Local Opinion

Each month a handful or two of conservative friends gather to discuss a predetermined topic chosen the previous month. We have the conceit of calling our group Socratic but I suspect Socrates would not grade us favorably should he chance onto one of our meetings.

Editor:

Editor:

Will My Wife Get a Spousal Benefit from Me?

WASHINGTON DC — Kimberly Hermann is known as “Mama Bear, wife, Conservative lawyer and commentator” on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, what is now simply known as X. In a post some time ago she declared that “schools are turning our kids into soldiers for the progressive army.” In a new interview with Rebecca Weber, CEO of the Association of Mature American Citizens and host of AMAC’s Better For America podcast, Kimberly took aim at the “concept of gender ideology.”

Dear Rusty: For a 30-year period, I was making a living as an independent contractor and freelancer. I was working on behalf of myself. Thus, I was only paying state and federal taxes when applied. Due to changes in the employment landscape, I wish to apply for benefits at age 64, as receiving said SS benefits would serve as supplemental income to what I would be receiving from outside sources.

CINCINNATI — On the face of it, Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump continues to say bizarre things at his rallies, but his intent is right there for all to see.

If only George Washington could see us now … what would he say?

Dear Rusty: I’m just trying to figure out how to determine whether to retire at 65 or 67 and, if I retire, approximately how much could I make outside of my Social Security without being overly taxed. Signed: Thinking About Retiring

“In a democratic republic, the organs of state are separate and may even at times work at cross-purposes, with one acting as a balance for the other. In an autocracy, these organs must be deprived of their autonomy …”