Last Year’s Last Paper

Monday, January 5, 2009—In our Volume 253, No. 6, published December 19, 2008, we used the Fortnightly Rant to take a little closer look at Henry “Hank” Paulson, the Bush Administration’s designated economic saviour, and at the investment bank Goldman Sachs, where he learned to ply his trade. For some reason, we found ourselves less than reassured.

In the News Briefs section, we had to consider the Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi, who lived out a fantasy fondly held by many an American.

It’s highly likely that the best justification for the wood pulp consumed in publishing this issue was the information in it about how almost anybody in southern New Hampshire can help some vets in need. We’ll run it here in full:

Evonne M. Schneider e-mailed us recently and told us about this. She is a volunteer with the Manchester unit of Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), and is a veteran herself.

Evonne volunteered “after being the first recipient of a Section 8 housing certificate” under the VASH program.

“The current venture with Manchester Housing is issuing 35 housing vouchers this year. Next year we hope that will double to 70. VASH not only provides housing, but also provides intense case management to those of us who are in need of mental health counseling, etc. It is a five year program and commitment to the Manchester area, which will enable those of us in the program to obtain employment, and more permanent housing.”

Sounds good so far—and is. But there’s a wrinkle.

“I encountered several barriers while trying to obtain furniture and household items, as my four children and I recently moved into my apartment,” Evonne wrote.

“Social workers at the VA in Manchester, and the VASH coordinator, Tracey Noonan, are not allowed to solicit donations, used furniture, or even a truck to move donated items. That is how I became a volunteer in this position, to help those who are soon following in my footsteps.

“I am trying to reach out to Veterans Organizations and I am desperately asking for help. We are not asking for new furniture, just items people may have buried in the basement, old dishes, pots and pans, the recliner that has been tossed into the garage, curtains, and anyone who has a pick up truck to help move these items into apartments.

“Please feel free to contact me via email (Evonne.Schneider [at] va.gov), or on my cell phone at (603) 682-7671. You may also contact Tracey Noonan at (603) 657-5612. I do not have my own office here at the VAMC, I am working out of the volunteer office. I apologize that I do not currently have a work extension.”

We can bring this to our readers attention because the Manchester Veterans Council allowed Veterans for Peace (VfP) to speak last Veterans Day. Evonne was there, and heard Will Thomas speak about VfP’s commitment to help homeless vets.

In addition to all the above, our Moving Picture Reviewer, Rodman Philbrick, wrote about the ups and downs of Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle’s career, and Northcountry Chronicler William Marvel teed off on the health insurance racket.

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