The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, healthcare reform and the BCS

Paper buried the real story

One of the most significant events relating to the Afghanistan war occurs and the Star-Telegram buries it on page 16A. Top foreign service officer Matthew Hoh, a former experienced Marine commander on the battle lines in Iraq, resigned his post in Afghanistan. Hoh said he believes our presence in Afghanistan is "fueling insurgency," and that the war has no objectives and isn’t worth the loss of American lives or the expense.

The newspaper elected to make the law-abiding citizens angrier with the article about some convicts possibly getting flu vaccinations before the public. This is not a surprise. The convicts have better (free) healthcare than our representatives are willing to give to the law-abiding citizens.

The paper has its priorities mixed up. Our kids (GIs) are being killed in Afghanistan, and an experienced combat-ready Marine officer protests it by resigning his foreign service position. That is more important than front-page headlines about the criminals in prison.

— James R. Sanderson, Fort Worth

It’s all about control

In reading Mitchell Schnurman’s Oct. 28 column (See: "Healthcare reform good for Texas"), it was apparent that he hasn’t taken one second to read any of the current healthcare proposals. If he had bothered to read either the House or Senate version, he would have drawn the same conclusion many Americans have: The proposals are less about "reform" and more about more government control and power over one-seventh of the economy.

I read the first 100 pages of HR 3200 for myself. I defy anyone to read that document and tell me it is about anything more than the government getting more control over a large piece of the economy. I challenge Schnurman to read the first 100 pages (it will take you less than two hours) and then tell the public that this is good for Texas — or America.

— George Curry, Keller

Not trusting insurers

I was the one person at Rep. Michael Burgess’ town hall meeting whom he allowed to be shouted down. I admit I got flustered and did not say what I wanted to say in the manner that I wanted to say it. To wit: The health insurance industry has proven it is not trustworthy and will practice deception to keep executive annual compensation packages in the $100 million range. Perhaps a single-payer system or public option will force them to assume their responsibilities. But I would like the opportunity to see if a government plan will be to our benefit. Why would we want to continue to do business with deceivers?

— Warren Lynn, Fort Worth

In defense of insurers

Many believe that insurance companies are evil and that nobody should make a profit from providing insurance.

Insurance was invented as a means of providing protection to people who couldn’t afford a substantial — or even catastrophic — loss. By pooling a set amount from thousands of people to provide for loss claims, each member could afford to pay a small amount regularly, or, in some cases, a larger one-time prepayment, thus insuring that their potential losses were covered. Each person makes the final determination as to affordability vs. risk.

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