ClearysNoteBook

LETTERS: We All Love an Excuse for a Party

Gloucester City/Brooklawn and surrounding areas, here’s a chance to do a good deed and have some fun to boot.

The weather forecast is calling for more snow beginning Tuesday night (Feb. 9). Why not hold a pub crawl, either Tuesday night or Wednesday night.  Bring your shovels and walk through town shoveling sidewalks and driveways for elderly residents and the disabled.

A fun time and helping someone what could be better?

Someone would have to organize it and pick a spot for us to meet. Let Cleary know if you are interested and he can post the location and time.

SIGNED Frosty the Snowman

 

Camden County Residents: 2010 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Shots

Image via Wikipedia

Camden County continues to offer Influenza immunization clinics at which both Novel H1N1 and Seasonal flu shots will be available.

Individuals will only be allowed one of the shots per week. The next two clinics are on Feb. 10 and Feb. 17.

 

Letters: How Come Some Cars Get Tickets and Others Don’t?

GLOUCESTER CITY-It is now 9:05 am Friday, Feb. 5 and there were 2 cars on the last block of North Broadway.  The sweeper went around them and they did NOT receive a ticket again.  The sweeper is scheduled to come between 8-9am. 

I took my grandkids to school and to the bus stop and saw the parking enforcement car 2 different times riding first on Essex street at 8:05 and then again at Monmouth and Broadway at 8:25am. She was not ticketing just driving around.  

If my street is not being cleaned is my taxes going to be lowered?  I don't think so.  And this has been going on for quite a few weeks.   Is the mayor aware that a city employee is being paid to not do her job.

Signed Not Fair

Related articles by Zemanta

• Gloucester City Police Launch Campaign to Battle Crime, Quality of Life Issues (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Gloucester City Girls Softball League (gloucestercitynews.net)
• CONGRATULATIONS TO Helen L. Brown, 90 Years Young! (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Letter: The Highway Department Did A Terrible Job Removing Snow (gloucestercitynews.net)

 

Letters: Welcome to our campaign to take back America!

When I ran for Congress in 2008, South Jersey faced some pretty tough challenges.

Our taxes were the highest in the nation, gas and energy prices were going through the roof, thousands of people were losing their jobs and many of our neighbors could no longer afford to stay in their homes.

After two more years of career politicians like Rob Andrews in Congress, not much has changed.

I was inspired by the 74,000 of my fellow citizens who supported our grassroots cause in 2008. That why I’ve decided to rejoin the fight and run for Congress in 2010.

All across our great country and throughout our own state, citizens are now waking up and demanding an end to out-of-control government spending, rampant corruption, and politics-as-usual. Nothing less than our prosperity, and the prosperity of our children and grandchildren, is at stake.

When I’m your Congressman, South Jersey will finally have more than just another rubber stamp on Capitol Hill. I will be an independent voice for South Jersey and I will stand up to the special interests in Washington.

I will fight to cut spending, lower taxes and end backroom deals in the halls of Congress. The result will be more good paying jobs in our towns, more money in your pockets, and a renewed opportunity for all South Jerseyans to live the American Dream.

But in order to achieve a better tomorrow, we have to start today -- by working together. I’m asking you to accept the Glading for Congress “10 in ‘10 Challenge” that begins today. I’m asking each of you to visit my website, at www.DaleGlading.com, and donate $10, tell 10 friends about our campaign for change, and knock on 10 doors in your neighborhood.

Together, we can take back our government, give career politicians the boot, and ensure that our office holders are responsive to the voters who elected them. That’s why I’m running for Congress and I hope you’ll join me in the days and months ahead.

Thank you, and God bless,

.

 

 

Support the Efforts of United We Fish

To: Anglers, hunters, trappers, all conservationists

It has been proven that the united efforts of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen can positively educate and influence legislators about conservation and our freedoms to enjoy our country's natural resources. Once again, extremists with an agenda to restrict, or ultimately ban, our freedoms are at work manipulating laws to prevent us from exercising our freedoms to fish, hunt or participate in the sustainable use of natural resources. Whether the assaults come from Pew, PETA, HSUS, or whether they are directed at anglers, hunters, trappers or foresters - it is clear that we will allow them to determine our futures if we do not assert ourselves.  

