South Bend, Indiana; Jan. 10, 2008

Local

Uncle Ron’s Ramblings

Michigan Voters Seek Relevancy: In case you hadn’t heard, presidential candidates are boycotting the Michigan presidential primary.
That’s because Michigan party leaders had the effrontery to believe that voters from one of the largest states (number 8; 10,095,643) in the Union should have as much say in the nominating process as those from two of the smallest: New Hampshire (41; 1,3124,895) and Iowa (30, 2,932,085). They acted on that belief by moving up their primary to January 15.
Hilary Clinton is the only candidate on the Democratic ballot. Illinois Senator Barack Obama, the Iowa winner; former North Carolina Senator and vice-presidential nominee John Edwards; and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson have withdrawn their names from the ballot and pledged not to campaign in the state.
A Edwards supporter, Martha Hayes of Grand Rapids, sued to try and stop the election results from being used. A federal judge ruled against her Monday.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, the Iowa winner; Arizona Senator John McCain, the New Hampshire winner; and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney are campaigning in the Wolverine state. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani is running TV ads in portions of the state.
McCain won the 2000 Michigan Republican Primary. Romney is the son of former Michigan Gov. George Romney.
Guiliani, former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, and U.S. Representative Ron Paul of Texas are concentrating their resources on the February 5 “Super Tuesday” primaries. Twenty-four states, representing 40% of the available delegates, will cast their votes on that date.
There doesn’t appear to be any danger of Indiana party leaders making Hoosier votes relevant at the national level. Our state’s primary remains on May 6.

Announcements

Artistic Newsletter: Are you an artist, poet or writer?
Place submissions for the new Artistic Newsletter in Emily Pickerill’s box. Express your talents and ideas by participating. Start submitting as soon as possible.
Art Group: Interested in exercising your creative spirit? Want to see some of your original art work on display in the hallways?
Please see Meg about details for joining a new art group at CFH
Homeless Veterans: If you are disabled and cannot work full-time (or are over 65), you may be entitled to a disability pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
For more information and complete eligibility requirements, call 1-800-827-1000.
You can also contact: Dianne W. Brown, Homeless Veterans Coordinator by calling 317-554-0000, extension 82589 or direct dial 317-988-2589 at Indianapolis VAMC, Room C-2065. Office Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 2-3:45 p.m.
VA Hospital Van: To schedule a ride to the VA Hospital in Ft. Wayne, St. Joseph County veterans can call Doug Davis (USMC, retired) at (574) 243-VETS (8387).
The van service also provides connecting rides to the VA hospitals in Marion and Indianapolis.

ABE

▪Dead Poets Society: Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., ABE Room. All are welcome.
We will discuss short stories and poems.
The ABE staff hopes to revive Science Club and Creative Writing when new volunteers become available, according to Andrea in ABE.

Herald Sports

Local College Basketball Scores: Bethel Men 66, Goshen 54; Bethel Women 85, Goshen 56; Albion 85, Saint Mary’s 56.