All we really need to know in the debate over health care reform is that while people are yelling and screaming to drown out rational discussion of the real issues, there are hard-working, honest people having to advertise and hold charity benefits to help pay for medical expenses that they or their family members incur. It was true on page A2 of last Sunday’s Vicksburg Post and it most likely will continue to be played out in newspapers and towns across this great country.

We need change and we need people who support change to stand up for it. We should not be screaming or drowning out debate, but engaging and encouraging discussion, not about if there should be health care reform, but what is the best way to accomplish it. Otherwise, the clatter and noise from the fringe seems to speak for us all, and that is far from the truth. We are all in the same boat, with or without health insurance. We are all just one medical emergency away from bankruptcy. We are all just a “pre-existing condition” away from being denied coverage and an ability to get the medical care we need. If we put our heads in the sand, and ignore the realities of health care in the United States today, medical costs will continue to skyrocket to the point that no one can afford it. We are a smarter, better people than that; we can and should do better.

Connie Soballe

Vicksburg

Doing what’s necessary

I support our current president, Barrack Obama, on his health care reform policies.

Three years ago, I had a stroke and was very glad that  I had heath insurance, but I feel that there are far too many people both here and throughout the 50 states who are unfortunate enough to be unemployed and, therefore, uninsured. A government-guaranteed program seems to be the Christian, benevolent solution for Congress to pass.

My congressman, U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, is in support of this bill, too. The other three Mississippi congressmen need to follow his lead in support for this.

Thank goodness that the Democrats in past years had the foresight to pass Social Security and Medicare bills! We have needed health care reform for far too many years. My 2008 presidential vote would have been cast for Sen. Obama for this single issue alone. We elected him to lead us with these changes, and he needs our support now to bring this into fulfillment.

If you feel this way, too, please let others know that you are in agreement. God bless Congressman Thompson and our president. Our country needed them and elected them to carry out these desperately needed changes.

Terry Johnson

Terry

Blacklist the bilkers

If Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies would scrutinize our complaints about excessive charges by the hospitals, clinics, doctors, home health companies, health supply companies and pharmacies instead of merely confirming receipt of our complaints and doing nothing about them, this would save the federal government trillions of dollars.

Let’s call this situation what it is: criminal.

Being 87, I have a variety of coverage and so I am entitled to have nurses attending me once a week, therapists once a week, housekeepers three times per week. The nurses and therapists charge $150 and $175 per visit. Also, you are able to get power chairs ($7,500), walkers and et cetera.

I have complained every time I receive a statement of charges. I scrutinize these with the eye of cold reality, which, I dare say, very few of us do, but should.

Let’s multiply by several million handicapped seniors like me and you see the costs.

Forget about President Obama’s wanting to “fix” our health care.  Just punish those who overcharge. If the government would blacklist all who abuse the system with excessive charges, our health care system would be “fixed.”

George Mitchell

Vicksburg

Who should pay?

Why should taxpaying citizens pay the health costs of people who live unhealthy lifestyles?

Joseph Smollen

Vicksburg

Silence is perilous

On the morning of Sept. 22, 1776, at 11 a.m., a young man by the name of Nathan Hale was hanged. This man was 21 years old and had attained the rank of captain in the Continental Army. It was reported by witnesses of this event that Nathan conducted  himself in a dignified manner that morning. He wrote two letters, one to his mother and another to a friend in the Army. He was then given the opportunity to say his last words, and what he said should be remembered and cherished by every American today. He said, “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.”

I wonder when we look at an event like this from American history if we really stop and consider the courage the men and women of that time displayed.

Fast forward to today and we as Americans are witnessing the absolute dismantling and destruction of our constitutional form of government. The heritage of the United States, its Christian foundation, customs and patriotism are being destroyed, ridiculed and apologized for.

Are we as Americans going to allow the ideals that make this country exceptional to be destroyed? Are we going to allow the sacrifice and death of men like Nathan Hale to be forgotten?

Are you willing to sacrifice some of your time and energy to help save this country? I know there are some who are going to say “I just don’t want to become involved,” and some who are going to “let someone else do it.” There are probably hundreds of other excuses not to get involved. I hope that none of these apply to you.

Join with others here and across the state and help us to preserve the privileges we have as Americans. Join the  MsTeaParty today.

David Boone

Vicksburg

Sweet deal for NRoute

There is something innately wrong with allowing NRoute to undercut private charter companies. (The Vicksburg Post, Sept. 24.)

NRoute equipment and 90 percent of its operating expenses are picked up by the taxpayer. What a sweet deal! The statement by NRoute Executive Director Evelyn Bumpers, “We can lease our vehicles for a lot less than they (commercial  companies) typically can,” is past ludicrous. If McDonald’s had the deal NRoute has a Big Mac, fries, milk shake, coffee and apple pie would only be a quarter and Burger King would be forced out of business.

The Mississipppi Department of Transportation, the Warren County Board of Supervisors  and the Vicksburg Mayor and Board of Aldermen should examine policies and funding that promote inequitable business practices.

Jon Duke

Vicksburg