FISHERMEN TO MARCH ON WASHINGTON 

"United We Fish" To Seek Congressional Support On February 24
As many of you know, recreational and commercial fishermen will gather together on the steps of the Capitol on February 24, 2010 from noon until 3 p.m. in an organized demonstration against the unintended negative impacts of the Magnuson Stevens Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the federal fisheries law which was revised in January of 2007.  Coordinating the march under the flag of United We Fish, rally organizers are hoping to see a large show of force in defense of coastal communities.

WHERE HAS THE MAIN STREAM MEDIA GONE?

As a concerned Camden County resident, I ask myself why certain stories are not reported.  This country was built on investigating reporting, letting the people know what should concern them in their towns, and what is going to affect them short and long term.  I myself am not a reporter, just a citizen that is getting frustrated with the hiding of information and politics. 

My first concern is the town of Mt. Ephraim, we have such a small and limited police force as it is that when one of our police officers leaves to take another position we do not immediately replace this officer.  Instead we take the salary for this officer and bank it, and give the excuse that we are waiting to see what the new Governor will do once he takes office.  Meanwhile we have now put the town and other officers at risk, while the borough makes interest money on the officers pay that they have not replaced. 

Mt. Ephraim police are one of the most important town employees that we have, it is bad enough

Letters: Washington is Hurting Seniors Citizens In Their Wallets

Apparently liars are as scarce on Capital Hill as sand is scarce at the beach.

Obama recently approved a 2% salary increase for all federal employees effective January 1, 2010.  Members of the executive, legislative and judicial branch are due for an automatic pay increase in January as well.  All this on the backs of seniors who will not incur any COLA increases for several years. 

For the first time in history, the Congress will not allow an increase in the social security COLA (cost of living adjustment).

In fact, The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation predicts there may not be any COLA for the next three years.

However, the per person monthly Medicare insurance premium will be increased from the 2009 premium of $96.40 to $104.20 in 2010 and to $ 120.20 for the year 2011.

Send this to all seniors that you know. Remind them  to not vote for the incumbent senators.

Ron Villanova, Brooklawn

Related articles by Zemanta

• Our Turn Is ComingVote The Bums Out of Office (gloucestercitynews.net)
• News Reports Question Health Reform Provisions, Forecast Legal Issues (medicalnewstoday.com)
• For the first time in 35 years its likely Social Security beneficiaries will receive no cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase next year. (visionaryrealtynews.com)
• Medicare, Consumers Face Challenges When Trying To Make Choices Based On Value (medicalnewstoday.com)

Letter: The Highway Department Did A Terrible Job Removing Snow

I am writing in regards to the snow this last couple of weeks. I know that we do not pay  the highest taxes, but I believe our Public Works people do make decent money.

After the first snowstorm of more than two feet, Monmouth Street -- which happens to be one of the main roads out of Gloucester City -- was horrible with so many ruts. I went partially sideways due to them. Barely missing not one but two cars front and back if I had slid just ever so little more even going slow little more than 1-2 miles per hour. Where was our Street Department?

On January 8 there was very little snow and yet again Monmouth Street was nothing but ice most of the way from King Street to Johnson Boulevard. Even if I used Market Street, which I think the county takes care of, I still have to use Monmouth for two blocks to Broadway. Where was our Street Department this time?

Actually, they were sitting at the end of Monmouth by Johnson Blvd, facing the wrong way. I was behind a car that went into the curb due to the ice on Johnson Blvd.

The car went to the right and I went to the left. I was going slow, and was at least two car lengths behind. This was around 8 a.m. Why can't the Street Department start earlier on days like this. My opinion is that streets should be cleared by 8 a.m., especially on a work day. I know we do not want overtime for budget reasons. So, the workers get done earlier on a day that is not so weather-related.

What's going to happen after the next snowstorm? Who's going to help should I have an accident due to ice or ruts? Do we give fines to the Street Department for not clearing the roads in a timely manner like our citizens are getting fines? I know that's a little much, but something has got to be done to make travel safer after a snowstorm.

Rose Dobleman, Gloucester City

Related articles by Zemanta

• Letters: The City Ticketing People for Not Shoveling Sidewalks is Despicable (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Letters: a Snowy Night in Gloucester City (gloucestercitynews.net)

 

Letter: Captain Paul Apologizes to Children

On behalf of the Fire Department, I would like to apologize to those areas of Gloucester City that did not get the chance to have Santa come there way. Due to the snow storm, we were unable to transport Santa safely to some areas of the City.

