In George Michael’s column on Jan. 18 (“What if the ‘promise’ was a lie?) he claims that an article on Medicare by David Ellott from a “left leaning” organization affirms the program, but fails to reveal its real cost and who pays for it.
Had Michael not revealed his underlying distaste for the “bleeding hearts” that helped create Medicare, he might have succeeded in demonstrating his own objectivity.
I have benefitted greatly from Medicare over the past few years. The costs from my hospitalizations have far exceeded what I paid into the program. Sorry about that.
So am I sorry about the huge costs of our recent wars abroad and a number of other federal programs (including the salaries and Cadillac health care and pension benefits to congressmen).
National changes are sorely needed if we are really serious about drastically reducing our federal deficit.
Regarding a rational debate about the improvement of Medicare, one might include HR 676 as a plan to explore, alongside Rep. Paul Ryan’s proposal — Michael’s preference.
Dr. Wayne Spiggle, a well-informed health care activist, has described HR 676 as a plan that would save $300 billion yearly, cover all citizens, eliminate deductibles, cover dental, nursing home care and pharmaceuticals.
In his judgment it would “take control of health care delivery out of the hands of insurance companies and drug manufacturers.” Spiggle recommends the web site of Physicians for a National Health Policy for more information.
In all likelihood Michael would vigorously oppose it as I would likely oppose Ryan’s alternative plan, based on his track record of opposition to federally-subsidized health care programs which I support.
But there should be room for honest debate about what is good for the country without using the kind of dismissive language Pastor Michael employs.
John Wiseman
Cumberland
Letters
Better to debate Medicare issue than merely to dismiss it
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Maryland has stopped being “The Free State”
I am a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and, last but not least, the National Rifle Association. I am a yearly member of the American Legion.
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Save the Bridge Program
Please do not close the Frostburg United Methodist Church Bridge Program. The community and many families need this program. Let me enlighten you about a few things.
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Town of Westernport needs a police force and a curfew
Since the consolidation of Bruce and Valley high schools the town of Westernport rapidly deteriorated from what was once a quite respectable community to a community in a decline in residents, and along with that came a collapse in local government due to lack of knowledge and bad decisions that set the town of Westernport back 60 years.
One bad decision was to give up their police force, and with no constant visual law enforcement it has created an open range for drug dealerss, addicts, thieves, drunks and speeding vehicles that choose to ignore our city laws and speed limits and have totally disregard for the safety of the citizens who are on the streets, especially the children who are like deer, you don’t see them until their in front of you. -
Financial gutting will damage school system
I am writing in response to the Allegany County Commissioners’ efforts to cut local education spending to the lowest possible level allowed under state law.
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Cemetery organization plans events to mark Memorial Day
This upcoming Memorial Day marks the 30th anniversary of the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization (CHCO).
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Outside water customers pay for town’s mistakes
The following is the opinion of the individual and in no manner reflects the opinion of any other person or organization.
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We’re twisting the meaning of the Founding Fathers’ words
I really had to chuckle when I read a recent comment someone made in a northeastern publication: “I’d like to suggest that Congress make a tiny change in our Second Amendment that would more accurately reflect the Founding Father’s intent (to wit): “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear muskets, shall not be infringed.”
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Their health benefits proved to be better than they expected
ObamaCare! Of all the terms the GOP uses as scare tactics, that one is my favorite.
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It’s time to ratify Equal Rights Amendment
I have three words I want to say: “It is time.”
By those three words, I am referring to passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). -
Preserve these things for future generations
This is an open letter to the mayor of Cumberland and Allegany County commissioners:
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Maryland has stopped being “The Free State”
