Weekly Ramblings with James David Altman

Uncle Sam Wants You!
Like many of you, I spend a lot of time standing in lines. I was in one at the post office recently and picked up the flyer/registration form from the Selective Service System. I’m not young enough to have to volunteer for Uncle Sam’s armed forces, but in reading the information I was greatly surprised. I discovered that there are probably millions of people In the United States who are serious lawbreakers. I’ve never heard anyone broach this subject before.
All young men living in our country between certain ages are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act. To quote, “Not registering is a felony.”
Under the heading, “Who Must Register,” there is this sentence: “Male U.S. citizens and immigrants, documented and undocumented, residing in the U.S. and its territories must register if they are age 18 through 25.”
Folks, how many illegal male immigrants in this age range do you think have sent in this form? My guess would be very few. Maybe two or three in the whole country? Where is Eric Holder and the Justice Department on this one? Asleep at the wheel is too nice an excuse for his actions and inactions when it comes to the laws of the land. To my way of thinking, this blows the argument that we should not arrest or deport non-felonious illegals out of the water. To cite one of Bill O’Reilly’s famous questions, “What say you?”
 
Taxpayer-Funded Summer Meals Available Here
I drove past Oakland Elementary the other day and saw four yard signs placed along the roadside. No, these were not political ones. The bold lettering read, “Free Summer Meals Available Here.” I will not address the merits of this government give-away program, but the sign wordage bothers me. You and I know that these meals are not free. The money to buy, prepare, and serve these meals has to come from somewhere. I propose the signs read, “Taxpayer-Funded Summer Meals Available Here.” We have to quit allowing some people to go through life believing that things are “free.” If you know the location of the magical money tree, please clue me in.
The Bees Ferry Bump
The widening of Bee’s Ferry Road is progressing. The small bridge over the tidal ditch between Hickory Hill and Hickory Farms was replaced some time ago. I say “replaced,” not finished. Anyone who travels that stretch of road knows that there’s a sizeable bump in that location. Heck, the construction people even put up two large signs reading “Bump.” many months ago. I expect the local shock absorber garage loves this sloppy work. Here is an idea Mr. Construction Chief, how about just fix the bump and free up the signs for use elsewhere?
James David Altman lives in West Ashley and has been a contributing columnist for several publications. He’s the son of the late former S.C. Republican House of Representative of John Graham Altman III. You can reach him at rabidreb@gmail.com