I wondered why there were so many letters praising our own U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson for his fearless support of H.R. 3692, “Affordable Health Care Reform.” A more cynical person than myself would probably suspect there was a campaign to fill your excellent publication with “Bennie Medals.” Nah!  I find that the content of the letters is as cloudy as the content of this “wonderful” health care bill.

One letter said, “So many Southerners continue to be against a bill that would favor their region and their citizens more than the rest of the country … Stubborn ideology causes many to vote against our own interests and keep our region at the bottom.”

I have had occasion to work in many areas of this country over the last 30 years and all the folks I’ve met sure look like fellow Americans to me!  It may be Mississippian to “screw your buddy,” but it sure ain’t American.

Another letter: “Some will have only mean-spirited words to say, but we know he (St. Bennie the Rich) did the right thing. You are doing the work you were called to.”

I don’t fault Thompson’s calling. I don’t fault his dedication (well, a little), but I really fault his intelligence and ability to read (although no one could read that health care bill and get anything intelligent and/or consistent out of it).  I guess if we have any questions we’ll just have to forward them to Nancy Pelosi and she’ll have to read it! 

I have a real problem with Mr. Thompson’s ethics since he was one of the “brave 75” who fearlessly voted to continue ACORN’s misuse of government funds. Our health care “program” is terrible, but why burn down the forest to get rid of one or two dead trees!

Arthur J. White

Vicksburg