Published: November 09, 2009 03:15 pm      

READERS' FORUM 11-10 | Health-care reform spells higher taxes

For many years, the United States has been working its way toward socialism. First the federal government taxes. Then it takes. And finally, it gives to all.

It should be left to the churches and communities to give back. A hard worker has a right to keep his or her money in a capitalist economy, on which we we were founded. Once the government stepped in and began to tax everything possible, it was a step closer to socialism and the first step toward communism.

The government is now passing nationwide health-care reform (call it what you want) that supporters believe is best for our country at this time.

This kind of “help” will only hurt the economy. Once becoming legislation, it will never go away.

How do we think the supporters will get the money to do this? They will begin taking, little by little, until nobody has money left. Soon it will be impossible for anyone – rich or not – to make it without government help.

Instead, government should help by taking away rules, regulations and taxes; therefore making it less expensive to live and easier to build upon or expand a business and provide more jobs.

Curtis D. Link

Nicktown



Quit tying criticism of Obama to racism

It never ceases to amaze me. Reading the letter of Nov. 3, “Racism continues across the country,” reinforces my belief that we have Democrats, who have common sense, and Dumbocrats, who talk from the seat of their pants, rather than from their mouths.

If we as a nation were racist, Barack Obama would not be sitting in the Oval Office today.

Yes, I’m a Bible-thumping, born-again, gun-toting conservative who gets a big charge from how Dumbocrats sound off.

It’s as if it’s coming from the mouth of Democratic Party’s mascot.

Peter M. Fedash

Richland Township



Central Cam gridiron list not all inclusive

(Regarding Readers’ Forum, Nov. 4, “Pleased to see players being watched.”)

I can understand Jeffrey Wasilewski’s appreciation for the Sept. 19 sports column by Cory Isenberg about Steve Gironda’s compiling a list of former area high school football players and where they are playing collegiately.

I agree with Wasilewski that it is important to keep others up to date on where these former players are. However, I disagree with him on the enthusiasm and genuine interest put into compiling the list.

I can’t imagine any well-thought-out list excluding someone who played for Central Cambria assistant Coach Gironda merely two years ago. So I’ll take it upon myself to include Mitch Blackwell on the list.

Mitch, a sophomore, is a defensive end for Slippery Rock University, where he also received the George Mihalik Memorial Scholarship.

I wish the best of luck to all from Central Cambria who have moved on to play college football. I just hope that the next time someone compiles a list, every player is credited for his hard work.

Jodi Blackwell

Revloc



Stealing bank ATM card makes no sense

It upsets me how I’ve lost faith in people, how people have seemed to have lost their morals, and how the world is changing for the worse.

My husband and I went to our nearest ATM, in Cresson, to withdraw money.

After making a transaction, my husband forgot to take his card out of the slot and we drove away.

The next day we realized what had happened and I telephoned the bank. We were hoping that the ATM just took the card back (if you leave it in the slot too long the machine will take it back).

Unfortunately, someone had stolen the card. He or she must have pulled up right after we left, thought about free cash and took the card.

Yes, it was an unfortunate oversight to leave it there, but it’s stupid to steal someone’s bank card.

If I would have pulled up to an ATM and seen that a bank card had been left in the slot, I would have taken it into the bank, and not put it in my pocket.

You who took it know who you are.

Theresa Brown

Lilly



Grane Hospice seeking volunteers

This is a wonderful time of year for many of us and our families. We at Grane Hospice would love to help make it special for our patients as well.

We have volunteer opportunities at the LaurelWood Care Center in Johnstown. We are looking for people who would like to share their time and/or talents with hospice patients during this most difficult time in their lives.

You can provide much needed companionship by spending quality time reading, looking at pictures, writing letters, taking walks, playing cards, listening to music, talking, visiting with your certified, trained pet or just holding a hand.

If you are more a “behind the scenes” type of person, you can make crafts that show them how special they really are.

Please volunteer with Grane Hospice and become an Earth Angel today.

Call (800) 379-0129 ext. 10266. I would love to hear from you and answer all of your questions.

Heather G. Pentsas

Volunteer coordinator, Grane Hospice