We have voice; we should use it

Recently, my family buried father and friend, Jack Reilly, in his quiet hometown in northern Idaho. Dad commanded a ship during World War II and the Korean conflict, and only three of his crewmen survive him. Theirs was the biggest spray surrounding Dad'’s casket, done in red, white and blue, reminding us that not only were we burying our father, but a patriot and lover of liberty.

He and those who fought by his side were not merely intent upon preserving the freedom of the country they honored, they were trying to extend that freedom to others in lands far from America’s shores. God bless them, and God bless us that we will not forget them or this great nation they have entrusted to our care. It remains a land where hungry, tired masses still seek life, liberty and happiness.

Dad taught me that I have a voice and vote, and that in America people govern the government. He taught me the Constitution is an inspired and living document. I know these things to be true.

I also know there is a war waging in our nation today We are just as responsible for the preservation of our liberties as my father’s generation. The war is one of ideologies, and we must decide which banner we will carry and then have the moral courage to let our beliefs be known.

Educate yourselves. Now is the time to stand for something. Every U.S. senator and House member represents you. Their vote impacts you. Let them know what you expect. Remind them who and what they serve. Do not stand idly by and then grumble at the results. Do something; it is your privilege.

On Aug. 25, a special election will be held to replace State Sen. Charlie Borders. Vote.

Pamela Reilly Sturgill, Russell



Stop destruction of health care

This is concerning President Obama, the community organizer and chief. I hope his attempt to takeover our health care has at least slapped his voters out of their coma.

Why on earth should we trust a social worker and a mob of Chicago tax cheats with running our health care? Spending like drunken sailors, they have already managed to double the deficit in just six months to $1.8 trillion.

This same government ration-care in Canada and Europe deprives the elderly of care to fund the program.

Take a look at government-run Social Security. It’s broke. Medicare is broke, as is Medicaid. The U.S. Postal Service has never shown a profit from day one. Last week it announced a $7 billion loss for this year. It’s broke. The V.A. Hospital is in disarray and broke.

These people couldn’t manage a lemonade stand if lemons were free. Maybe it’s because they’ve never had a real job, or they have no concept of what it’s like to actually have to work to survive.

At your expense, they’ll all be jetting off on vacation this month back to their home states, and while they’re there, they may hold some town hall meetings. Make plans to be there if you’re displeased with this government takeover.

Also you can call the congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to obtain the phone number of your congressman. Call and register your complaint. Together, we can stop this destruction of the best health care system in the world.

Joseph Akers, Greenup



War memorial belongs to all

As a member of the Greenup County War Memorial Committee, I thank Claudiene Mullins for her Aug. 5 letter about the campaign sign at the war memorial. We do not allow anyone to put up signs at the memorial. As soon as we found out about it, we removed it.

The committee members try to watch and keep the memorial clean so everyone can enjoy it, but we need the help of everyone in the county. We do not own the war memorial. It belongs to everyone. We only oversee it.

Bill Fyffe, Greenup