Biggest objection is to a single-payer system

Biggest objection is to a single-payer system

EDITOR:

In response to comments by Sen. Sherrod Brown in a story in the Aug. 15 Vindicator, I am amazed that Sen. Brown does not understand the concerns of the public.

We are concerned that our government wants to force single-payer socialized medicine on our nation. President Obama has said in 2003 and again in 2007 that he wanted a single-payer system. In the 1,000 page bill that Congress has been working on for six months, it seems to say that after 2013 anyone not on an insurance plan would be forced on the government plan. Anyone laid-off from their job and loses their insurance would be forced into this plan. After 2013 all Americans starting out in the work force will have no other choice. How many small business will drop their insurance and force their employees on the government plan? Eventually everyone will fall under this plan just as President Obama wanted, based on his statements in 2003 and 2007. If this is what Sen. Brown and Congress want, they need to say so. If not prove to us that this will not happen. Do not just tell us this is not true, convince us.

Sen. Brown said he doesn’t have town hall meetings because people walk away mad and the discussion does not change the minds of the participants. They go away mad because he and many like him don’t listen to us. All we get is that we are misinformed. I say we are more informed than Congress would like us to be.

Please don’t force socialized medicine and socialism down our throats. We who want the health care system reformed don’t want the government involved. Congress should figure a way to reform the system without government control.

ED SEMERARO

Beloit

A very unwelcome idea

EDITOR:

After seven years of incarceration, our former Congressman Jim Traficant was going to be honored by the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. The “Welcome Home, Jimbo” celebration was to include a slide presentation of his illustrious career. If the Scrappers wish to showcase someone of real importance, why not choose someone actually worthy? Some possibilities: local members of the military or our safety forces, an outstanding teacher — role models for our children.

I liked Jim Traficant at one point, but he is now an ex-convict. Period.

MARILYN MILLER

Poland

Traficant earned his day

EDITOR:

I am writing about the cancellation of Traficant night at the Scrappers. If anyone should have an appreciation night for him it is the Scrappers. Jim Traficant was instrumental in getting the Valley a baseball team.

People stand up and cheer Major League Baseball players who have used drugs, steroids, etc. The same goes for the football players in the National Football League. They drive drunk, are involved in drugs and illegal activities, and just get a slap on the wrist for their crimes and we cheer them on.

These are far worse offenses then Jim Traficant has ever done. He has served his time. He has done a lot of good for this Valley and people need to remember that.

PATTY TOWNSEND

Liberty