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Letters to the Editor 11/10
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EDITOR: This is in regards to the article printed in The Sunday Review.
I was shocked and upset when I heard what was printed "That the oil guys don't tip as well as the locals."
When I was questioned on the tips and comparison my comment was: "No I'm not going there: because tips are a privilege and truly no one else's business in my opinion."
These guys have become local family to us. We know them all by name (that's 100-plus names). We not only appreciate their business but their kindness.
They're good guys that work long hours and long weeks yet still come in with a smile and laughter. But no matter who you are, anyone entering the restaurant is treated equally.
I apologize to each and every one of you that may think, feel, or believe that I had said you don't tip well, but I never said that, I'm hurt by this too! Because that's not true.
Christy Bartholomew
Franklindale
Stay with us
EDITOR: This Wednesday (Nov. 11) is Veteran's Day. In our church service this morning, our pastor had all veterans stand to be recognized by the congregation. He also prayed for the victims and families whose lives are forever changed by the Fort Hood tragedy. The congregation then stood and sang "My Country, Tis of Thee." When we got to the last part of the last verse... "Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light; Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King!" I was overcome! And I poured out my grief by praying "Almighty God...we have really screwed up this nation that You chartered. Look at what the evil people in Washington are doing to our beloved nation! Please do not turn your face away from us."
Geo Houser
Burlington
Something to remember
EDITOR: President Obama recently approved a two percent salary increase, effective Jan. 1, 2010. Members of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches are also due for an automatic pay increase in January.
But for the first time in history, the Congress will not allow an increase in the Social Security COLA (cost of Living Adjustment). Not only no COLA, but the medicare insurance premium will go up.
Remember this next year when you vote for all the incumbent senators and congressmen and in 2012. Show them what you think of them for not thinking of you.
John Tomaszewicz
Monroeton
Historic accomplishment
EDITOR: On Saturday, Nov. 7, a bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives made history by passing H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.
After nearly a century of attempts and failures, this was the first time a chamber of Congress has ever passed comprehensive health insurance reform. This is certainly a historic accomplishment.
All of the representatives who voted for this bill deserve thanks for resisting tremendous pressure from the insurance industry lobbyists and standing up for their constituents.
It is hoped that those who voted against this bill will reconsider and show the courage it takes to do hard things, and vote for it when the bill comes up for the final vote in the house.
A vote for this bill was a vote to provide secure and stable coverage for Americans with insurance, expand coverage for those who do not have insurance, lower costs for families and businesses, and begin to reduce the deficit.
Jan Cooper
Troy
We need this
EDITOR: It was with some considerable pride that I watched The House of Representatives make strides toward providing health care for the people of America.
Having grown up in Scotland I never knew the worry of paying for my health care or prescriptions. To this day if I am visiting family back home and need to see a doctor or pick up some medicine I can.
As a single mother of three children and working three jobs -none of which provide health care, I now do understand the challenges of basic health care in America.
I am responsible for paying for my own insurance and have had to argue for such basic coverage as seeing the doctor when I had the flu.
I want this to be a country I believe in and a country that believes in its people.
The passing of comprehensive health care insurance reform and the continued passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act is crucial to the lives of so many American families - and mine.
Melanie Pollard
Sayre
Spin to the left
EDITOR: The massive Democrat health bill which puts a sixth of the American economy under government control passed late Saturday night by two votes. One of those votes was the newly elected Representative Owens from New York, who vowed in the campaign to vote against it. The other was Chris Carney.
Since his election, Representative Carney has voted with his constituents, but always in issues where his vote didn't make any difference. When push comes to shove, when every vote matters, Carney voted with Pelosi.
Next November remember, no matter how hard Carney tries to spin himself back to the middle, that a vote for him in the next election is a vote for the left wing of the Democrat party when it counts.
Duane Campbell
Towanda
On the other hand...
EDITOR: We are fortunate to have a representative from our district who showed nothing short of heroism by voting for H.R. 3962. While attempts were made in the past to reform unfair practices by insurers and make health care more affordable to all, Chris Carney was one who helped make this dream a reality. He courageously said YES, despite tremendous pressures to do otherwise. This is truly an historic moment. Thank You representative Carney, for standing up for us. It is my belief that this bill will not only lower costs for families and businesses, but will cover more people who couldn't afford it before.
Barbara Pulver
Troy
31 posted comments
The idea is options. Whether private or government sponsored, all citizens would have options. Also, there would be security, which individuals do not currently have. One can be dropped for almost any reason, even tho all premiums have been paid, in full and on time. I have read stories of individuals losing coverage for not reporting a childhood illness or minor injuries. Under the bills proposed in both the House and Senate, this would no longer be allowed. Exorbitant premiums for those deemed high risk are the norm. A cancer survivor either can not obtain insurance, or is asked to pay $1000 or more,per month. (Who can afford that?)
Caps, lifetime limits, excessive co-pays, are punitive. Requiring excessive enrollment periods before maternity benefits start, is dangerous, but common. For too long we have allowed the insurance industry to dictate what care we are entitled to. If we have lost freedom, it has come at the hands of the insurance industry. I do believe Affordable Health Care is essential to the survival of our economy. We are far from solvent at present, we have been pulled from the brink of collapse, but there is a long road ahead to economic recovery. A large factor in that will be containing the cost of health care. Altho, about 16% of our tax dollars are spent on health care, as opposed to about 10% in Canada or the UK, we have much worse outcomes, and we do not cover all citizens. No one has lost freedoms due to Medicare, Medicaid, or the V.A. Many have gained peace of mind, and protection from financial ruin, because of these programs. We should not deny others what we offer our politicians, government employees, or the members of the military, which is medical coverage, regardless of ability to pay or the level of care required. America is generous, and should extend that good will to those who need it so very much. I am speaking of the approximately 47 Million uninsured Citizens.
