In the “Really?!?” segment, which Myers hosts to ask questions when a branch of government is behaving badly, the anchor asked, “Really, Obama? You said you heard about the scandal when you saw it on TV. You heard about it on TV, really? I don’t want to live in a world where you have the same sources as my aunt. You’re the president; I didn’t think you have to watch TV for anything.”

When even liberal comedians are dumbfounded by the actions of the White House and the IRS, it’s time to ask questions and demand answers.

No matter what any government spokesperson or official says, there are statements the American people refuse to believe and situations that make no sense.

• Senior White House adviser Dan Pfeiffer said this week that Obama had no knowledge of the IRS unfairly targeting conservative groups until it was published in the media. Should we really believe the president waits to read the morning paper to find out what is happening in his country?

• On May 22, 2012, IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman was asked by House Ways and Means Committee member Rep. Charles Boustany, “”Can you give us assurances that the IRS is not targeting particular groups based on political leanings?” Shulman responded: “Let me start by saying, yes, I can give you assurances. As you know, we pride ourselves on being a non-political, non-partisan organization.” Furthermore, one of his own employees testified that when they first learned of the IRS’ tactics, he went straight to Shulman – over a year ago. But Shulman claimed Tuesday in congressional testimony to know no details of what had happened until it had come out in the press this year.

• Sarah Hall Ingram, who was just last year the commissioner in charge of the IRS division that targeted the Tea Party, the Tax Exempt and Government Entities, gave congressional testimony on the matter on May 15, 2012. She was recently promoted to oversee Obamacare and has yet to face any repercussions in the IRS drama. Why should a person who obviously mishandled her position in the IRS be put in charge of something like Obamacare, which is already teeming with problems of its own?

• This week, IRS supervisor Lois Lerner swore she did nothing wrong, broke no laws and never lied to Congress. She then refused to answer any further questions from lawmakers, citing her Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate herself. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) said this week that Lerner learned in June 2011 that agents were singling out Tea Party members and “Patriots.” Lerner told IRS agents to scrap the criteria that singled out those groups but still the situation evolved to include groups that promoted the Constitution and Bill of Rights. According to Jordan, Lerner had 14 opportunities in direct interactions with the Ways and Means Committee to set the record straight but never did so. If she is completely certain that she did nothing wrong, why is it so important to invoke her Fifth Amendment right?

There are so many people in positions of authority that are either incompetent or bold-faced liars when it comes to this matter. The problems and lies lead all the way to the White House.

On top of the lies, no one will answer the most important question: why were Conservative groups unfairly targeted in the first place?

Tuesday, the state legislature sent a bill to Gov. Bobby Jindal’s desk that would prohibit posting to social media sites while driving. The bill was sponsored by Livingston Sen. Dale Erdey who said law enforcement officers in the City of Walker reported stopping drivers who looked to be texting. After being pulled over, the drivers said they were not texting, rather posting to Facebook or Instagram, according to a report by the Associated Press.

Erdey, quoting a Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study, said sending or receiving a text distracts the driver from the road for about 4.6 seconds, the equivalent of driving 55 miles per hour the length of an entire football field. Social networking takes more time than a text, he added.

Kudos to our state leaders for passing this bill, which undoubtedly will keep some from updating their Facebook status while driving down interstate. However, doesn’t the need for such a law show the lack of priorities we all have as drivers? The media and public discuss the dangers inebriated drivers pose on roadways but cell phones are becoming an even bigger problem. Many people fear being pulled over by a law enforcement officer if they are driving while intoxicated; how many fear being stopped by a cop for texting or uploading a picture to Instagram? The truth is, anyone who misuses their cell phone while driving poses just as much danger as the intoxicated driver.

While it’s doubtful the fines for misusing cell phones while operating a vehicle will be extraordinary, hopefully the penalties are enough to make people think twice. Lives have even been lost in Jeff Davis Parish due to drivers paying more attention to a phone than the road. How many more lives should be lost before we realize our phones are not as important as person?

