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I am presently carrying insurance on my recently retired husband and two adult children who were dropped from my employer’s insurance as soon as they graduated from college. (Actually, before then — as soon as they became less than full-time students). I pay the same thing for just myself and husband as I was for the family ($253) and an additional premium for the kids who haven’t landed jobs yet that offer insurance ($262).
The price I am paying for health insurance is immense. Just a side note: That’s not including the dental, vision or life insurance I am also carrying. I can’t afford not to. You just never know when you’ll need insurance.
The president’s plan calls for the creation of a new insurance exchange in which individuals and small businesses can compare plans and buy the one that works best for them.
President Obama believes that one of the options available in the insurance exchange should be a public insurance option. He believes a public option is a way to create more competition and ensure every American has an affordable choice.
This sounds like some relief for me and my family. We sure could use it at my house, and I am most definitely for it. This has got to be better than the options we have now.
— Deborah Braswell
Macon
Time for results
When Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his highly publicized war on global warming, I sensed a kind of moral inflation for the honor.
In my opinion, Gore’s work does not equate to the admirable and modest lifetime service in the quest for peace exhibited, for example, by Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama.
This year, the Nobel committee, voting in February, has given our president the same prize. They are convinced that his heart is in the right place and have also detected yet another climate change, this time in international politics.
Hopefully, the deserts of nationalistic self-interest may yet bloom into fields of peace lilies. I put this worthy dream in the class of great expectations, and would suggest that most of us have had more than enough of ringing proclamations about hope and promise in the world.
Enough talking; it is time to show some results. Many foreign nations remain willing for us to unilaterally protect their futures, but I see little evidence in Iran, North Korea or Syria that we are back in their good graces.
— Leslie H. Peek
Macon
Who’s in a recession?
What recession?
I received my property tax notice a few days ago, and it was increased by 50 percent over 2008 due to the loss of the state’s Homestead Tax Relief Grant. So to make up for declining revenues, the property owners are going to take up the slack.
So, who is in a recession? Help.
— John Manning
Warner Robins
Chalk for mayor
Warner Robins currently faces the difficult challenge of replacing the long-time leadership under Mayor Donald Walker. We must make an informed choice on who will be our next mayor. We need to evaluate the candidates closely and elect the best man for the job.
In Sunday’s profile, Chuck Shaheen was quoted in the Telegraph as saying that he sees “Warner Robins as a business.” He further states that, “It’s an industry.” I don’t see it that way.
Warner Robins is a community, a community of citizens who work together for one common goal, which is to make our city the best that it can be. I see the mayor as the leader of these citizens.
Taxpayers’ money should not to be used to create facilities simply to generate additional revenue, i.e., building ballparks. It is these types of risky business practices that will cause my taxes to increase, not decrease.
Warner Robins is a public enterprise that needs someone with governmental leadership experience who will refresh the city’s organization, operations and management practices.
Having attended the candidate forums, talked with candidates, checked their individual Web sites and read all I can about each of the candidates, I have concluded that Chuck Chalk has the temperament, leadership ability and work ethic to transform the city and provide valued services to our community.
— Debbie Manly
Warner Robins
Jesus’ example
Universal health care is a moral imperative according to Jesus Christ, who commanded us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Jesus explained that “your neighbor” might even be a foreigner with a different religion — as in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).
Good Christians in America need to rise up to this challenge by Jesus and demand a “public option,” such as Medicare for all Americans.
We must pay our fair share for this “Ameri-Care,” just as the Good Samaritan paid the innkeeper for his services.
— Lindsay D. Holliday
Macon
Stay proud, south Macon
With all the crime reports that come out of my old Houston Avenue stomping ground, it becomes depressing at times. I encourage my old neighbors to hang in there and fight that crime or get out like I did. I still miss waking up and smelling that Fincher’s barbecue coming through my windows on a Saturday morning. Keep that south Macon proud attitude.
You can keep it safe over there. Pull together.
— Steven Buford
Macon
Deeds already done
Well, let’s examine things here.
Unlike President Obama, who had done nothing before the vote for the Nobel Peace Prize, President Bush had toppled a man who had killed 300,000 people and liberated 50 million people.
Because of President Bush, Saddam Hussein’s regime no longer inflicts torture on Iraqis by having electric prods attached to their genitals or by giving them acid baths. It no longer drills holes in their ankles and skulls. It no longer leaves them naked in refrigerators for days, and no longer cuts out their tongues and cuts off their ears. Nor does it force Iraqi men to watch gang rapes of their wives, daughters and sisters.
Because of President Bush, Afghan women can now attend school. They are free to go out in public without being accompanied by a man and they are allowed to hold jobs.
In addition to that, because of the $15 billion President Bush sent to Africa to combat AIDS, deaths there are down dramatically. For that reason, despite claims that America’s moral standing in the world has eroded, Bush’s approval rating in African countries has stood at 80 percent or higher.
Those are real accomplishments worthy of a Nobel Prize, and not just words. By giving this award to President Obama just 15 days after he took office, the Nobel committee has run the risk of making the prize look preposterous in its claims, patronizing in its intentions and demeaning in its attempt to build up a man who has barely begun the period in office, let alone achieved any tangible outcome for peace.
Whatever happened to rewarding deeds actually done?
— Charles Frye
Warner Robins
A nurse’s perspective
As a registered nurse, I support President Obama’s plan.
It will simply make insurance work better by holding the insurance industry accountable. Under the president’s plan, it will be against the law for insurance companies to:
Ÿ Deny coverage based on a pre-existing condition.
Ÿ Drop or weaken coverage when you get sick.
Ÿ Place caps on the amount of coverage you can receive in a given year or a lifetime.
For the tens of millions of Americans without insurance, President Obama’s plan will offer quality, affordable choices.
The president’s plan calls for the creation of a new insurance exchange in which individuals and small businesses can compare plans and buy the one that works best for them. President Obama believes that one of the options available in the insurance exchange should be a public insurance option. He believes a public option is a way to create more competition and ensure every American has an affordable choice.
— Jean E. Foster
Macon
Use hand sanitizers
I have a simple suggestion on how we can help prevent the spread of not only the H1N1 virus, but other viruses as well.
Most stores have hand-sanitizing wipes at their entrances. If we would each be responsible and clean our hands and wipe down the hand grips on the buggies, we could all be much more protected. I have watched people time and time again walk right by the wipes — straight from who knows where — and right over to the fruits and vegetables and start handling them. We are touching everything in the store, and others are coming right behind us and touching the same things.
Grocery stores are a prime place to catch all sorts of bad bugs, but if each and every one of us will take on the moral obligation of sanitizing as we enter a store, we can keep shopping safe. Please sanitize before entering the stores.
— Jeanene M. Kaiser
Byron
Lord, I thank you for all that has been accomplished this day. I celebrate the joy of knowing that your spirit within makes my life complete. In your name, Amen.
Tommie Woodson Fort Valley
@Nyx.CommentBody@