For the life of me, I do not understand how one equates having access to health care, with loss of freedom. It would seem to me that fear of financial ruin, or loss of life, would inhibit ones' freedom far more.
If you own a car, insurance is forced upon you. Not having insurance may result in loss of driving privileges, fines, and possibly jail. Yet, I never hear anyone protesting this being forced on them. No one says, "hey that uninsured guy, was just exercising his personal freedom, when he wrecked my car." Because that makes no sense. Insuring all Americans, so they may seek affordable health care, is the sensible solution.
I am pleased and proud of Chris Carney. Just as standing up to Don Sherwood was right. Voting for the Health Care bill was right.
Thank you Chris Carney.
Let us all work together to make this a more perfect union, and ensure the welfare of our citizens, as stated in the preamble to the Constitution.
Amendment X of the Contitution says "The powers not delegated to the United States by the constitution,nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the People."
Yes we are rebuilding our reputation around the world to one of weakness and appeasement. We are changing words so as to diminish their intent or effect. I love America too and we are the most generous nation in the world. I want us to remain a finiancially solvent nation and I want us to remain FREE!
I was taught in Sunday school, and in my home growing up, and have tried to impress upon my own children and grandchildren, that it is the manner in which you treat the least of our fellow humans, which forms the basis of your character. I love the USA. I do believe fully in the promise of America. I just want it to do better. I applaud the representatives who voted yes, and I especially want to thank Chris Carney for doing the right thing.
In the end, that is all we are asking, just do the right thing.
Thank you.
They continue to get rich from insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies, and the citizens suffer. As Senator Grayson said, the G.O.P. plan seems to be, "Don't get sick, and if you do get sick, please die quickly."
Don't be fooled by the fear. If we do nothing, we will lose economically and morally. How we care for the least of our citizens, is how we will be measured as a nation. What is the character of the U.S.A.
Where is the Christian principle of loving thy neighbor, as thyself, in the G.O.P. debate?
This has been debated for over 70 years, and the American Citizen is treated worse every passing year.
We can not lose this opportunity to act.
Affordable healthcare for all.
The time is now.
They continue to get rich from insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies, and the citizens suffer. As Senator Grayson said, the G.O.P. plan seems to be, "Don't get sick, and if you do get sick, please die quickly."
Don't be fooled by the fear. If we do nothing, we will lose economically and morally. How we care for the least of our citizens, is how we will be measured as a nation. What is the character of the U.S.A.
Where is the Christian principle of loving thy neighbor, as thyself, in the G.O.P. debate?
This has been debated for over 70 years, and the American Citizen is treated worse every passing year.
We can not lose this opportunity to act.
Affordable healthcare for all.
The time is now.
This bill will improve, not harm, the Medicare prescription plan.
This bill will ensure that every woman will receive pre-natal care, a must, if we are to improve our infant mortality rate. (29th in the world). Oh, this bill does alot to reduce costs.
Reducing costs, and improving outcomes, what a great idea.
No one has stated they want to eliminate insurance companies, however, stopping the abuse by these companies should be a goal we all agree on. If someone pays all their premiums, and then becomes ill or suffers a serious injury, they should not lose coverage. Nor should someone be denied insurance due to pre-existing conditions. Which the insurance companies stretch to the max. Reports of young, healthy adults being denied benefits due to a pre-existing condition such as strep throat in elementary school, or chicken pox, or a bike accident in the first grade. Paying bonuses to those whose entire job is based on not paying legitimate claims by finding some questionable grounds, must stop. I do not know why those who worry about our freedom, and not upset with the insurance industry. The insurance industry, truly, does have its own "death panels." If you get sick, and lose your insurance, the answer is often to die, because the cost of care is beyond measure.
Stopping these bad practices is wise, and we all need to support it.
One more time, if you are happy with your current insurance you will have the option to keep it. If you lose your job, or are denied coverage, you will have options for insurance not currently available. If you are poor, you will be eligible for subsidized insurance..like state medicaid, etc. The public option is for those who can not find affordable private coverage. It will be self-sustaining, and collect premiums, just as the current insurance companies do. However, the public option will be Non-profit.
The insurance companies stand to gain millions of new customers.
That can not hurt them, and when a company gets more business, it rarely lays-off the employees.
I did listen to the debates, even when it got down right silly, such as using a 7 month old as a prop. I read the bill.
I support Affordable Health Care for All. Unless you are a multi-millionaire, you should, as well.
His yes vote made me, and the majority of our citizens proud. Now, we must impress the Senate with our strong will, and desire, for Affordable Health Care for all citizens. Sit down and write a letter, or call your Senator, and tell him we want a YES vote.
Altho, the insurance lobbyists, and the G.O.P. will try to stop it, the momentum is there. The Time is Now. Affordable Health Care for All. We must act now.
They are creating more bureaucratic departments while the populous has massive unemployment upward of 10.5%. Don't be naive.
Nothing is free in life. And when there is an exclusion of input from the Republican party no one can say there is bipartisanship.
We should retain what works and start fixing several things that don't. What we have now is a mishmosh of legal jargon so convoluted as to discourage one from reading any of it at all.