EDITORIAL: Letters to the Editor for Sept. 5

Sep 05, 2009 (The Fayetteville Observer - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- CLBXF | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Bill throws grandpa under the bus

The Aug. 18 letter from Barbara Olcott ("National health care won't be the answer") contained a great observation that I have not heard anywhere. Her point, in my words: Members of Congress demand Club Med and sweetheart treatment for terrorists, but they are coldhearted towards seniors needing medical care.

Keep in mind Congress does not come under this travesty.

Let's throw grandma and grandpa under the bus, they say. I'm a grandpa in the above and will not like the view from under the bus.

Question to be asked: Does this bill make medical care better or worse?

The answer is a resounding, "Worse!"

Anthony B. Russo

Fayetteville

Erroneous claims defeat crucial benefit

Part of the current health care bill would have allowed Medicare to pay for discussions between seniors and their doctors regarding life-ending problems. This would include living wills, medical proxies and, in the case of gravely ill patients, hospice and pain control.

While living wills and medical proxies are usually handled by lawyers, think of the peace of mind seniors would get discussing these matters with the doctors who will ultimately be in charge of implementing their wishes.

Because of the uproar and controversy created by foolish, self-serving politicians yelling "death panels" and "euthanasia" (totally false premises), this benefit has been removed from the bill.

We have lost a valuable benefit. How sad for those of us who are seniors.

Barbara Todd

Pinehurst

In local government, stick with what works

A recent Saturday morning found me back in Fayetteville attending the annual Umoja Festival at Seabrook Park. Since I relocated to Durham in 2007, I haven't had many opportunities to come back and visit.

During this particular visit, I took note of the number of people challenging City Council member Charles Evans for the District 2 City Council seat. What struck me as ironic is that the "issues," as the challengers identified them, are many of the same areas that Charles has been most effective: (1) the overwhelming need for us to step up and reclaim our communities; (2) crime reduction; (3) beautification; and (4) economic development.

Since Charles was first elected to the Fayetteville City Council, he has held regional meetings and received input from the community. As a result, those who have lived in District 2 for a significant period of time have seen increased police presence, resident-initiated area beautification activities, the expansion of new businesses and development of many cottage industries and a significant increase in access and accountability to city departments.

District 2 residents, do not be fooled! There has been an increase in solidarity and community pride in your area. Since Charles Evans was elected to the Fayetteville City Council, you have heard your voice, your concerns and your suggestions for improvement represented at every meeting of the council.

New and different may be great for dish detergent, but sometimes you have to stick with what works. Charles Evans works for you!

Shelly W. Martinez

Durham

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