Speak Out 3/11/10

Entitlements

SO many seem to think it is OK to force the working class to support their non-working habits and ability to use services without having to produce. No longer is it "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" and making sure you worked hard to get someplace. Now it is acceptable to be lazy and get support from taxpayers and do nothing to support oneself or family. I'm not speaking of those who truly need help. I'm speaking of those who have no intent of ever being responsible. And now there is this massive takeover of the health care system that if we are against it we are evil. How evil is being forced to give up more money you earn to support your family that will instead benefit those who don't give a hoot?

Health care debate

I am all for health care for all if it is a fair system. I will support no bill that uses taxpayer money to fund abortions, and in this area there is no compromise. To me it is the worst sin of all. If someone needs health care because of illness, I have no problem paying my fair share. If anyone thinks that the Democratic bill is going to save money by reducing payments to doctors for Medicare, he is living in la-la land. All that will do is force doctors to drop their Medicare patients.

What war?

The war on drugs is unwinnable.

Legalization's untenable.

There's only one way to persist.

Say the problem does not exist.

*** GOP mantra

THE Republican mantra has become "Lead, follow or get in the way." Democracy is great until you lose.

Medicare cuts

I well understand the economic disaster we live in today. I understand that tough choices and sacrifices must be made. Where I get confused is how politicians continue to look at Medicare as one of the first places cuts must be made. Unlike Medicaid, I pay for Medicare. In fact, together my Medicare payments and my supplemental payments are more expensive than my health insurance payments used to be. Medicare is not an entitlement. It is not free. To me there is no difference between the government telling doctors what Medicare will pay for a certain procedure and the government telling insurance companies what they are allowed to pay doctors for the same procedure. Which, in my opinion, is exactly what's coming. Doctors are going to quit seeing Medicare patients because they will lose money by doing so. I am disabled and need doctors care. Without it I might as well find a corner to crawl in and die. Welcome to government-run health care.

More channeling

A recent caller praised President Obama for channeling his LBJ. I agree, the president has really pushed his "laughable bills job."

Stimulus hypocrisy

IN what can only be described as hypocrisy on steroids, the Republican-controlled Missouri Legislature passed resolutions condemning federal stimulus money, a large portion of which it is using to balance Missouri's budget.

Taxing solutions

THE political parties in Washington aren't responsible for our woes. How are they supposed to respond other than in a schizophrenic way to our constant demand that we cut certain entitlements but only those that don't benefit us? It is time for some shared sacrifice, but I fear the will is lacking. We need a national sales tax (18 percent or so), a phased-in raise in the age of eligibility for Social Security and a flat-out end to agricultural subsides. A national sales tax would allow us to greatly lower income-tax rates, pay for all of the entitlements and bring and end to debts and deficits.

Cut Congress

WHY are all the financial cuts that Congress has come up with seem to once again include the people who are already struggling -- people on Medicare and Medicaid and the unemployed? Why has it never been suggested that Congress take a substantial pay cut? Come on, Congress. If you want to make cuts, start in your own backyards and leave the old, sick and unemployed with their dignity. Try living on minimum wage.

Late mail

IT'S no wonder the U.S. Postal Service is going broke. It is almost 6 p.m., and I haven't received my mail. I used to get it at 9 a.m. I'm going with e-mail and online banking. I'm not going to use the postal service anymore.

Medicare payments

IN Sunday's paper, there's a piece about the government wanting to cut the Medicare payments to doctors. It said some doctors probably wouldn't take new Medicare patients. If I have to pay extra, I can't go to the doctor anymore.

Trash from trucks

I'VE been behind garbage trucks on the interstate, and they've got trash flying out like you wouldn't believe. That's where the trash is coming from.

Fighting socialism

WHAT Republicans and conservatives are fighting against is socialism and Marxism. I do home President Obama fails in his efforts to turn this country into a socialist state.

Phone surcharge

I have a $1.99 charge on my AT&T bill that says it is a special municipal charge to cover payments to municipalities for past gross receipts taxes. Explain why AT&T customers are getting billed because AT&T didn't pay a tax. I don't understand. AT&T lost a court case over this issue, but instead of taking it out of their shareholders' pockets, they're passing it on to the consumers.

Time to unite

REPUBLICANS claim they are speaking for the American people. I believe they are trying to manipulate the American public by fear and half-truths. I'm tired of their blame game. The word "united" means just that. We need to get on the same page and stop dividing our country.

What's needed

ANOTHER bond issue without a tax increase. How about a bond issue with a tax decrease? Let the school board sort out what is really needed and then ask the voters for support. Vote no on the school bond issue.

Highway trash

SOMEONE commented about the trash on Interstate 55 between Cape Girardeau and Jackson. I agree that it is a disgrace to our area. If Missouri had signs posted about huge fines for littering, it might help. Other states do this. Missouri seems to have more litter than other states we have traveled in. If someone will organize a volunteer cleanup day, I will be glad to help clean up the mess.

Proud of schools

I'D like to think taxpayers in Cape Girardeau understand the importance of good public schools and how they contribute to the economic vitality of our community. I'm proud of our schools, and I want to be proud for years to come.