We’re paying for it already

We’re paying for it already

Barack Obama told everyone that his socialized health care would not cost more money. When we complained that the middle class would likely bear the financial burden of his plan, as we always do, he said “no way.”

Well, we just got our 2011 enrollment form from our medical insurance company and, guess what. The cost rose 17 percent for the same coverage we had this year. Can we send him the bill for that extra 17 percent?

When he first talked excitedly about his wonderful health care bill, my comment was “hang on to your wallet folks, the Democrats are at it again!” Can you see why?

Sheri Ferrell, Poland

Taking a hard line on idols

This is a response to Rev. Remus Bleahu’s Nov. 6 column, “Icons rooted in the Bible,” in which he said it is acceptable to pray to an image or statue (“...it is a window to heaven”). May God have mercy on those in leadership positions who teach “Biblical” untruths or twist the meaning of Scripture.

Idolatry, including icons which are made by men’s hands, is clearly condemned by the Holy Scriptures. The Bible is littered with texts forbidding it and it’s the 2nd Commandment, Exodus 20:4,5 “Thou shall not worship graven images.” Here are a few more paraphrases from Isaiah: Those who worship idols made by their hands will be ashamed (2:8,9) Who can compare to God? Is an idol like God? (40:12-20), Idols can’t breathe or talk or move, they are powerless (41:21-24, 28, 29) and Those who prostrate themselves before idols are blind and senseless (44:9-20).

God wants a personal relationship with each one of us where He can dwell in our minds and hearts. Praying before or to an image is not a “window to heaven” or God.

Sandy Groza Hrabowy, Boardman

The writer is an elder at Evergreen Seventh-day Adventist Church.