Thursday, Sept. 18, 2003 | 8:16 a.m.
For the past two weeks a small note at the bottom of this space enlightened readers (hopefully there are a few) that this writer was "taking the day off."
In effect, I was, but not voluntarily.
A rather frightening loss of breathing brought paramedics to my home. They bundled me into the ambulance and headed for Sunrise Hospital's emergency room. Ten days in the hospital resulted, where I recovered from a sort of pneumonia plus the ravages of a creaky old heart.
Recently I read where experimental laboratories were running out of rhesus monkeys to test new products. I hereby offer my services. When it comes to tests, name one -- I've had it.
Most of my problems stem from the fact that age does take its toll on vital organs. Every time I come in contact with the wonderful world of medicine -- which is more often than I would like -- I am impressed by the care given by doctors, nurses, lab attendants, and staff.
It takes very special people who dedicate their lives to any part of the care-giving process. On several occasions, I have been grateful they were there for me.
It's easy and logical to blame President Bush for the disastrous miscalculations that have led us into a situation in the Middle East that is fast becoming a quagmire. But, while the president was beating the war drums, where were our senators and representatives in Congress who were elected to look out for our welfare?
The situation has gone far beyond a turf war between Democrats and Republicans. The people deserve more. Decisive action needs to be taken to steer our country away from another Vietnam. We don't need wimps in Congress. We need stalwart men and women to stand up and speak for the people -- especially for those soldiers who face constant danger in the trouble spots of the world.
Judy Carlos was laid to rest last week after losing a long battle with illness. At one time, Judy was one of the state's most talented and widely read columnists and reporters. A winner of many writing awards, she was noted for her battles for the little guys and her demand for integrity on the part of public officials.
I can't help wondering what writers like Judy, Paul Price, Ned Day and Hank Greenspun would have done with the current conglomeration of county and city officials.
Whatever can be said about Yasser Arafat, the wily, old Palestinian leader is a survivor. After being exiled for almost a quarter of a century, Arafat returned to Palestine in 1994 and became a leader of the Palestinians. Since that time he has sashayed from smiling diplomat to rifle-toting zealot. No one, except perhaps Fidel Castro, has shown such tenacity at survival.
It couldn't have come at a better time. The 20-point underdog UNLV Rebels routed No. 14 Wisconsin 23-5 in a huge upset. Coach John Robinson and his players deserve to be happy about this one.
If TV ads are any criteria, this country is becoming a nation of litigation and medication.
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