Entries for July 2009

The president was just showing that this did not have to evolve into the circus it did, and it could have been resolved on their own patios.

M. Prettner of NY in response to Public Opinion:
Why the Gates-Crowley Beerfest?

My husband and I are baby boomers [Editor's Note, "Learning From the Best," August 2009]. While we recognize the need for some kind of healthcare for those who have none, what is being proposed to pay for it, along with the very real possibility that we may not be in charge of decisions regarding our healthcare, frightens us. We have healthcare provided to state retirees (Michigan) and pay a portion of the premium. We do not understand why the government is proposing an entirely new healthcare system when there are already two government sponsored programs in place (with administrators, field personnel to process, and eligibility criteria)—Medicaid and Medicare. Why can't this new program be tied into the Medicaid program? Those who do not qualify for the traditional/existing Medicaid program and qualify for this "new" program could participate through an arm of the Medicaid program created for uninsured citizens. The states would not bear the burden of any costs associated with the new program. We live in a border community with a sister city in Ontario, Canada. Their citizens come across the river to obtain healthcare because it can take months or even years to obtain a hip replacement or even cancer treatment. We do not want a system where we travel to a Third World country to have a hip or knee replaced—or heart surgery. 

Patricia M. Shimmens, Sault Ste. Marie, MI

I oppose abortion in most circumstances but refusing to work with people like Rep. [Tim] Ryan is why we are no closer to reducing the number of abortions in this country than we were years ago.

Paul of MD in response to Bonnie Erbe:
The Pro-Life Fringe

Sure, let Michael Vick attempt to salvage his career, however I can't imagine what team would be willing to sign him ["Michael Vick Deserves to Play Football in the NFL Again," usnews.com]! Most teams in professional sports strive to maintain their image; signing Vick would be like shooting yourself in the foot. The fact is the majority of fans from any city would not support the management's decision to bring him on the team. Isolating your fans causes sinking ticket sales resulting in a huge loss in revenue. If the teams have any business sense they will stay as far away as possible from this virus.

Comment by Jenny of AZ

Convicted felons should not play professional sports. It is not a right, it is a privilege. Let him get a job as a plumber where he is not a role model for others.

Tommie Redwine of CA in response to John A. Farrell:
Michael Vick Deserves a Shot at Redemption

What happened to Erin Andrews is due to our overall culture, not just sports culture ["Erin Andrews Peephole Video Scandal Shows Pro Sports Culture is Nothing But Bad," usnews.com]. You cannot place blame on professional and college sports for the perversion of one guy. The sick part is there is a market for this type of exploitation and complete invasion of privacy. This is a societal flaw. We are constantly using women as sex symbols. You see this in ads, commercials, the music industry, the fashion industry, etc. I think team sports have many more positives then any of those industries. At least sports can teach kids and adults valuable life lessons like teamwork.

Comment by Lisa of NV

Playing a sport as a youth teaches you the dedication and effort it takes to succeed, and the lessons we learn as children are applicable outside of the ballpark.

Joe of PA in response to Bonnie Erbe:
The Erin Andrews Peephole Controversy

I had a 1999 Isuzu Trooper that sucked gas like nobody's business ["Cash For Clunkers Hype in Full Force," usnews.com]. We decided to look into the program not really expecting anything to come of it. We found out that I would get $3,500 for my Trooper and an extra $4,500 from a Chrysler/Dodge dealer. That is $8,000 instantly down for a new car. If we were to trade in the Trooper, we would only get $1,500, maybe a little more. It was pretty much a no-brainer. That is quite the savings when you figure in the gas mileage.

Comment by Trey of NE

This stuff is very serious, and these players are doing genuine damage to themselves and several generations of athletes with their reckless behavior.

Ray of IN in response to Robert Schlesinger:
Steroids, Baseball and the Hall of Fame

Once again we see that many police officers will use the power of the badge to retaliate when someone gets annoyed and belligerent ["Obama Was Right About Henry Louis Gates Arrest," usnews.com]. So Gates was outraged and possibly even loud and a-social—who would not be? He was accosted in his own home and forced to produce ID. After doing so the officer should have left with apologies—after all, he was wrong. He should have provided his name and badge number and skedaddled. Instead he called for backup and arrested Gates. Now society will be safe from the dangers of righteously angry individuals and police can proceed with impunity. I hope Gates sues and wins a bundle!

Comment by Paul Hamilton of OR