Because of this safety risk, we felt it was in everybody’s best interest to cancel the Saturday and Sunday schedule.

The Fire Department membership is down and it is getting tougher each year to keep this tradition alive. I reached out with Councilman Bruce Parry’s help to other organizations who were very willing to help this cause.

Although weather did not allow us to complete our task this year, I would still like to thank all the organizations who were ready and willing to help keep this tradition alive and they are as follows: Lions Club, Little League, Girls Softball, Mustangs Football, Democrat Club, Mayor and Council, and the PBA.

Captain Shawn Paul, Gloucester City Fire Department

 

Related articles by Zemanta

• Bills Point of View:The Blizzard of 09 Still the Topic of Discussion (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Cheers and Jeers for December 09 (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Letters: LIONS CLUB Says Thank You (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Lions Club returns home to O'Donnell's Restaurant (gloucestercitynews.net)

Gloucester City People are GREAT!

I would like to wish all the fine people of Gloucester City a Happy New Year! It has been very rewarding to meet many nice people as I journey throughout the City interviewing and writing articles about local businesses.

Thanks to the UEZ PROGRAM UEZ Program, with Howard Clark and Adrianne Parent at the helm, and to Gloucester City News editor Al Countryman and staff, readers receive a glimpse behind the scenes of these businesses.

Happy New Year to all the mayors and council members that I report on during their council meetings, including Mayor John Soubasis of Brooklawn and Mayor Russell Welsh of Westville.

Sara (Sally) Martino, NEWS Reporter

RELATED BUY LOCAL/UEZ

source

INTERACT ADVISOR THANKS ALL

As the GHS Interact Club Advisor, I have the opportunity to work closely with Tom Young and Shirley Cleary organizing the local Toys for Tots Program.

Together, we were able to provide a holiday to some 100 Gloucester City families. However, our efforts would not be possible without the help of so many individuals and organizations. We would like to thank Joanne Humerick Roberts and Todd Roberts for their annual Toys for Tots fundraiser. The event is held in honor of her son, Robert Dornbach, and I am certain their efforts each year must make him very proud.

Also, we would like to thank Westbrook Bowling Alley and K-Mart for the Giving Trees that provide gifts for so many children. The employees at both establishments are greatly appreciated for their efforts.

Finally, we could never do this each year without the help of Kathy and Ernie Genzano, Karen Lado and family, Rotary, Lions, Swim Club, Gloucester Catholic students and staff and Gloucester High students and staff.

Additionally, thanks to the private contributors who were kind enough to send a gift card or monetary donation, and the Gloucester Fire Department who aided in the collection and distribution of toys.

With an event of this size, it is the generosity of the citizens in this community that make it a reality.

The economy has made this holiday more difficult than most, and the number of children that enjoyed Christmas morning due to these contributions help us remember the joy of giving. We express our sincere appreciation for everyone who contributed to the effort in some way.

Gwen Herman, Gloucester High Interact Advisor

source

Related articles by Zemanta

• What Happened to Bobby Dornbach? (gloucestercitynews.net)

A BIG THANK YOU

To Cold Springs School, Anonymous, Mr. & Mrs. O’Connor family, Robin & Tom family, Marin & Kelly family, The Needy Children Fund and Toys for Tots, thank you for your help and gifts. Thank you for sharing so much with my sons, we thank you all.

May you all have a Blessing of Love and Peace this Christmas and in the New Year.

Joy Bender, Gloucester City

source Gloucester City News

Related articles by Zemanta

• What Happened to Bobby Dornbach? (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Letters: a Snowy Night in Gloucester City (gloucestercitynews.net)

Letters: Regarding the Snow Removal Ticket Issue

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Gloucester City Police Chief George Berglund and Housing Inspector Joe Stecklair about the questionable ticketing of preselected property owners and/or residents. A total of 54 properties were selected for tickets.

Ordinance 73-15 addresses the issue of snow removal from sidewalks. The ordinance says “It is the duty of the police officers of Gloucester City, to make complaint against any person or persons who violate73-15 of this ordinance”.

Chief Berglund acknowledged that he did not assign any police officers to perform the required duty of the ordinance nor did he know how the time was established to start the count down for the violation.

Chief Housing Inspector Stecklair acknowledged that he volunteered his services to “Be the Eyes and Ears of the Police Department”.

It was his position that “something needed to be done to ensure safe passage of children to school”.

