Get that holiday foot out of her mouth, who really thinks
socialized medicine is a good idea and the chastisement of a
columnist
Yikes, that came out wrong and ‘my sons are truly great kids’
Dear Editor,
Open mouth, insert foot. I feel compelled to explain my quote in the paper today (Nov. 28). When reporter Chris Bone called to talk about the Downtown Christmas Parade, he asked me what I wanted for Christmas. My reply was, “Good children,” and Chris chuckled. I explained that both my Mom and Dad have birthdays in December, and that their reply to the four kids in my family when we asked them what they wanted for Christmas was always, “Good children.” I found this reply frustrating as a kid growing up. Chris asked me if I had kids and yes, I have two wonderful boys.
I apologize to my sons for my reply because it was not pointed at them. In hindsight, I could have said I wanted world peace, a cure for cancer or good health for everyone.
I do know that what is said to a reporters can and will be printed, with or without an explanation or in proper context.
My sons are good kids and I would not trade them for all the rice in China. Merry Christmas to all.
Than you for this opportunity to clarify my comment.
Susan S. Jacobsen, Gilroy
Suggestion of socialized medicine frightening – think it through
Dear Editor,
I find it frightening that people like Mike Brasil (Dec. 4) would advocate socialized medicine in this country. Mike needs to move to Canada or one of the socialist European countries and subsequently get sick so he can have his “free” medical care. He claims medicine is a “right” but cannot (and will not) cite in the Constitution where this is mentioned.
“Cost to taxpayers” has been an excuse for government intrusion (read, loss of freedom) for decades. In this state, they used it to pass the motorcycle helmet law (so police can get away with further harassing the people). Any behavior or activity risky to one’s health (backpacking in the wilderness, hunting, dirt-bike racing, to name a few) will be readily banned using said excuse. Mike and his kind will say this is a “slippery slope,” however, one needs only look at the sterile, ultra-safe playgrounds (the loss of the wood fort at Christmas Hill Park comes to mind) to see that the Safety Police are already here.
Anyone who has faith in the government running anything should consider the pyramid scheme (Social Security). They have been “borrowing” from this since the ’60s; the Democrats want to extend this to illegal immigrants. Within 20 years, this will prove to be yet another empty promise; anyone younger than 40 paying into the system today will receive less than he’s paying in.
Just look at Santa Claus County. This county supposedly provides free medical care for all children (including illegal immigrants). Despite the highest tax rate in the state, the county is still drowning in a $200 million deficit.
Back to heath care with an anecdote: We were in Canada in 2004 when my then 5-year-old got pneumonia. We went to a Canadian hospital. We were told it would be at least a six-hour wait. We changed our plans and drove into New York; he was seen in less than 10 minutes. Having lived in Canada for some time, I can say this was typical. Health care there is low-quality and rationed, and yes, socialized; if you’re old and have prostate cancer and want to live, you had better come to the United States.
American health care is expensive and worth every cent for two reasons: It’s the best and it cannot be outsourced. Wisely, 75 percent of Americans know better than to let the government take it over.
Alan Viarengo, Gilroy
‘Your judgment of Pete Valdez III sucks of self-righteousness’
Dear Editor,
In answer to Mr. Ben Anderson’s Dec. 5 opinion column.
Mr. Anderson – I’m glad you are the father of two fantastic teens. Your judgment of Pete Valdez III sucks of self-righteousness.
I’m am extremely glad no one was hurt; but there is something very sad about this crazy incident and I pray for the young man and his devastated family; and hope something good comes out of this.
Shirley Kennedy, Gilroy
