Grandpa,
I don’t get your ethics. You claim everyone has the right to be heard, but you won’t give businesses a positive word; you claim to be impartial, but you endorse some products and services. I’d like to know what it would cost to get your endorsement- and you give out phone numbers you claim to be scammers and don’t tell us your sources for this information. You print letters from those in prison, yet nobody cares what a criminal has to say. How can individuals in prison have any impact on those of us who are law-abiding citizens? You claim that you care about every one, yet you slam those who don’t have jobs. Just how many faces do you have?
Grandpa says: I can understand your confusion. First and foremost, everyone has the right to be heard. Yes, even those who are paying for their crimes in prison. That is one of the founding principles of The Voice. It is also what attracted me to The Voice many years ago.
Secondly, Grandpa does not reveal the identity of individuals or families. That is for the safety and protection of the individuals. Some are more willing to share their questions when they are assured anonymity. Grandpa does not tolerate able bodied individuals who sponge off of others. It’s shameful. Grandpa cooperates fully with law enforcement to help warn the public of scams and cheats.
As my own Grandpa used to tell me, knowledge is power and forewarned is forearmed. Grandpa has certain standards for endorsing various charities.
First, they must be a legitimate charity with local connections. Secondly, Grandpa has never been asked by any group to endorse their charity. Grandpa believes in giving credit to those who give selflessly to help keep our community a good place to live.
Neither I nor The Voice charges to give a word of thanks to the various charities in our towns. After all, we, too, have the right to be heard. Grandpa does not endorse any private business. I let the advertising department deal with that. Grandpa’s purpose for writing this column is to give sound advice to those who want help with any issue. My second goal is to promote peace and harmony among mankind. As to how many faces I have, I have never counted them, but I know every one of them is under a different hat. And every one of them feels better when it has a smile on it.
To our friends of Jewish faith, Grandpa says: Shanah tovah u’metuka. May you have an easy fast on Yom Kippur.
Grandpa says: Beloved readers, Grandpa has a tradition for this time of year. I ask you, my dear readers, to send to me a short note telling me what blessing you have for which you are grateful. The Thursday before Thanksgiving I publish those letters. This year the letters will be published November 21. I will need to receive them before November 10. Please send your letters to the addresses below. I look forward to hearing from you! God bless!
Got something stuck in your craw? Ask Grandpa. Address your letters to Ask Grandpa c/o The Voice, PO Box 123, Aurora, IL 60507 or send an E-mail to askgrandpa@thevoice.us.