Speak Out 7/26/09

Scare tactic

I agree in part with Dr. J. Russell Felker's critique of health care reform, though I envy his apparent ESP ability to ascertain the exact essence of health-care reform when the final legislation (assuming it is forthcoming) is arguably still in flux. I do agree with Felker that we have the best doctors in the world. However, having the best doctors does not mean that we have the best health-care system. In fact, contrary to what Felker wrote, I think there is virtually universal agreement that the system is broken. If we do not get meaningful health-care reform, it will in no way mean that we approve of the current system. We will sadly revert to business as usual, and an already bad health-care system will get worse. Unfortunately, Felker's otherwise thought-provoking argument is severely compromised by a seeming scare tactic scenario that health-care reform will virtually destroy the economic welfare of smaller and medium-sized communities.

Union legislation

I hope the Wall Street Journal is correct in its assertion that the legislative proposal to make it easier for working men and women to join unions is not dead. Only around 10 percent of today's labor force is unionized. If the pending legislation (Employee Freedom of Choice Act or some variation of it) is defeated, the American dream of upward mobility among blue-collar workers, already on life support, will be dead and buried.

Depp's disdain

ACTOR Johnny Depp has been vocal in his disdain of the United States, claiming we're a drug-ridden and violent culture. As a result he wants to raise his children in France where, he says, people are civilized. Some of the movies he makes are about drugs and violence. So he contributes to the culture he criticizes. I wonder what Depp is saying about some Tour de France riders who were injured by pellet guns near the finish line of today's stage? Is he going now decide France is too violent for his children? Or is France wonderful and it's just the United States that he feels free to criticize and then take a paycheck from?

Let consumers decide

THE medical establishment is pricing itself out of business. In response to unaffordable health care, a coalition of consumers needs to be formed. Through the private sector, a company could enlist workers from various jobs and negotiate fees via the sovereign consumer.

Fireworks freedom

I did not shoot off one firework this year, nor did my spouse, but we still want people to have the freedom to shoot off fireworks if they want.

Selling stamps

THERE are many places around the city that sell postage stamps that have evening and weekend hours.

Refusing money

THE Make-A-Wish Foundation refused money from a bikini car wash, saying it didn't think it was appropriate to take money raised like that. I'm relieved to see that one organization will stand up for morals. This country was built on our respect for ourselves. There's nothing wrong with girls in bikinis, but taking money is just like stripping. Why don't these girls earn the money a different way and give it to the organization?