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Published: May 01, 2008 05:40 pm
Readers' Forum: May 2, 2008
Here are facts on WTH worker’s pay
This is in response to a letter published last Sunday (Page D3, Readers’ Forum) from Jerry Keith headlined “Candidate should explain action.”
Let’s set the record straight, Mr. Keith.
The so-called raise that was awarded to the West Terre Haute town employee was not given but earned. The employee in question started his employment in a part-time status. But after two years of employment, the council, not member Bill Thomas, decided to move this individual to full time.
Now the change in pay is covered by the salary ordinance. Now if you would like to call this a raise, so be it. But we call it being fair.
Voting to put Bill Thomas on the Vigo County Council is NOT a mistake. He, along with the WTH council, has done good things for this community and I wish him nothing but the best.
— Scott McClain
President, Town Council, West Terre Haute
Comparing parties’ health care plans
In consideration of Pope Benedict’s words that “Charity must animate the entire lives of the lay faithful and therefore also their political activity,” we Catholics must consider the practice of charity in the coming election by selecting a candidate for president that will care for the health needs of all Americans.
Jesus gave us his example to care for other people’s health: he healed, he cleansed, and he cared — physically, mentally and spiritually. Furthermore, no one needs to argue that health care in the United States needs fixing: 47 million Americans lack health insurance; health care costs are skyrocketing.
Therefore if we choose to practice social charity regarding health care, then which presidential candidate will best care for the needs of all Americans? The plans below provide a comparison from the Commonwealth Fund’s in-depth analysis of the candidate’s health plans. The Commonwealth Fund, one of the major philanthropic foundations in the United States, is charged with the mandate to promote a high performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society’s most vulnerable populations. The Commonwealth’s analysis found the candidates plans to be fundamentally the same within a party but fundamentally different between. The following information is as of Jan. 15, 2008:
Republicans plan tax incentives for individuals to obtain insurance and plan to deregulate state markets. Democrats build on existing private and public group insurance with all sharing in cost: employer, government, and individual — based on ability to pay.
Republicans discuss expanding access, covering everyone is not a goal. Democrats have goal of universal coverage.
Republicans envision private insurance markets with a supporting role played by public insurance relying nearly exclusively on insurance markets for individuals. Democrats envision private insurance markets with a supporting role played by public insurance with rules to ensure an affordable health plan with a standard set of benefits.
Republicans have no consumer protection. Democrats include consumer protection.
Democrats require individuals to purchase coverage and employers to offer or help pay for coverage. The Democrat plan provides financial support for premiums for lower and moderate income families and provide risk pools to prevent insurers from selecting against individuals with serious health risks.
Republicans encourage individual plans with a tax incentive — a tax credit that would not vary by income. Democrats replace individual insurance with new group insurance.
Republicans employ a new standard income tax deduction for private insurance either employer based or individual. (This change would weaken incentive of employers to provide insurance. Previously health benefits from employers only were excluded from income tax). Democrats strengthen large employers’ role.
Clinton only reduces the amount of employer contributions excluded from taxable income on households earning $250,000 or more to the value of a standard plan; Clinton requires coverage for all at the start of her plan. Obama, at the start, covers only children and only requires adult coverage if substantial numbers do not buy.
— Susan McCarthy
Terre Haute
Obama reminds of Kennedy brothers
As I rummage through my album of memories, certain individuals come to my mind who had an impact upon me, as I traveled through the labyrinth of life.
I remember a young lieutenant, a West Point graduate, who was my battery commander at the Artillery Center at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, when I served as a draftee in the Army during the Korean War. (Before becoming a Purdue fan, I followed the Black Knights of the Hudson).
During World War ll, I admired the Great Winston Churchill, who stood up to the ravages of the Nazi regime.
And in the current primary election battles within the Democratic Party, in order to emerge as the standard bearer to become the nominee to the office of the presidency of the United States, I admire the young U.S. senator from Illinois Barack Obama.
I happened to watch the senator addressing a large, enthusiastic crowd in Evansville’s Roberts Stadium April 22.
As Mr. Obama spoke, my eyes welled up with tears, as he enunciated an America he envisions. Paraphrasing the senator (I don’t remember the exact words), whether black or white or Asian; young or old; rich or poor; there is nothing we — the American people — cannot accomplish, if we work together to solve the challenges which await us.
Sen. Obama reminds me of JFK and RFK, two young leaders who campaigned in Terre Haute, and I was fortunate to attend their rallies. Great memories; so many years ago.
The Indiana primary election will be the most crucial contest in this cycle. As in Pennsylvania, the Clintons will wage a very competitive campaign. But with the help of those of us who believe in him, Sen. Obama will stem the tide of the formidable Clinton machine.
If I may borrow the motto of my alma mater: Instead of saying Go Boilers, I would proudly proclaim: “Go Obama”!
— Michael Kor
Terre Haute
Altrusa appreciates community support
The week-end of April 18-20, Terre Haute Altrusa hosted the District Six conference at the Holiday Inn. District Six includes clubs from Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana. Over 120 women from this area came to watch Terre Haute Altrusa “cook” and we did! The event ended with an evaluation which classified this local group of chili cookers to be “hot” stuff!
None of this would be possible without the assistance of many companies, organizations and persons in the surrounding area. A big thanks goes to all: Clabber Girl, Lamar, Beading Paradise, Terre Haute Visitors Bureau, DeBaun Funeral Home, Cowan and Cook Florists, Paris Community Hospital, Paris Altrusa International, Holiday Inn of Terre Haute, Tom McClanahan, Patrick A. Chrisman, Old National Bank, Staples, author Bobbi McPeak, Terre Haute Symphony, meteorologist/radio personality Julie Henricks, Rosalind Friend, Covenant Cooperative Ministry, Books A Million, Altrusa of Danville, Yodda Pet Food, Flour Girl Cakery, Lories Pins and Needles, and Education World.
To all of our sponsors — you made us sizzle! Thank you.
— Muriel Ryan
Altrusa Service Chair
Terre Haute
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