There are many questions, and random thoughts floating in my fractured brain tissue. Thus, in the spirit of communicating for us all, I will address some few remarks. Isn’t that exciting? I knew you would think so.

Question: A good friend of mine was recently widowed, and a month afterwards, discovered that she had been scammed. Although the facts are not yet in place, it appears that whoever “they” are, opened a charge card in her name, and have so far charged on that card in excess of $4,000. 

Additionally, some of her savings’ account has been withdrawn. We wondered, do these scammers watch the death notices, and somehow use information to research and eventually try to steal resources? And how do they acquire the necessary stats to commit these crimes?

Warning: If you answer suspicious calls or unknown call numbers, and if immediately you are asked a question such as “Can you hear me?” never answer “yes.” The phrase is used to lure you into answering, “yes.” If said in your voice, it is as good as gold for con artists. Sneaky, huh? Of course, you should hang up first, but if you are like me, I sometimes rise to the challenge just to see what the caller wants. I say, “it appears so” or “I’m here.” Sometimes I answer in Spanish. That really confuses them. 

Question: We keep hearing about shortages that are appearing in the stores, and that it will get worse. And I read that there are over 190 container ships off of Florida waiting to unload, and just sitting there. The backlog is increasing. I would imagine that my new gadget is on one of those gigantic ships? So, I ask you, why? 

Question: Why are we short of laborers everywhere in the country? Yes, it is true that many are working from home, but that does not explain the shortages of workers that are needed and not available. Fred and I know one answer, and it is only one of many. 

According to the Guttmacher Institute statistics, the number of abortions since 1973 is astounding; more  than 64,000,000. Perhaps we have a dearth of  adults aged 20-46? We certainly have lost a large tax base as well. Are we simply out of people in the middle-aged labor force? Think about the doctors, inventors, architects, scientists, laborers, repairmen and women, pastors, police, and so on who are not with us because of this policy.

Evil, you say? Yes.

Question: (in the stupid category). Do college athletes as well as pro players talk to each other during the game? I know they do trash talk, but do they say friendly words? No? And do they ever have to go to the bathroom really bad while playing? 

And my last big comment before I bore you silly is: Let’s give hurrahs and atta-boys to our truckers, police, emergency workers, nurses, doctors, and plumbers! Yes, plumbers. Don’t ever flush a bowl of rice down the sink. It hardens in the pipes like cement. And don’t leave the hose hooked up outside during the cold, freezing temperatures. Those abused pipes break. And help is always just a telephone call away.

In the meantime, let me know some of your questions.   

Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at juditabler@gmail.com.