In Your View — 12/06/09

Reform bills will bankrupt nation

In a recent edition, I read an article on health care reform with the headline “Dems: Failure is not an option.” At the same time, I saw on television the latest Rasmussen poll showing that only 38 percent favor health care reform, only 20 percent believe it will result in better care, only 16 percent believe health care cost will decrease, and only 34 percent of seniors support the proposed changes. Disturbingly, 50 percent believe health care reform will occur, because Congress is not listening. The obvious disconnect between the party in power and the majority of Americans is worrisome, indeed.

More Americans should have access to affordable health care, but why change an entire health care system with which most Americans are satisfied for a small portion of Americans who do not have or do not want health care coverage? The House bill and the proposed Senate bill have numerous problems.

Nationalized health care is arguably unconstitutional. If enacted, provisions in both bills will bankrupt our country, likely result in higher not lower costs, reduce Medicare coverage for seniors, give the federal government control over one-sixth of our economy, lead to further government intrusion in our lives, and result in rationed health care (witness the recent pronouncements on breast cancer and ovarian cancer detection and treatment).

A rational and more cost effective alternative is available. Meaningful changes in health care must address tort reform, exclude the government option to allow true competition, allow insurance companies to compete across state lines, as well as permit portability of insurance and coverage for pre-existing conditions, all as proposed by our Senators McConnell and Bunning and our Rep. Geoff Davis.

There is still time to stop this madness. Contact our senators and representative before it is too late.

Cody Wales, Flatwoods



Expansion needed at Greenup Locks

The December 3 editorial in T he Independent about the Markland Locks very clearly pointed out the economic costs of a slowdown of navigation on the Ohio River.

The Markland, Greenup and Meldhall locks were each built with one 1,200-foot long chamber and one 600-foot chamber. The large chamber was to accomodate modern tow lengths and the small one was to lock through pleasure craft and split tows when the main chamber is under repair. Now these locks are showing their age and are inadequate for traffic when more frequent repairs are necessary.

The Greenup locks are among the busiest in the country. For some time the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has had plans to extend the small chamber at Greenup to 1,200 feet, but for some reason, it has not moved ahead with that project. This probably is due to lack of appropriations.

Given the importance of Greenup to our economic health, this project should qualify as an infrastructure need worthy of stimulus funding. The construction jobs created would give a much needed lift to our economy.

Jim McKee, Ashland



Religions grow under persecution

This letter is in response to the Nov. 25 letter written by Mr. Randy Webb headlined, “Assault continues on Christian faith.”

A study of history shows that any religion becomes stronger when it is persecuted or attacked. When the Jews attacked the early Christians, the church became stronger. When the Romans attacked the early Christians, the church became stronger. When the pagan tribes of Arabia attached the Muslims, Islam became stronger, and so forth.

If the Christian Church is “suffering” today, it is because it is collapsing from within, not because it is being attacked from the outside.

And speaking of assaults, just who is assaulting who? Under the conservative government, Christian America was attacking Islamic Iraq and attacking Islamic Afghanistan. It is wrong when one innocent person is killed whether it is a Christian or a Muslim. Merry Christmas.

A.L. Hall, Mina Al Fahal, Sultanate of Oman



No sympathy for those owing taxes

Don’t you get tired of lawyers on television telling people how they can get them out of paying the back taxes they owe? Why did they owe “back” taxes to begin with?

It’s not that they weren’t making good money. In one commercial, a couple owes $300,000 in back taxes. Wouldn’t it stand to reason that if they were makng that kind of money, they could have paid what they owed on time? Don’t give me that “falling on hard times” line, either.

If getting lawyers to get you out of what you owe is legal, why don’t we all just quit paying on time and get us a lawyer to get a greatly reduced rate later on?

This would be a sad and weak country if everyone were like the people portrayed in those commercials.

Tom Wright, Ashland



Derby confident support is coming

The Akron Beacon Journal recently published an article about the All-American Soap Box Derby’s current financial condition. This story was picked up by the Associated Press and appeared in several newspapers and on Web sites across the country, including yours.

We feel it necessary to clarify a few misconceptions it may have created. The story seemed to suggest the Derby, based in Akron, Ohio, is on the verge of collapse. Although our situation is indeed serious, we want to assure our thousands of racers and their families across the country that we’re confident support for the Derby is forthcoming.

We’re working closely with our bank to come to terms on our loan, and we’re aggressively seeking new forms of revenue. After USA Today published its own story this fall about our finances and future plans, we heard from companies and individuals interested in Derby sponsorship. We’re in discussions with some of them now.

The actor, producer and director Corbin Bernsen also read the USA Today article. He was so inspired by our organization, he wrote a screenplay with the Derby in the central role. Bernsen plans to shoot part of the film in Akron, including scenes at our annual championship in July when winners from all over convene at Akron’s Derby Downs.

Bernsen recently came to Akron to experience the “thrill of the hill” himself and discuss business matters, including a potential licensing fee for the Derby

None of this is magic. We need money to keep the Derby dream alive for future generations of racers and to continue to expand our program into events involving alternative energies and other “green” resources. These sorts of deals take time, but we’re sure the event National Geographic recently called an American icon will draw the support it needs to thrive.

Bill Evans, chairman, Board of directors, All-American Soap Box Derby

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Funding is needed for water projects

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and the Water Infrastructure Network (WIN) applaud Congress’ effort to pursue legislation to put Americans back to work. As such, NACWA and WIN believe any jobs creation bill should contain funding for clean water, specifically for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water SRF.

NACWA and WIN have pushed for an additional $20 billion for the SRFs as part of any job creation effort that Congress may consider in the coming weeks. Studies show that 20,003 to 26,669 jobs are created for every $1 billion spent on water infrastructure projects.

There is a backlog of well over $40 billion in projects that are ready to go.

Susan Bruninga , National Association of Clean Water Agencies

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