Speak Out 7/22/09

Time for reform

JIM Swinger's scintillating piece about the need to demand that federal legislators pass meaningful health-care reform was masterful. What is inspiring is that the opponents of serious health-care reform have had it their way for decades, but proponents are pushing back to an unprecedented degree and will get the job done this time. Keep up the pressure.

Good argument

WILL Richardson wrote one whale of a withering verbal assault on those who are trying to derail health-care reform while making the case for its implementation. Every word he wrote was absolutely true. The Southeast Missourian editorial board should request that it be reprinted in The Wall Street Journal.

Smarmy tactics

THE once distinguished conservative group known as the American Conservative Union has been disgraced by the exposure of the infamous "pay to play" lobbying technique. The group demanded $2 million to $3 million for endorsing a group in a legislative dispute. When the group declined, the ACU endorsed the competing group. This is the kind of smarmy tactics we would expect from some of the disgraced and even imprisoned lobbyists, but not the American Conservative Union. William F. Buckley and Ronald Reagan must be rolling over in their graves.

Long waits

TO the person who was upset because she had to wait 20 minutes at the doctor's office: The doctor often has to make rounds at the hospital before seeing his patients at the office. Wait until we have socialized health care. Then you might have to wait 20 days, 20 weeks or even 20 months to be seen by the doctor.

Stolen bins

I live on Kage Road, and I also had my recycling bins stolen. Before that I had my trash can stolen. It is so frustrating. We can't even put our trash out any more. For those people taking them, we may not have seen you. But that doesn't mean a neighbor didn't.

Handy post office

HERE'S a best kept secret for those wanting to buy stamps. Go to the BP gas station on Kingshighway and buy your stamps there. There's rarely a line. You don't need to pull a number. And the people working there are so friendly. It's a full-service post office and handy.

Pointing the way

I love the works of Michael Moore. They have played a big role in pointing out the need to renovate the American automobile industry as well as the absolute necessity of implementing much needed health-care reform.

Stamp machines

I remember when some stores use to have a machine selling stamps. How hard is it to put in a machine that sells stamps? I have found some grocery stores sell stamps.

Good use

Buying the old federal building for county use makes good sense.