>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Again Gary Poole has treated us to a harangue on the superiority of America and all of its policies and practices. This might be a good time to open our eyes and admit some countries do a better job of taking care of their citizens.

Far from propaganda, Michael Moore's "Sicko" is an exposé of the greed of the insurance industry and the inferiority of American health care in general.

There are plenty of Canadian citizens who are happy with their tax-supported health care system. They do not have to go to a particular hospital or doctor. The waiting time is not overly long compared to the waiting time in the U.S. Tourists in Canada who become ill or injured while visiting are allowed to partake of the Canadian health care system without cost.

What would it be like to not have to worry that catastrophic illness could wipe out your savings and leave you ineligible for insurance for the rest of your life? When our daughter's insurance ended, we tried to purchase insurance for her but were unable to because she had undergone minor surgery several years ago. Even the assurance of her doctor that the issues were resolved could not change the minds of the greedy insurance companies.

It is tragic that our president claims spending $35 billion on extended health care for children is extravagant all the while begging for triple that amount for the ongoing invasion of Iraq.

Why are conservatives so frightened of the term "socialized"? We have many socialized programs. If Mr. Poole doesn't like Medicare as a model, perhaps veterans' health benefits would be good example of federally tax-supported ("socialized") health care.

We have a substandard health care system. This country will never be as superior as we claim it is until we start placing humanity ahead of profit.

Lynn Strandberg

Union

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Thank you for The Observer editorial in support of the study to investigate the return of the Pioneer passenger train. What a great benefit that would be to the community and to this whole area.

I hope you will do follow-up articles on this important topic. I would like to read about what Union County Tourism, the local chamber of commerce, county commission, city council and Eastern Oregon University are currently doing to support this idea. Are they already on record? Have they contacted Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho to encourage his efforts? Are they asking their constituencies to write letters?

Opening the discussion and funding the study are small first steps. The voters and taxpayers and their representatives and agencies must take this opportunity to press for the return of this needed service to Eastern Oregon and beyond.

Linda Elegant

La Grande

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While visiting relatives in North Dakota, I was able to pick up the score of the Oregon State-Washington State game. To my relief, I found that OSU had defeated WSU 52-17 at Pullman — from a Grande Forks newspaper no less.

The size of the scoring was surprising, considering that OSU was a 3 1/2 point underdog. Anticipating a full write up in The Observer on Monday, Nov. 19, I was anxious to get home to get the full details.

To my minor surprise, there was nothing in The Observer — nada, niente, rien, nein, nyet, nothing. Meanwhile, from Saturday's and Monday's papers there was a total of a full page and a half of write-ups concerning U of O's debacle in Arizona.

This is not the first time that OSU has been ignored by The Observer. A year and a half ago, I had to send an e-mail to the paper to inform it that the Beavers were in the Western Regionals, qualifying for the NCAA baseball College World Series. Needless to say, OSU went on to win the World Series — a feat that was repeated again this year.

You can rest assured, Mr. Editor, that you will hear from me again if you slight my alma mater.

Ralph Giuffre

La Grande

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Recently I received an e-mail picture. On a very large outdoor platform with a huge American flag behind it stood presidential candidates Barack Obama, Gov. Bill Richardson and Sen. Hillary Clinton.

The National Anthem was being played and the Pledge Of Allegiance being recited. Gov. Richardson and Sen. Clinton stood with their hands over their hearts, but not Sen. Obama, and he wants to be your next president.

Now, let's see. Obama, president. And then there is the current member of the House who refused the oath on a Bible (not required by any law).

And for this I fought in World War II.

Roy Hills

Island City

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I found the guest editorial from The Bend Bulletin regarding driver's licenses for immigrants to be a piece of nonsense. We cannot employ people on our farms and ranches and expect them to live as a subclass.

The writer says Oregonians oppose driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. I'd like to see which Oregonians they mean. I hope they don't live in remote rural areas. How would they feel if they couldn't buy groceries for their family?

I hope it's not anybody who depends on farm products. Workers are in short supply already. What will happen when they can't make it to work because they were stopped or their car gets impounded?

I hope it's not anyone who expects police to fight crime. They'll have their hands full stopping unlicensed drivers, taking cars away from mothers with small children trying to get them to Head Start, to school or to doctor appointments. (Yes, this happens.)

I hope it's not anyone who has to go somewhere when the weather is bitter cold. How would they like to just stay home?

The writer states that these immigrants will choose to stay illegal if they could miraculously become legal. Does he expect them to continue working 13 hours a day and walk to work? Are some of us just less human than the rest? Or maybe superhuman?

Mary Cooke

Cove

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There are five groups in this community that the public must hold accountable: Eastern Oregon University, county commissioners, city council members, the school board and The Observer. This time, my attention is focused on The Observer, and Ted Kramer, the editor, in particular.

Nov. 28, on the editorial page, you published a cartoon that misuses the Lord's name. One shopper wonders if people remember what Christmas is really about. The other shopper misuses the Lord's name to curse with as he studies the prices of items he is considering buying. Shame on you for printing that vulgar cartoon!

The Ten Commandments is the basis for the laws and morals of all civilized societies. Ted, to refresh your memory, the third commandment says, "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God," (Exodus 20:7 in the Bible). We are only to use the Lord's name respectfully and in prayer, never to curse with.

You owe the community a public apology for offending many of your subscribers.

Lucy Gilchrist

La Grande