Stecklair then assigned Inspector Wagner to police the King St, Market St, Monmouth St, and Broadway corridors. When asked why Wagner listed nine owners not part of his instruction, he speculated that they may have been phoned in by complaining neighbors and Wagner added them to the list being forwarded to the police department.

When asked why such a small group of properties were selected instead of citing all properties city wide Mr. Stecklair said “it is like catching speeders, you can’t catch them all”.

I feel the properties weren’t going anywhere and could have been covered city wide.

The ordinance allows twelve hours to comply. Stecklair feels this is more than adequate time to comply. Berglund felt 24 hours  may be more appropriate. All parties agree the ordinance needs to be rewritten.

I feel “No rule is so general that it is without exception” and the exceptions should be included in the ordinance.

Chief Berglund stated that letters have been sent out to administratively dismiss the tickets. The letter finds you guilty and warns all recipients that any future violation will be fully prosecuted and shall not be dismissed.

So the indication is that even if you would have been able to prove wrongful citation or prejudicial selection you are still guilty and lose the opportunity to have a future offense dismissed that will be afforded to others not preselected by Inspectors Stecklair and Wagner.

One question that comes to mind is what happened to “fair and equal treatment under the law”?

My letter is not intended to be the position of our public servants. It is therefore suggested that the city post the ordinance in question on its web site and that any/all named individuals post clarifications to my letter if they differ with any of the foregoing content. It will certainly improve communication between the city administration and the taxpayers.

signed A ClearysNoteBook (CNB) Reader

CNB Note: More details on this topic will be forthcoming in Monday’s Tips and Snippets column. 

Related articles by Zemanta

• Letters: The City Ticketing People for Not Shoveling Sidewalks is Despicable (gloucestercitynews.net)

A Thank You to Mayor James, City Council, and Gloucester City's Administrative Staff

 

To the Residents of Gloucester City,

 

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude and appreciation to Mayor Bill James, our City Council and the many members of Gloucester City’s Administrative staff for all of their hard work this past year.

I believe that though we have had differences of opinion on a number of key issues it is always important to express honest thanks for the time, effort and dedication that are given by the men and women who serve our community.

I am delighted to read the Mayor’s dedication to improving communication with our community.  Mayor James wrote “First we intend on continuing to video the council meetings and expect this year to spend $25,000 in UEZ grant monies to upgrade our equipment for better home viewing and digital retention of events.”  I believe the Mayor’s intent is excellent and I wish to volunteer my services to him and our Council in improving that initiative through the many mediums I have utilized to convey information to our residents.

I am also very pleased to read in the Mayor’s address that Gloucester City will seek

WHAT HAPPENED TO BOBBY DORNBACH?

A few weeks ago I attended a Toys for Tots held in honor of Robert Dornbach, as I have the last few years. Every year I leave with the same thoughts, “What happened to Bobby? Someone has to know something. Why don’t they come forward?

Being a mother of five children, I cannot imagine the pain his mother and family are feeling not knowing. With Christmas so close, I know it had to hurt even more.

So if you know anything, please break your silence. Give Bobby’s mom and family the best Christmas they could have. Call the police or the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. You don’t have to give your name. It might help you to have a better Christmas too.

Josephine Fuchs, Gloucester City (source Gloucester City News)

SEE RELATED STORY

DISMAYED THAT CITY CLERK PAUL KAIN WAS FIRED!

I am dismayed by the reported firing of Municipal Clerk Paul Kain because I don't understand it.

   No position could be more local; yet, announcement of it is front-page news, and its resolution is taking place at the highest levels of state government - through the Office of Local Government Services, in the cabinet-level Department of Community Affairs.

   We are informed by the City that Mr. Kain has been unable to work for nearly six months, but from Mr. Kain we have heard nothing. At the same time, there is no shortage of comments from those who feel the Clerk should be removed from office due to his association with previous administrations. Surely, the potential vacating and filling of such an important city position deserves very thorough deliberation.

   I can recall more than one highly charged public meeting where dozens of citizens, angered by what I was saying, would have drowned out my entire testimony if Secretary Kain had not maintained eye contact, letting me know I was still being taped for the permanent record.  If nothing else, the loss of Mr. Kain will represent a loss of continuity, of contact with someone who still remembers some of the things we did, and why we did them.  That should encourage us to take considered, measured steps to be sure the disposition of his case is just and compassionate, and benefits the whole city.

