Birthday Cards

There comes a time when even those of us who have never written The Times have to write.

Among the birthday greetings I received recently from my dear friends and family were two that I felt were an intrusion.

One was a birthday card from my assemblyman, Pat Nolan (R-Glendale), whom I have never met; the other was from the insurance division of a local department store. The latter was in letter form telling me I was a year older . . . and even stated my “age to be.” I know I’m a year older!

A birthday card is such a personal expression of feeling. It takes much time to pick out just the right one for the person about whom you care enough to remember. I don’t know Nolan or the insurance division of the local department store, and they sure don’t know me.

Obviously, the information of my birthday comes from a computer printout generated for the purpose of making money. I think it’s disgusting that my name is up for sale.

Who is selling what list to whom? It may have to do with the Department of Motor Vehicles that would account for the birth date being known. Then, of course, there are my state and federal income tax returns and the Social Security people. There is even my own insurance company, but they didn’t send me a card.

My junk mail is unbelievable and getting worse every day. Now this--honestly!

BARBARA J. MORRIS

Glendale