Letters 7/2/2009

Dear Editor,
Former Cigna Insurance senior executive Wendell Potter recently testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation about the insurance industry he worked for. He told them, “[T]hey confuse their customers and dump the sick, all so they can satisfy their Wall Street investors."
Why are we paying twice as much as any other industrialized nation for health care and getting lousy coverage in return? Here's what Senator Sanders of Vermont has to say about the quality of health care under the present broken system: “What do we get for all this spending? According
to the World Health Organization, the United States ranks 37th in terms of health system performance and 72nd in overall population health. Moreover, a recent international survey found the U.S. is dead last in terms of patient satisfaction.”
President Obama says if we could start from scratch, he would favor a Medicare for All system...so I urge him to step up and START FROM SCRATCH. In the the face of the failed private health insurance system, to do the same thing over and over and expect different results is the
definition of insanity.
It's not the Medicare and Medicaid system that will bankrupt us, it's the massive extra costs patients, doctors and hospitals have to deal with due to the multiple billing requirements and the 20-30 percent
overhead in the private insurance industry that are driving the system into bankruptcy. Top this off with the profits for insurance corporation investors and million-dollar salaries for their executives and it's clear where the problem lies. Two-thirds of personal bankruptcy in America is caused by medical bills. Contrast this with industrialized countries that have a Medicare for All type system, where not one citizen is bankrupt because of health issues.
If the for-profit system works so well then why are there nearly 50 million uninsured Americans and millions more underinsured? And if their approach is superior, why are the insurers afraid of some competition from a simplified public health plan? If for-profit insurance works so well, then why do 2/3rds of Americans want a Medicare for All plan that they can't lose if they become unemployed or from which they won't be cut if they have pre-existing conditions (when they most need medical help)?
If only a weak “public option” is enacted by Congress and signed into law and private coverage stills rules, then the insurance companies will cherry pick younger, healthy citizens and leave those among us most in need of medical care to the public sector. This will indeed make the public option more expensive and then the private insurance shills will turn around and say, “See, we told you public health costs more!” Shameful! If Congress allows the insurers to rape the system again, we all suffer.
Fortunately, our Congressman Maurice Hinchey is a sponsor of the Medicare for All proposal (HR-676) in front of Congress. Too bad our Senators Schumer and Gillibrand don't see fit to support their
constituents by backing a similar proposal in the Senate (S 703), put forward by Senator Sanders of Vermont. As of now both Senators have lost my support. If they turn around and support Medicare for All, I'll be there for them.
I urge all readers to call or fax these two Senators and tell them we need a Medicare for All plan that meets the medical needs of citizens, not a profit-making insurance scheme that only meets the needs of the insurers. To reach Senator Schumer call: 212-486-4430 Fax: 212-486-7693. Senator Gillibrand is at Tel. (212) 688-6262. Fax (212) 688-7444.
Tobe Carey
Glenford, NY

Dear Editor,
Daily, our President mentions 45 million people in the plight of being uninsured or underinsured or denied health care in our mutual homeland. In D.C. on July 30, many people from across our nation will arrive to rally on behalf of family members, friends, other Americans, as well as for themselves, regarding the need for affordable, quality health care for ALL. I hope they succeed. I hope we succeed in making this birthday the turning point for a better healthcare system...a better BIRTHDAY!
I HOPE others across America will have rallies in their hometowns as much as possible, and/or write their congressmen and senators to support HR676, the single-payer plan. Presently, the bill HR676 single-payer is in Congress, but not in the Senate. I too feel the necessity of our mutual effort toward such an urgent and noble need. We still have the time to rally and write!
A Coalition of Concerned Citizens of New Paltz, NY will rally in solidarity for this cause July 4, July 11, July 18, July 25, and July 30 on Rt. 299 (east of Main St., on the sidewalk near the entranceway to New Paltz Plaza.) at 11am to 12:30pm. Please feel welcome to join in. This group advocates HR676 single-payer, because it provides reform with affordability for ALL.
To see a loved one die...a fellow human being's life taken...a child denied life...the pain and suffering...because others make health care not affordable...
For the purpose of your own research, I provide some addresses below:
Explanation of HR676 along with its online petition: www.johnconyers.com/healtlhcare
Should you need a paper petition, ask a a friend, family, neighbor, or librarian to print one for you from the online site www.healthcarenow.org;
www.americanpatientsunited.org;
www.pnhp.org;
www.singlepayernewyork.org;
www.unionsforsinglepayerhr676.org;
www.calnurses.org;
www.nysnursesassociation.org
To view a dvd: Michael Moore, "Sicko" rented at a video store or library
Writing your own note to your congressional representative and senators is very helpful and persuasive as to your commitment... access toll-free 1 866 338 1015 for their names and addresses for your locale.
Myra C. Long
New Paltz, NY

