Published: August 04, 2009 06:20 pm      

LETTERS: Aug. 4, 2009

Reader questions health care reform



Let’s face it. Does anyone really have any idea what the president’s health care proposal provides?

I sure don’t, and frankly, I don’t think the president does either, nor do I think the majority of Congress does. The president’s press conference certainly wasn’t very enlightening. I think the president is promoting this to fulfill campaign promises and, hopefully, that it will help him politically. It doesn’t seem to be working out that way, if any of the popularity polls mean anything.

Thanks to the Blue Dog Democrats and the majority of the Republican Party, there are some efforts being made to keep it under control, but this may be a losing battle given the makeup of Congress. From what I understand, and I understand very little, it appears that the biggest hit will be taken by the seniors, and that euthanasia may be on the way to help control medical costs.

I know that I am biased because I am so opposed to abortion, but from what I read and hear, abortion might be considered an actual health issue only in very, very few cases, if ever. For that matter, I really don’t see how Ciaslis, Viagra and birth control pills can be considered medical drugs either (if they are).

The only real tool that we have to express our agreement or disagreement with our elected representatives is at the ballot box, so watch and see which way they vote, and remember.

— W. L. O’Bryan, New Albany



Yes, they camp; thanks, Sheriff Mills!



Last week, Floyd County Sheriff Darrell Mills hosted the Camp I Can youth camp. I would like to say a thank you to Sheriff Mills and the others who volunteered their time to provide more than 40 kids with a great week of fun, learning and spiritual reflection. The kids participated in obstacle courses, went to the Falls of the Ohio, learned about each branch of the military, played kickball, dodgeball and listened to guest speakers share the importance of making right choices. The kids did a fabulous job each day, and by the end of the camp, they truly believed “Yes, I can.”

I was honored and privileged to volunteer with such loving, compassionate and youth-loving adults. Thank you Officer Dickey, Officer Harris, Officer Shultz, Officer Jones, Officer Houglin, Summer Montgomery, Duane Smith, Dennis and Teresa Shireman, Brad Striegel, Lt. Col. Ben Gipe, Jane Spainhour, John Davidson, Ashley K., Pastor Scott, Pastor Dischong, Graceland Baptist Church, Gary Jacobi and to all of the businesses and people who donated resources to make this a special week for youth. Yes, they can, because, yes, you did! God bless each of you.

— Lee Ann Wiseheart, New Albany