a long cold war. And experienced the assassination of a president and a civil rights leader. All left lasting impressions.

The civil unrest during our lifetimes ranged from union disputes, mostly when we were young to the civil rights, women’s rights and anti-war protests. The first two resulted in justice and the later ended with the United States losing its first war. All three had a profound effect on how the nation thinks today. Along the way, we witnessed a president resign, the Soviet Union melt down, China emerge and another president go through the impeachment process. There was also gay rights, smoking bans, the Internet, emails, ethanol, reality TV, texting, social networking, apps and a lot more.

Living through the events and developments of the past 65+ years does not make New Seniors experts, but it does make us experienced. We have gone through more change in our lifetimes than previous generations. Therefore, New Seniors learned how to navigate around and through change, accept it and not lose sight of the values we were taught. And we’re willing to share it, because experience really is all it’s cracked up to be.