Published: November 25, 2009 08:14 am      

READERS' FORUM 11-27 | Disappointed at satellite cable services

On two occasions I contacted my satellite TV-service provider to upgrade to HD. Representatives told me that it would require a $120 upgrade fee. I pointed out that I was a loyal, three-year customer and asked if there was anything that could be done to keep my business.

There wasn’t, so I said that I was sorry they would be losing my business.

When I called to cancel, a representative said she would be glad to upgrade for no additional charge. It was too late.

After much consideration, I decided to go with another service. A sales person assured me that they had the best equipment and customer service. Four days after installation, I lost the signal.

After a 20-minute phone conversation, it was determined the service was lost due to improper installation. The representative put me on hold for about five minutes, then said it would be Tuesday between 8 a.m. and noon until someone could make adjustments. My service went out Saturday evening at 10:25.

They said that was the best they could do for me. So here I sit writing this letter on a Sunday morning, less than two hours from Steelers kickoff.

I hope the administrators of the TV service enjoy their Sunday football. I didn’t.

Think again about who provides your TV service.

Chuck Scaletta

Benshoff Hill



Recall announcement was appreciated

The purpose of this letter is twofold: To thank a local TV station for reporting a product recall, and to inform those who missed the broadcast who may have purchased the product, as I did.

The product is the Perfect Flame barbecue gas grill. As reported, about 664,700 grills, made in China (try to buy a grill made in the U.S.A., thanks to outsourcing manufacturing jobs) by Lucas Innovation Inc. and imported by LG Sourcing Inc., are being recalled because the burners can deteriorate, causing irregular flames, and the lids of some models can catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards.

There have been about 64 reported fires, one that caused an eye injury requiring surgery, and others that caused burns to the hands, arms or face.

The recalled grills were sold in the United States from September 2005 through May 2009. I called the manufacturer and learned there are four models under recall – 2007A, 2007B, 2007D and 2008B.

However, I was never sent a notice of a product recall.

As reported, if you purchased one of the above, have your model number on hand and call (888) 840-9590.

I wonder why the manufacturer didn’t notify me, as I did register my product?

Also, why didn’t I see this same notice in The Tribune-Democrat as I saw on TV?

Perhaps both agencies could work together to keep us, the consumers, informed.

Mike Duell

Johnstown



Gov’t has turned us into nation of paupers

Here’s hoping all you President Obama lovers and apologists are enjoying what’s going on in Washington.

How is the health-care debate going for you senior citizens? That would be the part that says you are not worth the effort or expense to keep you alive. Do not worry about the part that says the government won’t pay for abortion. Abortion is the holy grail of the feminist movement, and it will be in there when the final bill is passed.

Gas in Britain is $8 a gallon, and the tax rate there would make the IRS drool. So if you think free health care is free, think again.

We have the best health-care system in the world and the lawyers, liberals and a communist White House is about to butcher it. I think that before Obama’s gang of thugs, tax cheats and radicals is done, the entire country will be dependent on government. Medical professionals will leave in droves. What’s left of American industry will be gone.

What will be left is a nation of people waiting for the next handout. There is a ray of hope that, next November, there will be enough folks left who know what’s going on and will get Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and their followers out of our lives.

Sorry, Ralph A. Swank (Nov. 12, “Quit bashing Obama for mess he inherited”), if I offended you, but believe me, it’s for your own good as well as mine.

Chuck Cordoro

Somerset



Obama, policies are turning U.S. around

I’m responding to a few letters in the Readers’ Forum on Nov. 22. I would like to know where Barry Billings (“President’s policies killing us as a nation”) was when the last administration ran our nation’s deficit to the largest in history. Where was he when our government gave tax breaks to huge corporations and rich people during time of war? Where was he when the last administration sent our troops to Iraq, a country that had no weapons of mass destruction? Why weren’t the teabaggers and conservatives protesting then?

About czars, the Nixon administration called members of its Cabinet czars, so did Bush I. No one complained about a socialist president then. Only when this president is in do they do all this whining and fearmongering. Is it because of something different than his policies?

The stimulus has stopped a free fall in our nation’s economy created by the past administration. The job loss stems from the past eight years of trickle-down Reaganomics. Small businesses do not grow the country, as the Republicans say.

Only the one who owns that business is successful. Try raising a family on minimum wages and no health benefits spawned by small business. We need good-paying jobs with benefits.

Tax breaks don’t work either because they were for the big companies. That’s why we are in the shape we are in.

This president is doing better on the war on terror. He thinks things through before putting more troops into a useless war.

Joe Alaimo

Westmont



Trojans deserve better from fans

Tonight, the Johnstown Trojans take on Selinsgrove at Richland High School.

The Trojans won the District 6 AAA football championship last Friday night, but, as mentioned on the sports pages, fan turnout for the game was low.

That is a shame because this team has done what only three other teams in the long and storied history of Johnstown High football have done: Won a district championship. They deserve better support from the community.

Selinsgrove is 12-0 and has the top-ranked team in the state. They have a huge fan base that will assuredly fill the opposing bleachers.

I implore those of you who can make the game to do so. Give this team the home crowd advantage they deserve.

Thank you to the players and Coach Kevin Marabito and his staff. Let’s keep a great season going.

Go Trojans!

Doug Keklak

West Mifflin, Allegheny County

Formerly of Johnstown