Steve Roche, Gloucester City (source Gloucester City News)

Related articles by Zemanta

• GLOUCESTER CITY MUNICIPAL CLERK FIRED  
• Cheers and Jeers for December 09 (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Complaint Filed Against 19 City Officials, Kudos to the Borough of Brooklawn, Local TV Star (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Made in Gloucester City: The way out of our Financial Crisis (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Daily Newspaper Gives Some Ink to Municipal Clerk Being Fired (gloucestercitynews.net)

LETTERS: A SNOWY NIGHT IN GLOUCESTER CITY

T’was the night of the snow storm

and all through the City,

Not a creature was stirring, it was so pretty.

I was walking my dog on a long winter’s night,

When back at the house I ran into my plight.

I locked myself out with nowhere to go.

One cold little dog all covered with snow.

I asked for some help from some teens throwing snow,

But they disappeared in the houses below.

And shining like a star there in the night,

Was the Gloucester City Firehouse, what a beautiful sight.

I rang their bell and what did I meet,

Some friendly fireman who worked on King Street.

They welcomed us into the firehouse so bright,

Where they keep watch both day and night.

And what to my wondering eyes did appear,

A big shining red fire truck and firemen in their gear.

They opened my house so lively and quick,

That I thought to myself they must work for St. Nick.

And as I watch them drive out of sight,

I thought I heard in the distance someone say.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Thanks to all the Gloucester City Firemen

who helped me that night.

Marilyn Flexon, Gloucester City (source Gloucester City News)

see photo galley

Letter to President Barack Obama : Landmark 1st Amendment Case

Congress.org - :

Subject:
Landmark 1st Amendment Case

To:
President Barack Obama
Sen. Maria Cantwell
Rep. Doc Hastings
Sen. Patty Murray

January 3, 2010

Over a dozen good Americans are facing a criminal trial. What they did was sell tickets to attend a several day seminar where people, just like you, peacefully assembled to hear speakers on a wide variety of topics. One such topic was the 17,000 official, certified, national and state documents that conclusively prove the income tax is a massive fraud.

What they are charged with is conspiracy to defraud the government, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, wire fraud, and income tax evasion. Conviction could result in more than a hundred years in prison.

The First and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States are too important to lose. Freedom in America depends on the courts enforcing these fundamental protections. The Supreme Court must hear the case of Hirmer v. United States, Case No. 09-651.

Please help stop the destruction of our liberties. The US government is becoming increasingly tyrannical. Your paramount duty is to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the natural, God-given rights of American Citizens.

Chelan , WA

via www.congress.org

Is the Income Tax a Massive Fraud? Supreme Court to Hear Case of Hirmer v. United States

Would a 15-30% increase in your pay check every month make your New Year happier? That would be the result of the United States Supreme Court deciding to hear the case of Hirmer v. United States, Case No. 09-651.

Claudia and Mark Hirmer, mother and father of six children, are on criminal trial with eleven other people:

What they did was sell tickets to attend a several day seminar where people, just like you, peacefully assembled to hear speakers on a wide variety of topics. One such topic was the 17,000 official, certified, national and state documents that conclusively prove the income tax is a massive fraud.

What they are charged with is conspiracy to defraud the government, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, wire fraud, and income tax evasion. Conviction could result in more than a hundred years in prison.

The Hirmers filed a motion to dismiss the indictment and supported it with the actual official, certified, documents. The district court, unable to assail the validity of the documents and what they prove, refused to consider the documentation. This refusal is now before the United States Supreme Court. All the court documents, including the uncontested proof of the government fraud, are here. Unlike the government, we have nothing to hide.

UNDER THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO OUR CONSTITUTION, DISCLOSING GOVERNMENT FRAUD CANNOT BE MADE A CRIME . . .

UNLESS YOU ALLOW IT TO HAPPEN

The Supreme Court will decide on January 15th, 2010, whether to hear the Hirmer’s case or whether they will continue the government cover up of the theft of your hard earned money in utter disregard for our continued freedom and prosperity. You have until then to act.

Do you want to stop the theft of your money? Do you want to preserve your right not to be put on trial for spreading the truth? Do you want to preserve your right to defend yourself from bogus allegations you are a criminal? Freedom of speech is so important to our continued well being that our Founding Fathers made it the 1st Amendment. Will preserving that freedom be your first priority of the New Year?

