Published: October 27, 2009 02:35 pm      

READERS' FORUM 10-28 | USA quickly becoming USSA

Our freedoms are quickly eroding; will you just sit by or take actions? What is happening to free speech?

People who speak out in disagreement with the administration’s direction are labeled terrorists, brownshirts, racists, unpatriotic and mobsters.

The Fox News Network is targeted to be silenced for their reporting. Why is there so much concern over one network? Is it because it broke the ACORN story and others, while ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC and PBS remained on the sideline not wanting to report negative stories connected with the president?

Instead of attempting to discredit Fox, why not go on record and point out the discrepancies in what is reported and show us the inaccuracies of Fox reporting.

In addition, the FCC is now considering Internet neutrality which will result in government regulating the Internet – another backdoor approach to restricting free speech. Politicians attempt to pass major legislation without adequate review and discussion.

Look around and see who the president has as his advisers – what are their political philosophies. If we aren’t headed toward socialism, then ask yourself why the president wants to establish a civilian national security force just as strong and powerful as the military (check out his exact words in a Google search). What free society has even needed such a force? Government censorship is just around the corner. Take your stand now. God bless America.

Bob Nagyvathy

Johnstown



Sick child deserved better treatment

When did doctors’ visits become drive-thru service? My 1-year-old grandson had been cranky, feverish and tugging at his ears. Recently we awoke to find spots all over him. Chicken pox.

My son called the pediatrician and was told they could see him, but it would have to be in the parking lot of the office. What kind of doctor does this? What kind of healer makes a sick baby sit outside in the October cold and have his clothes removed so the doctor can look at spots?

When a person becomes a doctor, he or she swears to the Hippocratic oath, which states: “I will keep them from harm and injustice.”

I don’t think a doctor visit outside in the cold for a sick child is keeping someone from harm. If you cannot see a sick child in your office, then make house calls.

Yes, I am irate. His mother took him to the emergency room, and they will never take their kids back to that pediatrician.

Would you take your sick child to be seen in a parking lot in October?

The Bible says: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I think that doctor needs to read the Bible and reread the words of the oath concerning to heal and not harm.

That pediatrician may have “policies,” but even a 1-year-old has dignity and deserves to be treated with respect.

Shame on you.

Denise Beilchick

Twin Rocks



Accept anyone willing to serve

It is time to put an end to the discriminatory practice of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the 16-year-old policy that allows gays to serve in the military only if they hide their sexuality. If it is brought to the attention of the military that someone currently serving is gay, that person will be discharged.

Every year, this absurd practice causes more than 600 capable men and women to be discharged from the armed forces.

It is incorrectly thought that the presence of gays or lesbians in the military would somehow prevent or undermine ‘unit cohesion.’ This continues to be used as an argument against repealing the policy, even though a 2006 Zogby International poll of military members found that 73 percent of respondents felt comfortable in the presence of gay and lesbian personnel.

In addition, a journal just published by the National Defense University Press has found that Australia, Britain, Canada and Israel, all of which have lifted bans on gays in the military, have seen ‘no impact’ on troop readiness, performance or cohesion.

There is an outstanding amount of evidence that undermines “don’t ask, don’t tell.” It is time for America to stop discriminating and to welcome the service of any American who is willing and able to defend our nation.

Molly A. Vasilko

Portage



Health-care plan is already ailing

President Obama’s health-care plan will be written by a committee whose minds don’t understand it, passed by Congress that hasn’t read it and whose members will be exempt from it, signed by a president who smokes, funded by a treasury chief who did not pay his taxes, overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and financed by a country that is broke. What else could possibly go wrong?

Like Hank Williams Jr. says, “I’ll keep my freedom, my guns, my money, my religion, and you can keep the change.”

Leo Lanzendorfer

Ebensburg



Jerome dollar store welcomed, needed

As a resident of Jerome, I’d like to say how happy I am to see a much-needed Dollar Store in our area.

It also would be appreciated and surely welcomed if we also could get some kind of eating place such as McDonald’s, Arbys or a gas station.

A lot of older people live in Jerome and must travel to Richland Township, Somerset, etc., for necessities. They would be welcomed in our community.

Sheila Miltenberger

Jerome



Somerset volleyball, 'Dig Pink' class acts

I would like to commend the Somerset Area High School girls’ volleyball team on being a class act.

On Oct. 22, the Bishop Carroll Lady Huskies volleyball team traveled to Somerset for a Laurel Highlands matchup. Not only is the Somerset team impressive, but the fans and supporters were, too.

The “Dig Pink” game organized by the Somerset volleyball program was a huge success, raising more than $4,000 for breast cancer research.

The atmosphere in the gym that evening was something awesome for volleyball. It was a full house, most people wearing their pink. How wonderful for the strong Somerset team to have such support, and for the sport of volleyball to be filling a gym.

I was not only impressed with the number of people in attendance at the game, the Somerset team’s unblemished record and tremendous efforts, but also the high level of class shown by all in that gym. The large student section, decked out in pink body paint, was just as classy as the team and coach. The kids cheered for their team and not against our team, and they were an enthusiastic group.

Parents, spectators, and supporters were kind to me and our team, and the atmosphere was something I am truly glad the young ladies on my team were able to be part of.

Kudos to coach Ed Rose, his staff, his team, his supporters and the Somerset Area School District for something to be really proud of in that gym that evening, and I’m sure this entire season.

I’m sure the Somerset program will make noise in the playoffs.

Joseph R. Skura

Bishop Carroll Volleyball Coach



Cancer survivors grow in numbers

On Oct. 19, the front page of The Tribune-Democrat published a “Did You Know” fact: “The American Cancer Society estimates that about 40,170 women will die from breast cancer this year.”

In October 2008, my wife was diagnosed with this terrible disease. Each year thousands of people are diagnosed with some form of cancer. She and the thousands of others who were diagnosed fight each day to beat the disease, and to proudly be called “survivors.”

The Tribune-Democrat has the opportunity to focus on, and celebrate, the survivors. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and our region is blessed to have the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center, along with many other fine health-care facilities. The breast care center has a very professional and compassionate staff that offers some of the latest and best care available.

Patients, survivors and their respective families need not be reminded of the negative aspects of what may happen. Every patient must be apprised of the fact that there is hope, and they can all be survivors and have a future.

The news isn’t the number of deaths but the ever increasing numbers of breast cancer survivors, and all cancer survivors, who fought and won.

On Oct. 25, the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center honored the present and past brave patients.

J.E. Hange Sr.

Rockwood