Mixed Emotions

By: Dan Roberts/Roberts Rules
 
“Are you serious? Even they can’t be that stupid!”
 
According to comedy legend (and our Vegas Voice columnist) Marty Allen, the definition of “mixed emotions” is watching your mother-in-law drive off a cliff in your new Cadillac. I now understand what Marty meant.
 
The opening paragraph was my response when our political editor, Rana Goodman advised me that she was not chosen to serve as a member of the new Nevada Guardianship Commission.
 
In all candor, I’m thrilled that my Ladylove will not be devoting so much time and effort on the Commission. I’ve previously written about the hours (and hours) that she spent reading and studying up on the various guardianship proposals.

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“Look at it this way” I cheerfully suggested. “Think of all that free time. Perhaps you’ll start making dinners again.”
 
I quickly realized by her “look,” that she was not receptive to my idea. I guess I can kiss goodbye the notion that my PILL (partner in love & life) and I will be sharing home-cooked meals unless I start learning where the pots and pans are.
 
But there’s another side (where the mixed emotions kick in); a side that clearly demonstrates that despite her herculean efforts, the senior community should be prepared for another round of guardianship abuses and scandals.
 
Everyone reading this should be as outraged as I am that it now will be left to the lawyers, judges and the guardians (both public and private) to make changes within the guardianship system. Let me ask you this question: Who do you think caused this cesspool of corruption in the first place?
 
I am also offended that the Supreme Court order had the audacity to request recommendations for the “rules for the qualifications of non-attorney guardian ad litem or advocate.” What do you think the lawyers and judges are going to do over this issue? You really believe they’re going to make it easier for our senior volunteers to review and investigate their behavior and actions?
 
I hope that this new round of scandals will not happen to you, your family, friends and neighbors. Our solution? Starting in January (when the reform law becomes effective) Rana, yours truly, and our Vegas Voice family will, once again, be holding FREE presentations on how to guarantee that you are not a future victim – including handing out the new “official” guardianship forms.