The other day I was lounging in my recliner watching The Roy Rogers Show on the Cowboy Channel. I loved those shows from the early '50s and was trying to look up the skirt of Dale Evans when she mounted her horse Buttercup. The phone rang. I don't answer the phone but caller I.D. said VA - U.S. Government. I picked up the phone.

Young Jason told me he was a VA social worker. He asked me if I was living at or near the poverty level with my income. He asked me if I was subject to "elder abuse". He asked me about suicidal thoughts and if I might be suffering from lack of food. I get it - a lot of old veterans need help but the VA knows me for years as a regular customer and ought to know all those answers.

Finally, I said, "Jason, I'm broke and collecting nickel empties sixteen hours a day for food. Please send me some horse and beer money."

Jason promised to call me back but hasn't done so yet.

YOUR government tax dollars at work.

He hopefully knew you were "jesting"