Second Reading on Sales Tax Vote.

The following is taken from language that will be in second reading before the Council at tonight’s regular meeting.

"An Ordinance calling for an election for the continuation of a one half (Y2) of one percent (l%) capital improvements sales tax.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARTHAGE, JASPER COUNTY, MISSOURI as follows:

An election is hereby called on the 8th day of February 2011 wherein the following proposal shall be submitted to the voters of the City of Carthage in substantially the following form, to-wit:

Shall the City of Carthage continue to impose a sales tax of one half (1/2) of one percent (l%) for the purpose of funding capital improvements which may include the retirement of debt under previously authorized bonded indebtedness?

SECTION III: This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its approval by the voters ofthe City of Carthage beginning April 1, 2012.

SECTION IV: This sales tax shall end twenty (20) years from April 1, 2012."

It’s strange how traditions become a part of ever’day life, even though they no longer serve the original function they were meant to serve.

Shakin’ hands for instance. Originally an indication of not havin’ a weapon, the custom has continued although weapons are seldom carried by most folks.

Like most things, traditions are typically promoted by those who most benefit by them. The tradition of smokin’ by the tobacco industry. The tradition of changin’ oil ever’ 3,000 miles by the oil companies.

The trick is bein’ able to tell the difference between a functional tradition and a symbolic tradition and not mistaking one for the other.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

---

Weekly Columns

To Your Good Health

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

C-Section Not Done to Avoid Labor Pain

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am in the eighth month of my first pregnancy. I’ve a friend who keeps telling me to have a C-section. She says it’s quick and painless. I never considered this and wonder about its wisdom. What would you recommend? Does having a C-section mean all future deliveries have to be done the same way? -- K.M.

ANSWER: Cesarean sections can be lifesaving for the infant and for the mother. The reasons for having one don’t include speed of delivery simply for speed’s sake or for avoiding labor pain. You realize that a C-section involves surgical incisions, which, after the anesthesia wears off, are painful. And you realize that you have to recuperate from this operation as you would from any operation.

Furthermore, all surgery involves potential dangers and complications. Serious bleeding is always possible. The uterus can become infected. Injuries to other pelvic organs can occur.

Natural childbirth is painful, but the pain can be minimized in a number of effective ways. I believe you’ll be surprised at how tolerable childbirth is.

As for future pregnancies, the standard teaching used to be that once a woman had a C-section, all her future deliveries had to be C-sections. That’s no longer true.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Our 22-year-old granddaughter has developed an uncontrollable giggle. She giggles before, during and after everything she says. Each time we talk to her, the giggles and their frequency get worse. She is basically shy and appears to be nervous, and says she is not consciously aware of her giggling. She says her friends have remarked on this, too. Is this a tic disorder? Is there something a doctor can do to help her? Is there medication? -- S.N.

ANSWER: Underlying anxiety, stress, shyness and social phobia set in motion reflex defenses for people who harbor these traits. It’s their way of coping with situations that generate discomfort.

I would first talk to the young lady in a compassionate way and tell her that this behavior is misinterpreted by people and that she should make a conscious effort to suppress the giggling. Only if the giggling cannot be controlled and only if it’s causing her to suffer socially would I turn to medical people for help.