Letters

Harris: AB 1X is unacceptable

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Written by: Wanda Harris
After careful review, Lake County Democrats find the Schwarzenegger/Nunez Health Care proposal, also known as AB 1x unacceptable. It will create a harsh financial burden on low-income, working and middle-class Californians. The proposal is so complex and convoluted that it creates loopholes and is rife with opportunities for a variety of interpretations. It protects the health care insurance industry against the additional costs of the annual double-digit inflation of health care costs and places the burden of that inflation solely on consumers. The proposal consolidates extraordinary power over the financial security and health of California citizens in the hands of the California Secretary of Health and Human Services with no legislative or other governmental oversight except the governor who appoints the Secretary of Health and Human Services.


We have found no provision in the proposal that would eliminate the type of ‘denial of care’ that recently resulted in the death of 17-year-old Nataline Sarkaysian in Los Angeles. Would SB 840 have allowed her to die?


The funding mechanisms for this proposal are inadequate and tenuous at best. A large part of the funding relies on federal dollars yet to be budgeted or approved, the lease of the California Lottery and an increase in the tobacco taxes to somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 percent. The lease of the lottery will reduce the dollars for our educational system and sales of lottery tickets increase the percentage of the state’s revenues from low income Californians. Recent tobacco tax increases have demonstrated that they reduce consumption, which reduces the tax income to the state from the tax increases. Whereas the vast majority of tobacco users are low-income citizens, this tax is an additional burden on those who can least afford it.


Even if insurance company administration costs were actually capped at 15 percent, that is still 12 percent more than the 3 percent that Medicare administration costs. Why pay more for an inferior product?


We believe that government is good. We believe in good government. We believe that government should inspire, assist and protect all of its citizens equally rather than just those who contribute large campaign funds. This proposal distracts and reduces the public’s outcry for real health care reform.


Medicare is a proven and workable single payer health care insurance system.


There is an effective workable solution to California’s health care crises: SB840.


We want nothing less than the best health care insurance for all Californians.


Wanda Harris is chair of the Lake County Democratic Central Committee.


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Christopher: Logging on and off helps

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Written by: Donna Christopher
I have seen much confusion and frustration regarding the posting part of this wonderful online news source.


The solution is very simple – log out after each post. It really isn't that hard to do, only takes a second or two. Then log on again if there is another article you wish to blog on. That too will take a couple of seconds.


This will be hard on the generation of instant gratification but then again, that extra second may make folks rethink if what they have to say is really necessary.


Donna Christopher lives in Lucerne.


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Grieve: A big thank you

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Written by: Claire Grieve
A big thank you goes to Mrs. Marilyn Guenther and all the students in her second grade class at Lakeport Elementary School and to volunteer art teacher Pat Hopper. I had the opportunity to assist Pat during the class project of painting Smokey Bear posters for the state and national poster competition. Thank you, especially to all the students, for making this a fun afternoon of sharing and learning. Creating a love of art at an early age will promote a love of the arts all during these students’ lives.


Pat volunteers teaching weekly art classes to a second grade class at Lakeport Elementary School. During December, posters are painted based on Smokey Bear (fire prevention) or Woodsy Owl (environmental) themes. A committee of Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club members help select a first place poster that is sent to the District level (Mendo-Lake District Garden Club) and then on to State level (California Garden Club Inc.) competition.


This is Pat’s ninth year of working with the children on this project. Twice the art students won first place at district level, then two students won at state level; and one little girl won fourth place at the National level. This program is promoted through the National Garden Club.


Claire Grieve is president of Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club.


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Carney: Surprised at vulgarity

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Written by: Johnny Carney
I must say I am surprised at the use of a vulgarism, in a letter (or comment) by one "Smurf" recently. The use of astericks does little to mollify or lessen this type of vulgarity.


Johnny Carney lives in Kelseyville.


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