Why steal medical supplies?

I can deal with my stereo being stolen and I can deal with my window being broken. What I have a hard time grasping is why someone would steal a bag filled with medical supplies that could mean the difference between life and death for someone involved in an accident.

I don’t have the money to replace all of my supplies all at once; I will have to do it over time. All I can do at this time is pray that I don’t need them.

If you were involved, or know who was involved in this theft, please return the bag back to my truck. All you have to do is walk by and drop it in the back of my truck.

Mike Bland, Albany

The power of a kind act

A few days ago, I was at the mall excited to purchase a book that was recommended by my AP English teacher at South Albany High School. I found the book and proceeded to the checkout counter with my book and a new gift card I had received. Much to my dismay, something was wrong with the card and I was unable to use it. As I stood, embarrassed and confused, a man that I had never met before approached and before I could protest, proceeded to pay for the book.

I always knew that there were kind people but never before had I myself been the recipient of a “random act of kindness,” as I was that day. I thanked the man for his kindness, and he said not to worry about it and enjoy my book.

This experience reminded me that we must always show kindness for others, and give of ourselves to benefit our fellow humans.

Once again, I would like to thank the man that helped me that day, for the book; but more importantly for reminding me about the power of human kindness; and to assure him that this chain of kindness will not end with me.

Thank you.

Stephanie Struble, Albany

Many needs go unmet

On Friday, May 23, I volunteered at the HEART to Heart event at Swanson Recreation Center. It is designed to connect Albany’s homeless population with the social service agencies in our community. These are the folks living among us at Albany Helping Hands, the Mission, Oxford Houses and under the stars (or rain).

We have much to be proud of in our community for what we support and provide. The government agencies represented met many of the needs of those attending. My accolades go to local businesses for the donated merchandise that was distributed and to Supercuts for the crew they provided.

It was an opportunity for me, working the out-take/evaluation table, to interact with that segment of the population that seems so isolated from the rest of “us.” It made me realize that many of “us” are just one bad decision, one accident, one unfortunate circumstance, or one rearranged chromosome from being in the same situation ourselves.

A growth experience for me to be sure, but a frustrating one as well. In interviewing the folks at the last stage of the event, it was evident that we were unable to meet some of their most pressing needs in the areas of affordable housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment and medical care — the lack of which for 47 million of us is an abomination and a national disgrace.

Having had experiences outside of our country, I realize and appreciate that we have a social safety net in America that catches many of those who fall. Many, however, slip through that net and their needs go unmet.

When I vote this November, it will be for those candidates that I feel will meet the needs of the most vulnerable among us. When you pass a homeless person on the street, look them in the eyes, greet them warmly, and think to yourself: There but for the grace of God go I.

Steve Geddes, Albany

Mulch that petition

Attention all Greenies! Horrors! There is no consensus on Global Warming!

I know that shocks you down to your organic footwear considering the great mental prowess of Al Gore. But, on Monday, Arthur Robinson of the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine released a petition signed by 31,072 Americans with science degrees who reject the concept that greenhouse gas emissions cause the heating of the planet. This group included 9,021 scientists with Ph.D’s.

Think of the audacity these learned scientists have to question the wisdom of our Noble prize-winning champion of the battle to save the environment or, my gosh, even Mother Earth herself.

Who can question the man who single-handedly invented the Internet, plowed tobacco behind a mule, and was the subject of the movie “Love Story”?

Clearly we must shred this inconvenient petition and mulch it.

Or maybe we should just cool the Doomsday rhetoric and simply live our lives as efficiently and comfortably as possible.

Mike Downs, Lacomb