Our Senate and an open house

I haven’t purchased a copy yet but I look forward to reading former Senator Ben Nelson’s just-released book “Death of the Senate.” Ben is a longtime friend should know as he has been there and done that. According to a recent article in the Gazette retired Senator Harry Reid, former U.S. Senate Democratic leader from Nevada has written a recommendation for Ben’s book calling it timely and necessary. Faint praise from a man that in my opinion did great harm to the institution as the Senator Democratic leader from Nevada. I rank Reid right in there with the current Congressional Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Doing a little research I’ve noticed that our U.S. Senators and Congressmen are given an annual salary of $174,000. They do pay social security and for medical insurance as well. Offsetting they also receive annual allowances that cover the personal expenses of doing their job. This includes expenses for their office, travel, goods and services. Now there is no doubt that Washington D. C. is an expensive place to live even though remembering from high school civics class Congress functions as the city council for that city so they are also partly responsible for the cost of living there.

I’ve wondered for years how some members of our legislative bodies can go to Washington with only moderate means and then come out fantastically rich after serving one or more terms. There are restrictions on Senate and Congressional members receiving remuneration for their vote on bills that they are considering. Yet I also know that there is a huge body of persons present who lobby for particular interests. Possibly there are ways around the legal system that palms are greased and some of our less than sterling representatives pocket small to large amounts of money if they vote in the lobbyist’s interest. Our presidents play by the same rules so I’m wondering just how President Obama can afford to pay some $40 million for a house on Martha’s Vineyard. Just sayin’.

In his book, I’ll look to see if Senator Ben will highlight himself very publicly casting his vote to break a 50 – 50 vote to approve Obama Care. Somehow that hasn’t worked out too well here in Nebraska. I also hope that Ben includes his own statement of net worth when he first took office as a Senator and then a second statement of his net worth when he “retired” from the Senate. I’m not holding my breath that either financial figure will be there but can only hope. Still, the book should be a good read and I’m looking forward to it.

The final shoe hasn’t dropped in Afghanistan as I write this but by the time you read this, it will have happened. Our military will be gone and all further action will be done by the Department of State. The repercussions will be long-lasting and I fear it won’t shine the United States in a very good light. I noted an interview of one of the military’s young and recent Medal of Honor winners Dakota L. Meyer. He observed that in both Vietnam (my war) and now in Afghanistan that our military fought well but that it was Pennsylvania Avenue that caused our defeat. So right on!

Late Friday afternoon Grannie and I were privileged to attend an open house at our Community Hospital. The celebration commemorated the completion of a large building program to provide space for their cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs plus a large addition to the specialist’s clinic. Thirty-plus rooms might seem like a bit optimistic for the future as thirty-one are designated clinical, five procedure, two hybrid and one a telehealth room. Consider now that over thirty different medical specialists regularly come to our city to provide patient care in the areas of their expertise. Yes, we have that many who come to serve our community.

Refreshments served and conducted tours given by the employees who work in those new spacious and modern entities. A good time was had by all.

McCook is a giving community. An untold number of individuals, as well as local businesses, gave to the remodeling project. Local financial institutions not only gave but also met the requirements of the federal government to meet and service a guaranteed loan. It is a huge and ongoing effort conducted behind the scenes. Well done.

To admit to a little bias toward our Community Hospital your old columnist will proudly state that I participate regularly in the cardiac rehabilitation program. I can testify that the exercises and the ladies that run it counseling about a proper diet and a healthier lifestyle have been a great help in strengthening my 84-year-old body following a major heart procedure. In a few weeks, Grannie Annie will be having a complete knee replacement and it is wonderful to be able to do these things locally. Thank you McCook Community Hospital for being there for all of us. You are very much helping this area to be a great place to live.

That is how I saw it.

Dick Trail