Dear Editor,
In this great nation, every year, tens of thousands of Americans are falling victim to the ever greedy private health care insurance companies. At least 18,000 Americans die because they don't have health insurance, and thousands more die because of claims delayed or claims denied. Dawnelle Keys, from the film Sicko, had Insurance, but was denied care (a simple blood culture and antibiotics) for her two year old daughter. The child died because she was not in an ER hospital affiliated with Kaiser. I feel that this is a typical case of legalized homicide. If Dawnelle Keys Lived in England, Norway or Australia her baby would in all likelihood be alive to-day.
If we were to adapt Obama's public option plan, 119 million people would move over to the plan. Would the two trillion dollar private health care industry allow the government to provide a service to exist alongside theirs that would cut into their profits? The only option we really have if we want to save lives is to get the middle man out of health care. These corrupt corporations only care about their bottom line. Doctors nurses and the people are rising up to let it be known that we are a moral society...no more profits will be made off the sick and dying because HR 676 (the new and improved Medicare for everybody) has no room for waste and CEO billionaire salaries. Instead, it will relieve your money worries in times of illness.
For more Information contact: www.johnconyers.com/healthcare ; www.pnhp.org; www.healthcare-now.org. Write and or call your representative for support of Single Payer Health Care (HR 676). Call Hinchey at 1-845-331-4466, Gillibrand at 1-202-224-4451, Schumer at 1-202-224-6542.
Teresa Dixon
New Paltz, NY

Dear Editor,
This is for our Onteora school board members...
Please don't let Dr. Ford talk you into doing something as detrimental as doing away with the elementary strings program at Onteora.
There are families who have moved or are considering moving to this district because of programs like these. ESL students and others have grown by leaps and bounds, stimulating their brains, sharing with their communities, providing an example to other children about what is possible. Concerts become a medium of community outreach and goodwill.
The benefits of this program are myriad for all students and families in this community; what are you truly saving by discouraging prospective parents and children, closing an outlet of learning and expression, diminishing our schools in every way.
Dr. Ford seems hell-bent on something, but it is clearly not the best interests of our children.
Please stand up and do something!
Lauren Silver
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
We at the Barcelona International Children's festival believe that INDIE Programs should not be cut. We believe that films by, for and about children and young people are of immense cultural value when they educate, form and entertain. Media Creation is an important tool in today's world, not only for those young people who have access to the technology and natural creative abilities, but for those children who need stimulation, the means and organizational tools to create, and therefore enhance their technololgical skills and self-esteem by doing so.
We screened productions through INDIE at our festival last year, which won a creative prize, and we look forward to sharing more films from this unique school, so necessary for Media Education and Healthy Screens in our Society.
Doina Bird, Barcelona International Children's Television Festival
Barcelona, Spain

Dear Editor,
On Sunday May 31 two Catskill Mountain Club directors, Ann Roberti and Jack McShane along with 3 others enjoyed an exhilarating kayak paddle on the recently opened waters of the Cannonsville Reservoir. This was kind of a test run for the group to see how the required steam cleansing of our watercraft would go and to check out a launch site facility. We must report that the cleaning process went very well. We went to the JMT enterprises on Chamberlain Brook Rd. where the proprietors Joe and Monica were friendly, informative and efficient. Joe steam cleaned while Monica did the computer and paperwork and issued our day pass stickers which were attached to the bows of our craft. All this took about 45 minutes in total for all 5 of us.
We launched at the south side of the Apex Bridge were we left our cars on a well graveled parking area. As we paddled out to the west toward the main body of the Cannonsville we encountered a DEP police launch with three very polite officers that observed our stickers, wished us a great paddle and waved us on. We avoided a very strong head wind by adhering to the lee shore, investigating inlets, coves and of course all the wonderful drift wood and other flotsam. We stopped at another launch site were we indulged in our P&J sandwiches and Gatorade. Now we crossed to the other side of the reservoir where we decided that we had done about 3.5 miles, about enough, turned and enjoyed the return trip riding a nice tailwind. On Ann’s goading we picked up some scrap flotsam for eventual proper disposal of which we hope the DEP will take note.
All and all this was a great first time paddle and we recommend all other paddlers to try this great opportunity on this pristine and beautiful NYC reservoir. With luck and no glitches on this DEP pilot project we anticipate paddles on the Pepacton and the Ashokan and other NYC reservoirs in the future. Information on this pilot project is available on the DEP website – http://NYC.GOV/html/watershed_protection/recreation.shtml, including local outfitters that rent boats that can be used on the reservoir. Immediate issuance of the required DEP access permit is also available on this website.
Thank you NYC DEP and all others involved in getting this wonderful recreational opportunity available to all of us.
Jack McShane
Andes, NY

