Oct. 22 Letters to the Editor

Freedom lost

I find it difficult to comprehend that some people just don’t understand that when government requires citizens to do something, you relinquish a portion of your liberty and freedom. Sometimes it is for our protection/good, i.e., wiretaps of suspected terrorists. But in the case of health care, this usurping authority is found nowhere in the Constitution, Bill of Rights or the Declaration of Independence.

Just look at the terms our elected officials use when they attempt to control our lives — “allowed,” “not allowed,” “mandatory,” “fines,” “must pay,” “must not pay” and so on. These are not terms used upon a free people, but rather terms used for people in bondage.

Free people don’t need the government to take care of them and meet all their needs. Yes, I know that we all pay something for those who act carelessly and elect not to purchase insurance, but the cost of mandatory, government-dictated health care is significantly higher. Not to mention the cost of reducing Medicare by over $400 billion, which attendant extra costs will be borne by recipients. Wake up, seniors.

Then there is the issue of identification cards. Sounds like Germany of the 1930s. Will we be arrested for failure to obtain one? Where are those valiant souls on the left, who were decrying loss of liberty when G.W. took measures after 9/11?

Larry S. Wendfeldt

Lt. Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Longview

It’s a choice

This is in regards to W.E. McDonald’s letter on Oct. 15. I would like to correct his comment on being gay. Homosexuality is a choice. They are not born that way. And yes, Jesus can change them.

Bobby Read Jr.

Castle Rock

Disturbing issues

Sometimes I’m not sure whether to say I’m proud to be an American or just cry.

The national debt is so far out of control any recovery is unlikely. It’s hard to shop for anything made in U.S.A.

A firefighter in Pennsylvania is being disciplined for having a decal of an American flag on his locker. Nine years ago he would have been hailed a hero for the act. Not to mention the controversy concerning a war memorial cross erected in Death Valley. I certainly am not insensitive to non-Christians, but for me a war memorial is a reminder of honor for all veterans.

Jack Harbison

Ocean Park

Sounds like a plan

The Daily News on Oct. 16 printed an article titled, “Sell Vatican to end world hunger?” It reminded me that I once heard a Cardinal brag that the Vatican took in more cash yearly than anyone other than the U.S. Treasury. Shortly thereafter, Pope John Paul said wealthy nations should do more to help the poor.

On another note, I received a copy of an article printed in The St. Petersburg Times:

“Call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:

“(1) There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for an early retirement with the following stipulations:

“(2) They must retire … 40 million job openings. Unemployment fixed.

“(3) They must buy a new American car. Auto industry fixed.

“(4) They must either buy a house or pay off their mortgage. Housing crisis fixed.

“If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes.”

Sounds good to me.

Phyllis M. Bess

Longview