Open Forum

Friday afternoon I was shopping at one of the "big" stores in town. As I was leaving the store, I pushed my cart out into the parking lot and turned to unlock my vehicle when out of nowhere, a guy grabbed my purse and started running away with it. I left my cart with all of my bags in it and ran after the thief, shouting, "Hey, he stole my purse!"

However, the thief was way ahead of me, and I began to realize that I'd never catch him. Some bystanders also attempted to stop him, but to no avail. I watched the thief and my purse disappear into the distance, and thought, "Great -- there go my credit cards, cash, checkbook and basically all my means of doing any more Christmas shopping." I was in tears because I still hadn't purchased gifts for most of the people on my list.

Suddenly, I noticed that a cart attendant from the store was sprinting after the culprit at full speed. To my utter disbelief, he momentarily returned with my purse! He had successfully nabbed it away from the thief, who hadn't even had time to take anything out of it. Jason, that cart attendant, is a true hero. He embodied the true spirit of Christmas with his selfless act of kindness for a complete stranger. I want to thank him again, from the bottom of my heart, for coming to my rescue.

I'm also grateful to the the others in the parking lot that helped me chase after the crook, guarded my cart, and called the police. And, "Thank You" to the Brainerd police officer who apprehended the culprit and later called me to let me know the matter had been resolved.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas.

Sarah Day

Brainerd

Don't privatize Social Security

My wife and I had been putting money in a "fixed" tax sheltered annuity for some 20-30 years. We had finally amassed, after considerable sacrifice, about $40,000.

In March of 2000 we decided to "privatize." We switched our money from the fixed account to a Dow and NASDAQ account.

That one move turned out to be a huge mistake. We lost half of our savings in several months, with the advice that "leaving it alone" would remedy the problem.

It didn't.

After four years we are still thousands of dollars in the hole.

Please tell President Bush not to privatize social security. Your money might just disappear.

Bruce Femling

Baxter