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Thursday's letters: Health reforms intended for all

 
Published March 4, 2015

Court shouldn't gut health subsidies | March 2, editorial

Health reforms intended for all

I was astounded when reading this editorial on the issue of King vs. Burwell. The sentence quoted by the Times to be the basis for the suit indicated that federal subsidies are provided to low-income people who buy private insurance on an exchange "established by the state."

The dictionary gives the first political definition of "state" as "a politically unified people occupying a definite territory; nation." It is further defined as the "body politic as organized for civil rule and government (distinguished from church)." Additionally, the definition includes "the operations or activities of a central civil government."

The document in question was written as a federal law. It is not a law passed by one or more individual states. The United States is a constitutional union of states, not a loose confederacy. A law of the national government is a law in all the states. The state referenced in the law is the state in the national sense of the word. This difference was thoroughly and thoughtfully worked out by the Founding Fathers. Any decision to the contrary could destroy the very basis of our Constitution.

Mary Ann Hilton, Dunnellon

Political leadership

A dysfunctional Congress

As we Americans look at our dysfunctional Congress and its inept leadership, and its delays in passing a budget for the Department of Homeland Security during a time of increased danger, I am reminded of the Pogo comic strip: "We have met the enemy and he is us."

I am not taking sides as to what the best course of action is, but our leaders should do something: lead, govern, give our nation direction, compromise.

David Valleri, Brandon

Netanyahu's speech to Congress

Visit undermines principles

As a Jew, I have profound affection for Israel and concern for its people and their security. But I am first an American, and as such I am strongly critical of the action taken by House Speaker John Boehner in extending an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak to Congress. My reasons are twofold. This invitation occurs at a critical point in the discussions America is having with Iran over the latter's nuclear program; second, and more importantly, the invite was tendered without even consulting, much less seeking approval from, the White House.

Boehner's action, contrary to his inane assurances, was surely done to frustrate President Barack Obama's efforts to conduct talks with Iran in a manner absent congressional pressures. Of greater import, however, is the damage Boehner's actions do to the fundamental principle of our government during its history that the executive branch must take the lead in setting foreign policy. This is critically important so that other nations will know that our country speaks with one voice in our dealings with them.

Thus, Boehner has again shown his complete lack of leadership, character and statesmanship by predictably surrendering to the radicals in his party who time and time again show how little they care for America and its most basic principles.

Israel and America will surely go forward together as friends and allies, no thanks to the bungling ineptitude of this House speaker and his thoughtless minions.

Morry Bornstein, Seminole

Mature tastes | March 1

That hungry feeling

I have mixed feelings after reading your recent "foodie" article. Last year I moved to northwest Pinellas County from central Virginia, where Martins (Giant), Kroger, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, Wal-Mart, etc., shared the grocery market. I am a "boomer" who is brand-loyal, but I like to have variety in my life and kitchen. Down here I shop at Publix, Winn-Dixie and Wal-Mart because these stores have a monopoly on the grocery stores in the area where I live.

On one hand, I am ecstatically happy Trader Joe's came to town; on the other hand, I am upset because I see how Wal-Mart and Publix have taken over in the western part of the bay area. If you look at your map, you do not see many high-end food chains along the gulf coastal area where most of the tourists and snowbirds come and spend their time and money.

I'm not a tourist or a snowbird; I am now a permanent resident who lives approximately 10 minutes from Indian Rocks Beach. Why do I have to travel long distances to shop at the high-end markets?

I like Trader Joe's because it has very good products; its produce is always fresher than other stores offer, and I try to buy organic when available. Trader Joe's has great frozen items and lots of choices for snacks, flowers, dairy, etc.

How about telling some of these high-end businesses that the population in Pinellas County west of Tampa and northwest of St. Petersburg can support retailers other than Publix, Winn-Dixie, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club? After all, "variety is the spice of life."

C. Wiedemer, Seminole

A party mixed with politics | March 3

A picture of the problem

If you want to know what is wrong with Florida's politics, all you have to do is look at the picture on the front page, "A party mixed with politics," on Tuesday.

It is the last day for raising money for Florida legislators' campaigns because they are not allowed to do it during the legislative session. They remind me of pigs feeding at the public trough of the taxpayers.

Even though lobbyists are the donors, it is really the taxpayers picking up the tab.

Margaret Hyde, Clearwater