This is Viewpoints for Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015
Expanding access to health care
We have two new state representatives, Rep. Shaw Blackmon and state Sen.Larry Walker III, who will replace Republican Rep. Larry O'Neal and Sen. Tolleson in our state Legislature. My concern is will they be concerned with the 13 percent of our state population who are uninsured and try to help them? They claim to be fiscal conservatives but are against expanding Medicaid to our uninsured. Makes no sense.
The federal taxes that we send to the federal government in Washington can be used to fund Medicaid enrollment at 100 percent of the cost for the citizens of other states that support the ACA (Obamacare). That's 100 percent for three years and 90 percent forever.
We need to contact our state representatives and tell them that we want them to help our uninsured receive health insurance in order that their quality of life and overall health is improved and so they can be more productive citizens. Five of our rural hospitals have closed because of our uninsured using our emergency rooms.
All of the above is not rocket science but it is easily solvable with enrollment in Medicaid at very little cost to our state.
— Frank Gadbois
Warner Robins
In rebuttal
The recent letter from Kathy Solomon, "Technocracy being woven into our society," is a professionally slick article that outlines the position of a group of people who may best be described as conspiracy theorists. In this case the conspiracy they describe as a "diabolical agenda" centers on technology as related to "global governance." Such views may easily convince the uninformed reader of the reality of a nonsensical theory that is easily debunked.
Many of the "true believers" of such conspiracy theories are aligned with the evangelical movement and follow the philosophy of Pat Robertson and other evangelicals. Before you jump on the technocracy conspiracy, please take time to do your own research on the topic in your local library or the Internet. When you see that many of these conspiracy theorists also oppose the concept of global warming, the United Nations, Common Core standards in education, the scientific method and evolution, that should be a good reason to explore the movement further. Be very careful which "experts" you listen to because it is easy to be influenced by cleverly written nonsense.
— Bill Curry
Macon
New Year's Resolution
Once again, it's time for New Year's resolutions, particularly those to improve our diet and exercise routine.
Although gun violence and traffic accidents remain the leading causes of death among young people, the most dangerous weapon for the rest of us is still our fork. Well over a million of us are killed each year by high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and other chronic diseases linked to our meat-based diet.
But times are changing. According to Gallup, 22 percent of American consumers are avoiding meat and 12 percent are avoiding dairy products. Supermarket chains, along with Target and Wal-Mart, offer a growing selection of delicious and healthy plant-based meats and dairy products. Animal meat consumption has dropped by 8 percent in the past decade.
Hundreds of school, college, hospital, and corporate cafeterias have embraced Meatless Monday and vegan meals. Fast-food chains like Chipotle, Panera, Subway, Taco Bell and White Castle are rolling out vegan options.
Let's make this New Year's resolution about exploring the rich variety of plant-based entrees, lunch meats, cheeses, ice creams, and milks, as well as the more traditional green and yellow veggies. The Internet offers tons of recipes and transition tips.
— John Bennett
Macon
Brandishing/carrying
A few months ago in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a woman called the El Paso county 911. She reported a man carrying a rifle and looking highly agitated. The operator inquired as to the race of the individual (I wonder why?). After finding out that it was a white male, the 911 operator told her that Colorado is an open carry state. No police were dispatched. A few minutes later the man shot and killed three people, one while on his knees begging for his life. The policemen arrived and shot and killed the assailant after he started shooting at them. Ohio is also an open carry state and yet one black man was shot and killed in a Wal-Mart while carrying a pellet gun that he was taking to the front counter to purchase. A 12-year-old black kid was shot and killed at a playground while carrying a pellet gun. They were never given a chance to drop their weapons and surrender but executed on the spot.
OK, now I get it. It all depends upon what type of transitive verb is used. A black person with a weapon is considered as "brandishing" and represents a clear and present danger while a white person is considered as "carrying" and exercising his constitutional right to bear arms.
— William D. Carter
Bonaire
This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 9:38 PM.