Established
in 1937
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Letters to the Editor
(Editor's Note: Views and commentary, including statements made as fact, are strictly those of the letter-writers.)
* * *
Typed, double-spaced letters written solely to this newspaper
are considered for publication. Hand-written letters that are
double-spaced and legible also can be considered. Only one letter per contributor per month will be published
Cards of thanks are not accepted as letters.
* * *Socialized health care; greed in government
From Crystal Griffin
Cave JunctionI’ve been thinking how all my life I have been taught at school and by people how socialism is something to be feared and avoided at all costs.
It was even associated with communism. Now that Hurricane “Katrina” has wreaked its havoc, I’ve heard that Cuba wanted to send 1,500 doctors to help. That’s Castro, who also volunteered to pay their way and salary. Isn’t it time we made up with Cuba?
Then there was Mexico driving its army vehicles in to help with the rescue. My goodness, even the NATO secretary general pledged to send ships and aircraft to aid in the rescue of those flooded and injured from “Katrina.” I believe that China also stepped up to the plate to help.
Back to socialism; some countries care more about their people than, let’s say, property. I’m glad that I no longer must whisper the word “socialism” for fear of being ostracized by my own country.
We have been taught the wrong lessons. Socialized health care should be a priority in our country. This means that we, the people, pay taxes and get a health-care benefit.
It also has been shown to me that the Republicans are good at raising money for their campaigns, but they do not know how to govern. Right now the Republican Legislature has a bill pending that would make deep cuts in Medicaid, health care for the poor, help for grandparents caring for relatives in foster care, food stamps for the poor, and going after deadbeat dads who owe child support.
All in order to give more than $70 billion in tax cuts to the top 1 percent of income earners for the next five years. People need to stand up for themselves. Greedy and invasive people need to be voted out of government. The emperor has no clothes.
Volunteer termination, format questioned
From John & Margie Morrill
Cave JunctionIn reference to De Spellman’s letter to the editor in last week’s edition of “Illinois Valley News,” we would like to offer our support to her, and voice our disappointment with the current leadership of the I.V. Fire District.
My wife and I live just south of Cave Junction and have called 911 on two occasions. Both times De and another volunteer arrived within minutes. Both were very professional, helpful and thorough in performing their tasks.
We have both had occasion to witness De interact with elderly and disabled persons, and were impressed with her compassion. Her people skills were exemplary.
Before we retired, my wife and I worked more than 37 years with the Bay Area Rapid Transit District and the Alameda/Contra Costa Transit District, the last 11 of which I worked in a supervisory capacity.
Never have we heard of someone being terminated without a chance to review and answer to charges or face their accusers without having some type of appeal process.
Due to the rural nature of our community, we believe that volunteers play a critical and important role in the fire district’s ability to respond, offering a wider availability of personnel.
We sincerely hope that it doesn’t take tragic consequences for the current leadership to realize the value of the dedicated volunteers who live and work in Illinois Valley, and what the reality would be without them.
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