Protect public TV, radio from Romney
Editor:
Gov. Romney told us that he loves Big Bird and that much as he hates to see him go, balancing the budget depends on cutting off funds for Public Broadcasting. But would he deprive us of The Cat in the Hat as well? How about Lawrence Welk? And surely he will miss the thrill of watching those lucky people on Antiques Road Show who discover they have a genuine Ming Dynasty vase in the attic. Won't he even miss Hercule Poirot?
One Romney supporter claims that only a part of PBS broadcasts are educational. But where else can we get programs that compare to Masterpiece Theater, Nova, Nature, Great Performances, Evening at the Pops, The Hatfields and McCoys? And that's only television! Without Performance Today and the wonderful classical music that plays through the night, I might as well throw away my radio! I don't think I am alone.
Dorothy Wehrle Guest Dixon
Charleston
Preserve Medicare by backing Obama
Editor:
Senior citizens and future senior citizens, beware! Earlier in the campaign season, candidates Romney and Ryan proudly announced that they would save Medicare by privatizing the current system. This plan would "allow" seniors to choose their own insurer through a voucher system. When it became clear that this approach would cost the average senior an extra $6,000 or more out-of-pocket expense, their battle cry of reform took a much softer note. The plan remains the same. You just aren't hearing much about it. The Republican candidates seem to believe that a strict business approach is the best way to deal with our country's most pressing issues. What they seem to miss is that the USA is comprised of individuals, not debit/credit columns.
It's true that Medicare requires adjustments to meet the needs of our expanding older population. President Obama has already begun the process of preserving Medicare through the Affordable Care Act. Seniors now have access to more preventive services which will result in fewer and/or shorter hospital stays. Greater effort has been taken to reduce Medicare fraud and abuse. All these steps were taken without restricting access to care by the individual.
If the continuation of our current Medicare system is important to you and those you care about, the choice is clear on Election Day. Preserve Medicare -- vote for President Obama.
Karen Glazier
Malden
Don't let Kochs, Adelson run things
Editor:
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- This election is not about coal! It's about waking up the morning after the election to find the Koch brothers and Sheldon Adelson in charge. Adelson runs gambling casinos, the only non-union one in Vegas, and poured millions into Newt Gingrich's campaign, then Rick Santorum's, then took Romney off to Israel for a fund-raiser. You want Middle East foreign policy influenced by him?
The Koch brothers are into gas, oil, timber, coal and cattle. Also Teflon, Brawny paper, Dixie Cups, Lycra and StairMaster. Their father helped found the John Birch Society.
Their pet causes: Elimination of government regulations, Social Security plus privatization.
Ryan and friends are not deficit hawks. They voted trillions for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the richest in our country got trillions in tax breaks, and they let drug and insurance companies write a prescription drug program that barred the government from negotiating lower drug prices.
Then these phonies used the cost overruns they voted for to justify cutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, education, public TV.
The next Supreme Court appointment will finish their corporate takeover. Stop it! Vote Democratic!
Elinore Taylor
Huntington
Obama, Rahall have earned re-election
Editor:
Barrack Obama is not my pastor. He is not the spiritual leader representing the United States. Barrack Obama is the president of this country. I greatly admire his courage and honesty when speaking of his personal beliefs. It is no one's business if I agree or disagree. President Obama's employment description is to enforce the laws, regulations, and rules of the constitution as determined by the Supreme Court. He is to ensure that all citizens have equal rights and opportunities. With a multi-national economic depression ongoing, President Obama has struggled relentlessly for an improved economy. He can only suggest solutions; Congress must provide the results. President Obama needs strong support to aid West Virginia citizens.
Congressman Rahall's job is to protect West Virginia interests when casting votes on proposed legislation. He also is responsible for all Americans. Laboring tirelessly on a multifold of committees and knowledgeable regarding D.C.'s political climate, Rahall votes with vision of the "end result." Often the outcome arrives several years into the future. Seldom, if ever, has Nick Rahall voted erroneously. Congressman Rahall has earned the privilege to continue working for us.
Jack Platter Sr.
Harper
Protect public TV, radio from Romney
Editor:
Gov. Romney told us that he loves Big Bird and that much as he hates to see him go, balancing the budget depends on cutting off funds for Public Broadcasting. But would he deprive us of The Cat in the Hat as well? How about Lawrence Welk? And surely he will miss the thrill of watching those lucky people on Antiques Road Show who discover they have a genuine Ming Dynasty vase in the attic. Won't he even miss Hercule Poirot?
One Romney supporter claims that only a part of PBS broadcasts are educational. But where else can we get programs that compare to Masterpiece Theater, Nova, Nature, Great Performances, Evening at the Pops, The Hatfields and McCoys? And that's only television! Without Performance Today and the wonderful classical music that plays through the night, I might as well throw away my radio! I don't think I am alone.
Dorothy Wehrle Guest Dixon
Charleston
Preserve Medicare by backing Obama
Editor:
Senior citizens and future senior citizens, beware! Earlier in the campaign season, candidates Romney and Ryan proudly announced that they would save Medicare by privatizing the current system. This plan would "allow" seniors to choose their own insurer through a voucher system. When it became clear that this approach would cost the average senior an extra $6,000 or more out-of-pocket expense, their battle cry of reform took a much softer note. The plan remains the same. You just aren't hearing much about it. The Republican candidates seem to believe that a strict business approach is the best way to deal with our country's most pressing issues. What they seem to miss is that the USA is comprised of individuals, not debit/credit columns.
It's true that Medicare requires adjustments to meet the needs of our expanding older population. President Obama has already begun the process of preserving Medicare through the Affordable Care Act. Seniors now have access to more preventive services which will result in fewer and/or shorter hospital stays. Greater effort has been taken to reduce Medicare fraud and abuse. All these steps were taken without restricting access to care by the individual.
If the continuation of our current Medicare system is important to you and those you care about, the choice is clear on Election Day. Preserve Medicare -- vote for President Obama.
Karen Glazier
Malden
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