We live in tough times for important institutions. Service clubs that were once the backbone of small town life are seeing their membership dwindle.

According to Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Fla., it is “intrusive,” “an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars,” “unconstitutional,” and “the very picture of what’s wrong in D.C.”

The Department of Health and Human Services has good reasons to keep its records secret, but like all good rules, this one should have its exceptions.

For the vast majority of Americans — 99 percent, to borrow a phrase — banking is commercial and relatively simple. A checking account, a savings account, a credit card or two. A mortgage, a small-business loan or a line of credit for daily business cash flow.

It’s interesting that some of the same people who have been blasting President Obama as a spendthrift who has put this country on a path to economic ruin also criticize him for being frugal when it comes to space exploration.

According to Federal Aviation Administration whistleblowers, air traffic controllers in the New York area have slept on the job, left shifts early and used personal electronic gadgets while working in the control room.

The 125th Legislature comes back to Augusta today sporting an 18 percent approval rating in the latest poll.

If you are at the age when you are planning for retirement, consider this: Unless something changes, it is entirely possible the Social Security program will be insolvent while you still need help from it.

Politics. One day finds candidates embroiled in heated, hateful exchanges against each other. The next day one bows out and pledges to support the other.

President Barack Obama is right about one thing: The American people are weary of war.