Some things just tickle me. I recently received a letter from our State Department of Administrative Services, explaining the effects of new computer software on the payroll system. In the very first paragraph they state, "For example, your pay stub, which will now be called a pay voucher…." Do we really pay people to make these significant changes? I stand squarely behind government research studying the flatulence of cows and the resulting effect on our ozone layer, but hey, give me a break!

So many national, state, and local issues seem increasingly to separate and polarize us. The October issue of the Mensa Bulletin, referring to their "Letters to the Editor" column, makes a suggestion maybe we all should consider when engaging in debate.

"There are a few topics that we generally avoid in this column, simply because they are so controversial and divisive that there is almost no chance for consensus, and precious little chance for reasoned debate. Abortion and gun control are two good examples. Yet these are important issues that need resolution."

The article goes on to make a recommendation to consider when writing about such issues. First, of course, is to express where you stand on the issue. Then continue, and consider: "…is there a way that we can resolve these kinds of issues in a calm and rational way, rather than the rancorous quibbling that so often substitutes for public debate these days?"

Opinions like this would have a much greater effect on me than the usual, "You’re wrong, and if you don’t believe exactly like me you are going to Hades!"

Now returning to local issues… I mentioned before those wonderful "speed-breakers" (auto-wreckers?) that our University has erected around the campus. Surely we all agree that the students should be safe in crossing the streets, and I have no problem with the efforts to make the campus a more "pedestrian-friendly" place. But could someone have possibly forgotten that West Georgia is still primarily a commuter college? In the efforts to achieve their goal, the University has made the campus a very "commuter-unfriendly" place. Not only that, many local people have little choice in commuting to work other than to cross through the campus. This will become even more of a problem as the industrial park area grows. Maybe a little "longer-range" planning would be in order… Hmm… I wonder if the University owns the road that now contains the speed breakers? If not, did they receive the proper permits to erect them? Would hiring the city’s "traffic light installer" to put up 20 or 30 lights help? Think about it. Have a good week!