Letters and Comments for October 8, 2009

Letters and Comments for October 8, 2009

Stop using inflammatory words

To the Editor:

The word “socialist” appears frequently in reference to President Obama and the health insurance reform issue. I think many people who use this word do not understand its meaning.

Socialism refers to government or direct worker ownership of Means Of Production, the tools and facilities used to create a product or service. This is contrary to ownership of Means Of Production by a few members of a corporation; examples would be GM, Bank of America, AIG, J.P. Morgan Chase and others.

I’ve seen objections to government-run health insurance, but I haven’t seen objections to public highways, public schools, libraries, parks, utilities or private hospitals. That seems odd. All citizens of America have the opportunity to enjoy these public structures, equally. Whoa! Did I say equally? That sounds socialist.

The Civil War, women’s suffrage and harassment in the workplace rest on equality, not race, sex or merit. The main objection to health care reform rests on the belief that unemployed people, people who retired early and people who have had their insurance canceled are not equal to employed people or members of Legislature.

The government could run health care the same way they run the Department of Transportation, Public Utility Commission, Federal Communication Commission and many others. Private groups could manage health care, just as private hospitals do today.

Before you use inflammatory words, stop and inform yourself of the truth. Those who have selfish reasons for swaying your opinion will try to mislead you. Make an informed decision based on facts and clear thought.

Michael Bell

La Grande

Public can help library, students

To the Editor:

In August, I wrote a letter telling about the three-way partnership between the public, Cook Memorial Library and La Grande Middle School. This is a reminder to let the public know that it is now time to take action if they wish to participate.

Each year, the La Grande Middle School sponsors a magazine drive that is their only fundraiser for the year. It is important to both the students and to the school. If you wish to participate and have not been contacted by an LMS student, there is another way to help the school while also benefiting Cook Memorial Library. The three-way partnership has been in existence for several years now and has helped the library budget while at the same time has supported the school effort.

Visit Cook Memorial Library before Oct. 15 and the librarian will tell how this partnership works. There are several ways in which the public can help. This partnership is especially helpful to the library this year as a number of magazines will have to be cut if the library doesn’t receive assistance.

Remember that the library does not wish this to interfere in any way with the student sales. However, if done as suggested above, it can be a win-win situation.

Ginny Mammen

La Grande