Seniors

"In a national USA TODAY/Gallup Poll,

most 65-and-older seniors support Romney while young adults under 30 back Obama by almost 2-1. The 18-percentage-point difference in their presidential choices is one of the electorate's biggest demographic divides, and it helps define campaign strategies for both sides...

"In some ways, the clashing generations reflect the changing face of America, especially when it comes to race and ethnicity. Among the seniors surveyed, 16% are Hispanic or racial minorities. Among those under 30, that proportion nearly triples, to 45%. Younger Americans overwhelmingly assess the nation's growing diversity as a good thing rather than a bad thing, by 56%-32%..."

This situation strikes me as great for political consultants and advertising advisers and bad for future policy making.

As the saying goes, "You are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts.”

Last year Renee Ellmers ran against what she called “massive Medicare cuts” contained in the health reform law. Today Ellmers supports a radical plan to not only cut Medicare, but also end the program as we know it.

Ellmers support for ending Medicare is solidly on the wrong side of public opinion, so when asked by Christainne Ammanpour last Sunday on ABC News “This Week” Ellmers had no choice but to deny the facts and put out distortions.

Ellmers on This Week:

This weekend marks the 30th anniversary of National Grandparents Day, first proclaimed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. The origins of the honor to our parent’s parents originated with the lobbying efforts of Mrs. Marian McQuade (now age 91), a housewife from West Virginia, whose primary motivation was to champion the cause of lonely elderly often abandoned in nursing homes.

It’s one of our greatest fears as we age – that we can no longer remain independent, maintain our own homes, and physical limitations will ultimately force us into a living situation we’d never chose for ourselves. Even the absolute best of assisted living situations may be less than desirable when compared to one’s desire for independence. That’s why I believe the best way to honor that greatest generation now struggling to navigate the world, is to do absolutely all we can to support seniors wishing to stay in their homes whenever possible.

The evening started at the Park and Recreation building on Hillcrest Lane outside of Carthage. Billy Ransom, the director and Maria Morrison the Admin Asst were there to tell us about their department and give us a tour of their facilities.

They have seven staff members and five facilities spread throughout the county offering Youth, Adult and Senior Activities. Their mission statement says,

(Moore County Parks and Recreation) Provides leisure service to the residents of Moore County with first priority to youth and senior adults.

Moore County Youth Activities include Basketball, baseball, softball, flag football, soccer for both boys and girls, Tennis, Volleyball, Cheerleading and Dance Impressions. The Adult and Senior Activities include Co-Ed Softball, 50+ Softball, Good Time Party at the Davis Center the 3rd Friday of each month and Dancing and Tai Chi at the Old West End Gym.