Louisiana is once again participating in national Safe Boating Week, scheduled for May 18-24. This week, LDWF is reminding boaters to be safe, responsible and knowledgeable while on the water during this safe boating week. Safe Boating Week is a time for all boaters to inspect their vessels to ensure that all required safety equipment is on board and that vessels are in good, working condition.

LDWF Enforcement Division agents will be out in full force, performing boating safety checks and driving or operating a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) patrols. Each vessel should have enough personal flotation devices (PFD) on board for all occupants and a sober operator.

“Personal flotation devices are made to be worn and not sit in a vessel storage compartment. Even if you consider yourself to be a strong swimmer, we (LDWF) still encourage everyone on a boat to wear a personal flotation device whenever the boat is in motion,” said LDWF Boating Safety Officer Capt. Rachel Zechenelly. “A personal flotation device on a boat should be treated the same as a seatbelt in a car, because they are both easy to use and are proven to save lives.”

LDWF boating incident statistics indicate that 15 out of the 25 boating fatalities in 2012 officially listed drowning as the cause of death. LDWF regulations state that anyone 16 years of age and younger must wear a PFD while underway in vessels less than 26 foot long. For more boating and PFD regulations, visit http:/www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating.

Alcohol use is another leading cause of boating crash incidents and fatalities on the water. Alcohol consumption impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. Alcohol increases fatigue and susceptibility to hypothermia. Intensifying the effects of alcohol are sun, wind, noise, vibration and movement, which are all common to boating activities.

The penalties for DWI on the water are the same as on the road. Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or on the road will lose his or her driver’s license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case. Also, each offense of operating a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated counts toward the total number of DWI crimes whether they happened on the water or road.

In Louisiana, a DWI can be issued to anyone operating a moving vessel or vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. First-offense DWI on the water or on the road carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. Second offense DWI brings a $750 to $1,000 fine and between 30 days and six months in jail. Third-offense DWI carries a $5,000 fine and between one and five years in jail. Again, every DWI offense is also subject to a suspension of driving a vehicle and operating a boat privileges.

LDWF also wants to remind anybody born after Jan. 1, 1984 that they are required to successfully complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boating education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower.  LDWF offers these classes free of charge statewide. For a list of courses, visit http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/courses.

For more information, contact Adam Einck at aei...@wlf.la.gov or (225) 765-2465.

Over the past week, our local high school seniors bid farewell to their high school careers to embark on their futures. This amazing group of young men and women have already dived into the real world head first. Some already have a few college courses under their belts and are heading off to local colleges and universities in a variety of fields. Several young men and women have committed the next few years of their lives to the United States of America, choosing to serve in the Armed Forces. Still even more have already joined the work force; others are engaged and planning weddings; some are relocating for personal and professional reasons; while a few plan to join their family’s business.

After approximately 14 years of early mornings, late nights, hard tests and endless assignments, this group is sure to do great things in life. The scholarships, awards and honors they attained during their school years prove how dedicated they are to being successful.

We look forward to watching their journeys continue, as well as how they help this parish grow. They will soon be the  educators in the classroom; the medical professionals performing tests and surgeries; the contractors who oversee the building of local homes and businesses; the farmers who provide soy beans, rice and crawfish; and more.

The Jennings Daily News congratulates each and every graduate on this exciting time in their life. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to what you will continue to bring to our communities.

DHH encourages the public, state employees and partners to unite and raise awareness about women’s health issues and educate Louisiana women about how they can live healthier lives.

Women make up 51 percent of Louisiana’s population. The 2012 Louisiana Women’s Policy and Research Commission Report to the Governor stated that chronic disease remains one of the largest risks to women’s health.

Chronic disease includes diabetes, heart disease, smoking and obesity. Currently, one in four deaths in Louisiana results from heart disease and the state’s obesity rate continues to rise.

“I challenge women in Louisiana to take a look at unhealthy habits like smoking, overeating and lack of exercise and become knowledgeable of the deadly risk these activities have on their lives,” said DHH Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health J.T. Lane. “With lifestyle changes, Louisiana women can be healthier and less susceptible to preventative diseases like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. I also want to challenge their loved ones, friends and families to support them – especially working mothers. Sometimes the biggest barrier to being healthy is time. If a loved one can free up as little as 15 minutes or a half hour on a regular basis for a working mom to go for a run, meditate or lift weights, it may transform an unhealthy future into a healthy one.”

