Dear Mr. Bush. I am so ashamed of myself.

[oneighty]

Yesterday my wife and I went to our clinic where we were very fortunate to receive the flu vaccine.

I am a disabled veteran. I draw a Veteran's Pension and Social Security. I am ashamed to tell people this as their reactions are anything but polite. I have come to view my seventy year old body as a burden on society. You and your kind have made me feel so. I must apologize for living so long. I am ashamed of living so long.

You make me feel so Mr. Bush.

As I was sitting waiting for the shot my shirt off and my arm bare I think why cannot my grandchildren get THIS shot instead of me. I think to refuse the shot so that another can have it. But I chicken out and take the shot. I reason that if I do not take it my grandchildren will not get it anyway. In fact I sit there thinking and thinking and thinking what ifs.

That too makes me ashamed Mr. Bush.

After the shots are done the nurse's aid administering the shot and an ex-Navy man like me, whispers to me that the vaccine they have is for veterans only.

That too makes me ashamed Mr. Bush.

No you did not buy my vote Mr. Bush.

180

[ewagner]

1. Whoa!

Very powerful....

[molly]

2. I hope you sent it and sent it to the editorial page

of your paper.

[oneighty]

5. Oh Molly

(((((((((((((((hug)))))))))))

180

[PittLib]

3. Two days ago, I attended a funeral for a dear friend ...

a Vietnam vet. He was 56 years old and died suddenly, much to my heartbreak. I am 29 and thankfully not used to losing friends. This was the first military burial I'd witnessed - and walking to the site among the veterans in their uniforms made me so proud - it was heart wrenching and beautiful. I stood behind the WWII vet who led the ceremony, and when he turned to walk away - I mouthed a silent "thank you". The whole experience added a new depth to the person I knew. I am infinitely grateful. As for the vet, he made his way over to me and offered me condolences and a kiss on the cheek, and that meant more than I can say.

on edit: You deserve anything and everything but shame. Save that for Bush* and his "supporters".

[classof56]

4. Glad you got your flu shot, but...

PLEASE, do not apologize for living to 70. My spouse (a vet) is almost there, and I'm not far behind, and I apologize for NOTHING. In fact, I am determined to live, thrive and survive another 30 years, at least. My Mom died last year at age 96, and so I've got a pretty good chance to make it. There are many of us "oldies" out here--we are legion--and Bush had better not even THINK about taking our social security. If he'd wanted us out of the way, he should have made sure we didn't get the flu shots so we can stay healthy. Instead he tries to "bribe" veterans. I say, SHAME ON HIM for his evil policies that have brought our country to such a sorry state. Our social security and your veterans' benefits are NOT entitlements, even if they are so called, but rather what we have earned throughout our long and productive lives, as we held down jobs and paid our taxes and served in the military and helped make this country the great one it always has been--until now, when Bush is dismantling it piece by piece. Let us take our country back!

Oneighty, you are a terrific and valuable human being and I am proud to have you as a member of my generation. Bless you and your family and may we DEFEAT BUSH!!

[NanBo]

6. This brings tears to my eyes

Dear 180, as someone younger than you, I can assure you I'm very glad you got the shot and I'm so very sorry for the pain it caused you. You have absolutely nothing to apologize for or to be ashamed of. We all need people like you in our lives. Thank you for sharing this. :hug:

[JitterbugPerfume]

7. Ed you made me cry

and I know that you would have gladly given that flu shot to any child that was in need


sometimes you make me so proud that we are friends


Midge