When Carter was president, I could walk from one end of Walnut Street to the other without being panhandled.

I went to church, when I went, with a dollar for the plate, and nothing else, except Kleenex and antacids, both for my own use.

Now, I'll be panhandled at least twice no matter what city street I walk down.

Being older, I go to church more regularly, besides the money for the plate, I lug a bag of groceries for the food pantry, and some item for the shelter they run for homeless men.

In 1980, I voted for John Anderson. At least once a week, I kick myself good and hard for having done so.