DHH recommends the following tips for staying healthy:

• Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings.

• Get active.

• Eat healthy foods.

• Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.

• Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet, as well as texting while driving.

DHH programs available for women include the Birth Outcomes Initiative, which aims to educate all Louisiana residents that healthy pregnancies are imperative to a healthy mother and baby. Further, DHH administers the Maternal and Child Health Program, with allows pregnant women, infants and children to gain access to specialized healthcare services; the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, which ensures pregnant women, infants and children have access to nutritious food; and the state Medicaid program, which provides health care coverage and coordination to eligible pregnant women and children.

“As a woman, staying healthy helps ensure I’m present for the important milestones in my family’s life,” said DHH Interim Secretary Kathy Kliebert. “A commitment to making healthy choices impacts my physical and mental health in the long run. A healthy diet coupled with an active lifestyle allows me to take charge of my well-being and I encourage all Louisiana residents to do the same.”

To learn more, visit http://womenshealth.gov/nwhw/.

This week across America is known as National Police Week, a time meant to not only honor those police officers working the daily beat, but also those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

We often take our law enforcement officers (LEOs) for granted and complain about the work they do rather than appreciate it. We complain when they do too much in one area or not enough in the other but we seldom ask what we could do to help make our communities better.

Our officers work to ensure traffic laws are followed to protect us and our loved ones as we make daily journeys to work, school, grocery stores and more; if we call to report hearing even a twig snap outside our homes, an officer arrives to make sure all is safe; even for petty calls like a stray dog sleeping on someone’s lawn, law enforcement will come because it’s not only their job, but a commitment they made.

Sometimes we don’t see the very serious side of LEOs jobs, though. When a crash is reported, you will see area officers jumping from their units at the scene, rushing to see how they can save a life or calm down a shaken victim. You will see officers running into burning homes and buildings just as you would a firefighter. When there is a report of gunfire, whether in a residential neighborhood or the open rural areas, LEOs respond to those scenes, too, knowing they could be met with bullets. Despite the complaints we make against law enforcement, how many of us would have the guts to do that job for a small check and no thanks?

A career in law enforcement does not guarantee great pay. The hours are long and tiring; the work is overwhelming and dangerous; and many times, LEOs have to do their jobs without moral support from the very people they serve.

We do have incredible law enforcement officers in Jeff Davis Parish. There are so many men and women who make our communities safer and society more enjoyable simply by being on duty each and every day.

“See Something Send Something” is a nationwide suspicious activity reporting (SAR) tool for citizens to help in the fight against terrorism and criminal activity, according to the Louisiana State Police (LSP). Additionally, the free app has information on what to look for and when to submit suspicious activity reports along with how to receive important alerts.

The system connects concerned citizens, first responders and law enforcement to key intelligence centers including the Louisiana State Analytical & Fusion Exchange (LA-SAFE) and routes geo-tagged suspicious activity reports and location-based messages to intelligence centers providing intel analysts the ability to receive, sort, search and analyze inbound SAR’s.

The free smartphone application allows suspicious activity to be captured as a photo and as written text and sent directly to LA-SAFE, where the tips and information can be evaluated and then forwarded to law enforcement across the state as needed.

“In order for law enforcement to truly be successful, we must have the cooperation and support of the public we serve,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. “This capability allows citizens to directly contribute to ensuring safer communities by reporting suspicious incidents to Fusion Center personnel who are trained to evaluate, analyze, disseminate and request action from law enforcement partners across Louisiana.”

Information from the public can be critical during a crisis. This app will help someone give emergency personnel the information they need during a time when every minute could be critical.

The application is available at no cost for iPhone and Android phone users, as well as iPad users. The service uses privacy protection software for safeguarding the integrity of tips and citizens’ personal information. The system allows LA-SAFE to engage citizens without tracking location or storing of personal information. Submitted tips are immediately removed from the mobile device and purged from the My Mobile Witness system once delivered to the LA-SAFE center for analysis.