Dear Editor,
In a letter to the Editor of the June 14, 2009 Olive Press, Ms Mescal Hornbeck laments the shutting down of the Woodstock "Townsman" newspaper. One day there will be another Book of Lamentations due to unusual "catastophic" events and all who read it will say, "how could this happen"?
Ms Hornbeck blames "lack of profit and lack of usage"but offers no reason why no profit or usage. A product fails when it falls short of expectations. That is when one disagrees with a publication's philosophy or the shoe doesn't fit. It's a matter of "whose ox is being gored".
Most of us can live with criticism if it is done with decency and respect. No doubt the Townsman served its readers quite well with reporting current events, the state of controversial regulations, ongoing local affairs and a diversity of other items.
Ms Hornbeck is correct in her observation that newspapers around the country are falling over like "ten pins". The NY Times, that venerable voice of all the people is wrestling with bankruptcy. None of its supporters are flocking to the rescue. During the Soviet days of wine and roses the NY Times was often referred to as the NY Pravda. Strikes and labor demands sorted out a few old stalwarts (Daily Mirror, Herald Tribune NY Sun, etc). (note; I am a labor union devotee and my manager's compensation depended on my subordinate's success).
Ms Hornbeck wonders if the "uncontrolled" voices will gobble up the independent voices. Ms Hornbeck obviously belongs to that group who advocates for "equal air time" (conservative vs liberal). Mario Cuomo offered himself and got lots of egg on his face. The sponsors showed
him the door while Limbaugh, Hannity and O'Reilly marched on.
Yes, Ms Hornbeck, the Capitalist Republic market in the US is alive and well. It still dictates to those (outlets) who accept their paychecks. Viewership und Readership est ein!
Glenn T Anderson
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
It is wonderfully good news that Ulster County is to have a doctor at the head of the Health department. A public health doctor is as much of a specialist as a urologist or an orthopedist and so we hope that the Doctor heading the Health Department is or will become a Doctor of Public Health who will bring Ulster County "up to snuff." Public health doctors can evaluate needs in the health field and are able to coordinate the services of the various branches in the Department of Health along with the expertise of the private purveyors of health care. A great deal of public health is dependent on public education which involves the media and the schools. With a background in medicine and in public health practice he can promote prevention of as well as management of epidemics.
Through history we have seen many important changes, such as those during the early 1940s, the transformation of sexually transmitted diseases - considered as shameful conditions which weren't discussed openly - into the realm of treatable disease as the result of Dr. Thomas Parran, the Surgeon General at that time. A good public health department safeguards our health and saves millions of dollars in health care. The successful onslaught against Tuberculosis waged by the public health program with much of the work being done by public health nurses in the late 1940s, was a valuable achievement, with TB rampant in all sectors of society at the time. It is possible that well coordinated public health approach could do wonders to stem the obesity epidemic. I am sure the public health nurses will be delighted to have a person who can utilize their skills and, with them, tackle some of the people's needs of which they are aware.
Mescal Hornbeck
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
Welcome to Trashnecia. I cannot believe the powers that be have taken the one glimmer of beauty, those beautiful potted flowers, off the streets of Phoenicia. It’s bad enough that we have to endure looking at that awful sight, the barren land with all sorts of debris on it from the hotel fire, but to take down the flowers, too. This is all in the name of politics, the Democrats vs. the Republicans and the town gets caught in the middle to suffer. When I tune in to the town meetings it’s like tuning into a bad sitcom show of wannabe lawyers. Everyone is talking, but no one is listening. It is such a shame to see the potentially beautiful hamlet surrounded by a panoramic view of the majestic Catskills going the way of tobacco road with huge cigarette advertising signs to see first thing coming into Phoenicia. It would take so little to uniformly fix up this town with matching shops and new sidewalks. Fellas, come on kiss and make up and make this the beautiful town it should be.
E. Sullivan
Chichester, NY

