Printed letters, July 5, 2012

By Staff
Thursday, July 5, 2012

There has been (and will continue to be) much written and said about the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the Affordable Care Act, pejoratively known as Obamacare.

Once the wild histrionics have subsided, we hope that we can come to accept the notion that we are a civilized people who embrace the notion that all individuals have the essential human right to access basic medical care. Sometimes, we just have to have faith that such a principle is not wrong and move forward.

It may be a bumpy road. It’s kind of scary, too. What is this going to do to our taxes? No one has the right to tell me what I can and cannot do! Will people take advantage of the public goodwill?

Changes may need to come in the future to perfect this legislation. Remember, Social Security was not popularly welcomed in its time (socialism! communism!), yet we have come to accept it.

It is good to remind ourselves that, while we are a nation of individuals, sometimes radically so, we are capable of coming together for the common good. Let’s all just take a breath. This is a historic moment when we can choose to do the right thing or the wrong thing — to be inclusive or exclusive.

We believe we will choose to do what is right because that is who we are.

JANE & ANDY GOLDMAN

Montrose

Which gang of pirates should guard health treasure chest?

I believe health care should be handled by the rules of the free market. But then I thought, “Those at the forefront of the free market are the banks and Wall Streeters. Many of these leaders have taken obscene salaries, even while their companies collapsed and thousands lost their jobs. Many took government monies to bail themselves out while still making millions and billions. For them, greed was king. Maybe it’s not such a good idea that the free market handles health care.”

So, now I believe the government should handle health care. But then I thought, “Our elected officials are the ones who have amassed trillions of dollars of debt and raised the unemployment rate to more than 8 percent They have built bridges to nowhere, engaged in insider trading, voted retirement pensions for themselves that average Americans could only dream of and have performed their jobs in such a way that they have a 17 percent approval rating from the public. Is it really a good idea that this crowd should handle health care reform?”

So what it boils down to is: “Which gang of pirates would I trust to watch over the health care treasure chest?”

Frankly, I have zero confidence that either entity would lead in reform with the good of the American people in mind. America may need health care reform, but we’re in greater need of a moral and spiritual awakening.

TIMOTHY KING

Grand Junction

 

Justice Roberts’ decision exemplified impartiality

I never thought I’d hear myself say it: “Well done, Chief Justice Roberts!”

The truth is, as a retired judge myself, I know that without having read every word in the briefs and heard every word argued, I’m in no position to determine whether Chief Justice Roberts’ rulings were correct.

But I can appreciate what appears to be an impartial, non-political decision on Roberts’ part and a validation of the separation of powers our forefathers envisioned.

JOAN WOODWARD

Grand Junction

 

Once again Americans overreact to change

The slaves have been freed: The sky is falling. Women have the vote: The sky is falling. Income tax: The sky is falling.

The Civil Rights Act, schools are integrated: The sky is falling. Social Security and Medicare: The sky is falling. Gays in the military: The sky is falling.

Affordable health care for all, including those with pre-existing conditions and very expensive diseases: The sky is falling. Really?

MARTHA BARRETT SCOTT

Grand Junction

 

City officials should examine success of Montrose Pavilion

I appreciate the letter suggesting the Pikes Peak Center as an example of what this city needs, as opposed to an expanded Avalon Theatre, though the Pikes Peak Center appears to be much more than this community needs or could support.

We don’t have to look that far from home for a modest and achievable arts/music center. Consider the Montrose Pavilion. Picture it expanded 50 percent more than its original size, with a spacious, comfortable concert hall, conference rooms, convenient parking and other modern amenities.

Grand Junction draws from surrounding communities and deserves a better facility to offer guests and us. I am disappointed that hard-to-come-by funds are being thrown at the Avalon, which I suspect is someone’s pet.

REBECCA MALEY

Grand Junction