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Wednesday's letters: Senate should take new tack on health care

 
Published May 23, 2017

Health care

Senate must devise a better plan

As the health care debate moves to the U.S. Senate, many small business owners hope these leaders will take a vastly different approach than their House colleagues. The American Health Care Act provides little basis for a reasonable, pro-business, pro-family solution for American health care. The only viable option is to start from scratch.

One of the most concerning aspects of the AHCA is the forecast that 24 million Americans will lose their health insurance. That is unacceptable. What's more, the losses will disproportionately affect minorities and widen an already gaping divide in health care access and outcomes.

As a business owner, I understand cost considerations. But I also know from experience that indiscriminate cutting is not the same as smart budgeting. The AHCA favors the former to an overwhelming extent. If Florida wants a strong workforce and a growing economy, we need accessible, affordable health care. Unfortunately, the AHCA would do much more to defund and derail than it would do to fix. It's time for Congress to acknowledge that they are on a wrong and very unpopular path, and for the Senate to look in new directions for change.

André Varona, Jupiter

President Trump

Abusive language

The following is only a handful of insults that Donald J. Trump has spewed about various people, including the pope:

"Wacko," "sad," "disgraceful," "dumb as a rock," "mental basket case," "dummy," "dope," "clown," "should resign," "not very bright," "low-life," "an outrage," "no honor," "has no clue," "a pathetic figure," "ridiculous," "not nice," "a waste," "a major security risk," "totally dishonest," "crooked," "highly overrated," "one of the dumbest people in politics," "lying," "a neurotic dope," "a major sleaze and buffoon" and "a real nut job".

As far as I know, Trump has never said, "Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones."

George Howlett, Tampa

Trump receives royal welcome from Saudis May 21

A show of respect

Thanks to the Saudis for treating our president and first lady like royalty rather than like dirt — as we do in America. They obviously have a genuine respect for his high office and for our wonderful country he represents. It's not a matter of liking him; it's a matter of honor. A Muslim country teaching us how to behave!

Thomas Luter, Clearwater

Constitution Revision Commission

Don't mess with our privacy

The privacy amendment, Article 1, Section 23 of the Florida Constitution, guarantees the right for each person "to be let alone and free from governmental intrusion into his or her private life." The Florida Supreme Court has consistently ruled that laws restricting access to abortion care violate the privacy clause.

We now have the 37-member Florida Constitution Revision Commission meeting to determine what changes the public wants to propose. Any amendments would be placed on the 2018 general election ballot and would have to secure 60 percent approval by voters to be added to the Constitution. You may recall that in 2012, politicians tried to weaken the privacy clause in our Constitution and Florida voters soundly defeated the proposed amendment.

Please don't waste our time again. The citizens opted for more protection from governmental intrusion when they approved Article 1, Section 23 of the Florida Constitution. Regardless of your religious or ideological views on abortion, I urge the Florida Constitution Revision Commission not to threaten the privacy protection for Floridians.

Lynn Fruit, St. Petersburg

This is the best story of the week | May 18

Broadening horizons

I have been reading with great delight the columns by Tom Jones, sports writer for the Times, over the last couple of days. I confess sports is not my forte; however, after having heard him speak at the Palladium last week, I am sold. My interest was not in the content of his writing, because I still am not a sports fan, but in the style in which he writes. His reading at the Palladium was masterful and it held my interest. I now read his byline every day, and I might actually learn something about what is close to his heart.

His appearance was part of a celebration of the The Cross Creek Chronicle, which featured the works of nearly 150 children from kindergarten though fifth grade. I was there because my granddaughter was one of the writers recognized that night and whose story was published in the Chronicle. The night was magical for me as a grandmother, and at my age, I actually learned that sports can be worth the read. I thank Tom Jones for broadening my reading horizons!

Judy Lavaron, St. Petersburg

Buckhorn's 'joke' draws fire | May 20

No joking matter

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn would be well advised to learn the dangers of pointing weapons at people, even as a joke. Military, law enforcement, concealed weapons training, NRA procedure and common sense state that you don't point a gun at anyone for any reason unless you intend to use it for deadly force.

In addition, the statement that "I am firing blanks" further illustrates he should never be allowed to touch a firearm. Last August in Punta Gorda a volunteer was killed during a gun safety demonstration staged by the sheriff's department by a gun allegedly loaded with blanks. If a trained police officer can make this type of fatal mistake, imagine the outcome of live rounds in a .50-caliber machine gun in the hands of the average politician. Anyone properly firearms-trained will tell you there is no such thing as a blank round nor an unloaded weapon.

Guns are designed to do one thing, kill. Not entertain, not amuse, not provide an ego-boost — kill.

Gary West, St. Petersburg