Dear Editor,
The Center for Competitive Politics sent a letter today to leaders in the New York legislature listing constitutional problems with a state senate bill that would implement taxpayer financed campaigns in the Empire State. The bill, S. 5814, is sponsored by Sen. Malcolm Smith.
“Campaigns financed by taxpayer dollars stifle free speech and effectively limit citizens’ voices from political debate while doing nothing to address the problems of real or perceived corruption and supposed undue influence by organized interest groups,” said Center for Competitive Politics President Sean Parnell. “The New York Senate should not force citizens to support candidates with whom they disagree.”
Supporters of so-called clean elections in states where the program has been implemented — Maine, Arizona and New Jersey — have promised benefits that have never materialized. Taxpayer financed campaigns have not reduced corruption, undermined the influence of organized interest groups, reduced state budgets by eliminating wasteful spending or increased the ranks of female legislators or those from nontraditional backgrounds.
Taxpayer financed campaigns have failed to reduce the ability of organized interest groups to support favored candidates. According to a February 2009 study by the Center for Competitive Politics, nearly half of all donors to so-called clean candidates were affiliated with organized interest groups, primarily from two government employee unions, the National Rifle Association, the Sierra Club, and the statewide pro-life and pro-choice groups. These groups are able to use their organizational strength to leverage government money for candidates they support.
The New York bill also raises serious constitutional questions. The bill includes provisions that provide participating candidates with extra taxpayer money in the event that non-participating opponents outspend them, or if independent citizen groups run ads opposing them or aiding their opponent — up to four times the amount provided initially. This punishes the speech of non-participating candidates and independent groups alike by attempting to negate their speech and the speech of their contributors.
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Davis v. FEC that discrimination against and punishment of the constitutionally protected speech of self-financing candidates was unconstitutional. Specifically, the Court held that campaign finance laws cannot discriminate against a candidate “who robustly exercises” their free speech rights by providing the opposition a financial benefit as a consequence. A federal judge in Arizona considering a similar scheme has indicated that such “matching funds” are likely unconstitutional, and is expected to give her final ruling soon. New Jersey dropped a “clean elections” proposal in September 2008 because of similar constitutional concerns.
Jeff Patch, Communications Manager
Center for Competitive Politics
Alexandria, VA

Dear Editor,
When we read stories about the allegations made by workers at Hannaford ("Bias on Aisle Six?"; June 18 Woodstock Times) it is hard to believe we live in the 21st century. It is sickening to think that anyone today would be tormented because of the color of their skin, ethnicity, or disability. Unfortunately, unscrupulous employers violate the employment rights of low-wage vulnerable workers in the Hudson Valley with great frequency; young workers can be subject to sexual harassment, rampant health and safety violations occur in an attempt to cut corners, workers are fired for attempting to freely form a union, and sometimes workers do not get paid at all for their labor because the employer assumes that immigrant workers and other vulnerable workers can be too afraid to come out from the shadows and demand their rights.
The Workers' Rights Law Center, highlighted in the Hannaford story, is a free legal services office that seeks to educate and empower vulnerable workers, conducts class action lawsuits and provides legal referral. Every penny collected goes directly back to the plaintiffs. Unlike a contingency settlement, only a nominal fee is collected for legal fees from the employer that has broken the law. In just a few short years hundreds have attended workshops and trainings and more than $1.5 million has been collected and is back in the hands of exploited workers.
This is a great organization that I am proud to be a part of. We operate on a shoestring budget and depend heavily on personal donations to continue this important work. With our economy in a downturn, the business of protecting workplace rights is booming at a time when our normal sources of operating funds have been cut back. If you can help, please consider a donation to: Workers' Rights Law Center, 101 Hurley Ave., Suite 5, Kingston, NY 12401. For more information or for help with your workplace concerns, call (845) 331-6615.
Jen Fuentes, Chair
WRLC board of directors
Kingston, NY

Dear Editor,
On behalf of the Phoenicia Library Association I’d like to thank our local nurseries, Nightshade, Terrace Farm and Trestle Farm for donations made to the annual plant sale. I’d also like to thank our local gardeners, Terry Spies, Anique Taylor, Marvella and so many other “anonymous donors” who were out there digging and dividing to benefit the library. Much appreciation, of course, to all of our patrons who came by to purchase some plants. It’s always so nice to see and chat with local residents and visitors and we really appreciate your support.
Veronica Rowe
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
On behalf of Healthcare is a Human Right and Family of Woodstock's free holistic community clinics, we'd like to thank the committee members of Phoenicia Phirst Phriday for honoring us at their event on June 5 at the Upstairs Gallery in Phoenicia.
Healthcare Is A Human Right hosts quarterly free holistic clinics in Woodstock, Phoenicia, and Kingston. We are grateful to the PH3 committee, as well as the Big River Band, Fran Palmieri, and Barbara Dempsey and Company for coming to together to help raise awareness and donations for our clinics. It was a great evening of music and community.
Julia Rose, L.Ac
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
When I read your paper I find myself being drawn to Cally Mansfield's Kid's Corner. I am far from being a kid but Miss. Mansfield brings out my inner child. She writes about that long ago world with pure honesty and a zest and wonder that is both refreshing and profound. I throughly
enjoy her kids eye view that has a bit of magic and wonder. It summons up those dormant feelings and I can't help but be grateful.
Bruce Golden
Lomontville, NY