FightBackNow.us is your one stop destination to discover the truth and take simple steps to demand the Supreme Court hear these critical issues. Do it for yourself, do it for your kids and grand kids, and do it for your Country.

FightBackNow.us

This is important. Please visit the website, spend a few minutes educating and convincing yourself of the truth, and then notify the media, the Supreme Court and Congress that we will no longer tolerate what passes for justice in America. We’ve made it simple to let your voice be heard in a number of ways; please ring the bell of freedom. It only takes a couple of minutes of your time.

And pass this e-mail on to your friends and family

"Fools," said I, "you do not know Silence like a cancer grows."

    –Simon and Garfunkle

Jeffrey A. Dickstein
Attorney at Law
500 W. Bradley Rd., C-208
Fox Point, WI 53217
(414) 446-4264
jdlaw1@wi.rr.com
http://jeffdickstein.com

http://fightbacknow.us

Related articles by Zemanta

• U.S. Supreme Court contemplating Washington state public records case (thenewstribune.com)
• Supreme Court to decide soon on Ref. 71 signature case (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

Letters: The City Ticketing People for Not Shoveling Sidewalks is Despicable

Hello Bill

The December snow storm was one of the worst in the last 10 years. Gloucester City was just about shut down and if wasn't for the county trucks plowing the county roads like Market Street there would have been no movement at all.

I started shoveling about 12 noon on Saturday and again at 5 pm and one more time at 10 pm .Even though it was still snowing I wanted to try to keep it down so I did not have to shovel 20" in the morning. On Sunday morning I went out at 8am and began the tremendous task of clearing the side walk first. We live in the 400 unit block of Market Street. I started with my neighbor’s house as he is suffering from cancer and unable to take care of snow removal. I shoveled all the way down to 5th Street then turned towards Powell and shoveled about 40ft of the sidewalk. Bear in mind the section of sidewalk on 5th Street and on Powell Street is city sidewalk as it borders a city owned parking lot.

Mom’s car was on Market Street and my car was in the parking lot owned by the city.

Most of the cars on Market Street were plowed in with hard snow and ice above the

OPEN LETTER OF APPECIATION

We all should realize that taxes are a must and death is a certainty. With death there are details that require attention; these are one’s final arrangements. This obligation falls to the immediate family.

These final arrangements do not have to be an emotional or financial burden placed upon the shoulders of our loved ones during their time of need. Let’s face facts, a decedent is at rest. However, life goes on, and these obligations must be addressed.

The professional and devoted staff at McCann-Healey has helped me take charge of the reality of passing. Recently, my children and I spent an important and meaningful afternoon together.

Letters: Merry Christmas and thank you for all you do

I just wanted to wish you and all your family a Blessed Christmas and a prosperous, happy and healthy New Year.

I don’t remember how I found your ClearysNotebook site, but I am so glad I did.

I grew up in Mt. Ephraim (1951 til 1976) and love to read about the area and keep up with it.  It brings back lots of nice memories for me.

Thank you so much for all the work you do to keep people in touch with their hometowns.

Again, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Very sincerely, Patricia Rainey Junkins

Letter: Dear Senator, Your Actions are Revolting

December 22, 2009

Dear Senator:

Your recent vote on the healthcare bill will go down in history. In fact, all sixty of you will go down in historical fashion. You will lose re‐election bids. You will become the scourge of freedom loving Americans across the nation. In the long‐run, history will anoint you as villains that attempted to sack free enterprise in America and doomed your own constituents to substandard healthcare at premium cost. All under the guise of putting a few people that do not have coverage on insurance, you have created an untenable entitlement. It will do the precise opposite of what you have projected. Costs will increase. People will not be covered. Many will opt‐out and drop out by choice in protest. Refuseniks. The extent of your damage remains to be seen, but damage it will be. Look at just a few examples of big government largesse in America.

In the beginning, Social Security was supposed to provide an incentive for older persons to retire to accommodate an underemployed workforce in the face of the Great Depression. It was never meant to be an identification process, and in fact, that aspect was much debated. Look at what it has become and how expensive it is now. There is no real “fund” you continue to lie about that fact too. Those funds hit the general account and are gone. What percentage of our annual budget is Social Security now compared to what the projections were back in the 30’s, 50’s 70’s?

Medicare has similar history. It has expanded and become so badly operated that it will be bankrupt