This system is not intended for emergency situations. For situations requiring an immediate response, call 911 or your local law enforcement directly.

For further information, visit http://www.mymobilewitness.com/consumer-services.php.

We’ve all seen signs at certain businesses that read “Parents will be responsible for damages caused by children” or “No children beyond this point.” Did you know that even certain Jeff Davis Parish establishments have had to introduce rules regarding unsupervised children?

Just last year, in her monthly Librarian’s Lines column in the Jennings Daily News, Jeff Davis Library Director Dr. Linda Lebert-Corbello addressed the issue of parents dropping off children and young teens at the library for hours at a time with no supervision.

Also, in a recent interview for the Jennings Daily News’, a local business owner noted, “We are not licensed to be a daycare center. All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian (to enter the business) – not a sibling.”

It’s understandable why businesses and even public libraries have to say out loud what most of us already know: You have to take care of your own kids.

Any parent that drops a child below a certain age at a public place and drives off without ensuring the child is looked after should be ashamed of their carelessness and laziness. It is not a business owner, mall employee or librarian who is responsible for your child’s welfare; if a parent needs a babysitter, they should pay one.

Not only is it completely disrespectful to the business community to dump a child at their door, but do these parents realize what could happen to their children? How hard would it be for a sex offender to notice an 11 year-old has been sitting in the library alone for two hours? Would most parents truly trust letting a 13 year-old roam through a mall in a large city without any adult supervision at 9 p.m. at night?

Furthermore, how many youths act completely different around strangers than their parents? Is a teenager going to behave like a respectful shopper or cause problems for the store if no one is around?

Businesses should not have to act as daycare centers (unless, of course, the business is a daycare center). Furthermore, businesses should not be worried that if something happens to an unsupervised child, they could be blamed for the situation.

There are many factors to consider but no matter the reasoning, parents need to handle their own children, not force businesses to baby sit. Businesses who encounter this situation are justified in putting a foot down.

Cajun Country spotlights activities, events and traditions in all JDP communities, including festivals, parades, fishing hot spots, swimming holes, recipes and so much more. The magazines are distributed throughout JDP and other areas to show tourists why they  should visit this area.

For the 2013 edition, the JDN would like its readers to join us in telling visitors how to pass a good time. We would like to know where you take visiting friends and family when they come to the parish, or what you think is the number one experience they should have in JDP.

Maybe you are a former parish resident who can’t stay away during Mardi Gras season. Know any truckers who just have to buy a certain dish when passing through? Are you a fisherman who makes special trips to the parish for that secret spot you found on the Mermentau River? (Don’t worry, we don’t expect you tell us where the exact spot is).

We want to know what you want tourists to know about JDP! Your name and suggestions just might make it into this year’s Cajun Country publication.

Whatever your suggestions, email them to jenn...@bellsouth.net by 5 p.m. Monday, May 13. Help us spread the word about what we enjoy in JDP!

According to the National Stroke Association (NSA), on May 11, 1989, President George Bush signed Presidential Proclamation 5975 designating May as National Stroke Awareness Month at the urging of NSA. Since then, National Stroke Association has been honoring this special time of the year to increase public awareness of stroke in an effort to conquer it.

Stroke is an emergency and must be responded to urgently so a doctor can evaluate whether or not treatment will help. It is important to notice the warning signs. Be sure to note the time when any symptoms first appear. If given within three hours of the first symptom, there is an FDA-approved clot-buster medication that may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. There are also two other types of stroke treatment available that might help reduce the effects of stroke. Read more about stroke treatment.

Learn as many stroke symptoms as possible so you can recognize stroke as quickly as possible.

Warning signs that you or someone you know might be having a stroke include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body.

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should call 9-1-1 immediately. The faster you get treatment, the better your chances are for recovery.

Up to 80 percent of all strokes can be prevented by working with a healthcare professional to manage risk. Although stroke can happen to anyone, certain risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes can increase chances of a stroke.

For more information about stroke prevention or symptoms, visit NSA’s website at http://www.stroke.org.