Continuing to defend traditional marriage
Fall is here, with it, recent issues of the Times bring me news that two local writers have responded to my courageous and spirited defense of traditional marriage (Sept. 4).
First, there’s Ed Huber, who informs us “it’s a new world” and a “far, far, better one” that’s “here to stay” because of so-called same-sex marriage (Sept. 25 issue).
Nonsense.
Then there’s Joe Orenstein, who in his screed (Oct. 16) resorted to the now very shopworn ad hominem so typical of leftists: yell “bigot” whenever someone disagrees with their agenda. Joe, that routine was old when the hula hoop was new and is a play straight from the “civil rights” days of the ’50s. Can your side ever come up with a serious argument in favor of your ideological preferences?
These penmen clearly have joined the current parade of irresponsibility stampeding in support of the latest political fad.
It is also clear both are in need of a history lesson. The “new world” they tout is not so new after all. So-called same-sex marriage was available in ancient Rome and during the “anything goes” days of the French Revolution, and we all know how those experiments turned out, don’t we?
Needless to say, I remain proud to stand foursquare for traditional marriage and I’m willing to defend it via writing with letters so bright the blind will be able to read them. So, Ed and Joe, feel free to name-call until your hearts are content; my side will win in the long term.
George Tomezsko
Fox Chase
Thanks to those who attended ceremony
On Oct. 20, a memorial ceremony to recognize the 30th anniversary of the bombing in Beirut was held at the monument at Columbus Boulevard and Dock Street.
The ceremony was attended by families of the fallen, color guards from the U.S. Marines and Marine Corps League detachments from the area as well as several Marine motorcycle clubs and members of the public and visitors from other cities. The guest speaker was retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Richard Zingler, and a proclamation from the state was presented by state Rep. John Sabatina.
It should be noted that many city, state and federal officials were invited as well as local media outlets, but none had the courtesy to attend and report on this important occasion honoring our service members who gave their lives for our country. Shame on them, and thanks to those who did attend.
Don Campanile
Lawndale
Obamacare must go
As I was just about to resign myself that all hope was lost and America as we knew it was gone, I read the letters by Richard Iaconelli and Diane McDowell in the Northeast Times. I had some renewed faith that there are still many of us who are willing to oppose this law that was forced on to the American people.
First of all, it never had to be this way. A program could have been set up for those who are uninsured while leaving the rest of alone. It is tyrannical to impose a law that forces people to purchase goods or services that they don’t want or need.
The 10 essentials of Obamacare include services such as mental health and maternity care. I don’t want mental health coverage and, as a man, I don’t need maternity care. Why shouldn’t people be able to keep what they have as the president had promised or have a plan that covers only the services they want?
I’ve seen the new plans. There is nothing affordable about them. A bronze plan, which is the cheapest plan available under the new law, will have a deductible of about $6,200 and cost close to $400 a month. It is unconscionable that any state insurance commission would OK a plan where someone would pay $4,800 a year for it and not be able to receive benefits until they spend $6,200 out of pocket. This law was not needed, as there are already programs in place for those who can’t afford coverage. Many people will be overwhelmed with anxiety and find themselves without insurance come Jan. 1. Others will have their premiums drastically increased with less coverage.
And just wait until the employer mandate kicks in next year. Look at the damage it’s already doing. People must let their elected representatives know that they don’t want this. Remember, they work for you. The first thing that needs to be done is to stop insurers from dropping plans that people had long before this law was signed and reinstate those they have already dropped. Many have already been hurt by this law, and something has to be done before many more suffer from its impact.
Peter DiGiuseppe
Rhawnhurst
Give Affordable Care Act a chance
Richard Iaconelli writes that the Affordable Care Act (wrongly labeled Obamacare) is comparable to prohibition.
How do you compare legislation that attempts to provide health care to the entire nation to the banning of alcoholic beverages? What illegal product will this produce?
Concierge medicine is bootlegging? What’s illegal about paying for your health care without insurance?
Will criminals offer illegal insurance? Will there be speakeasies selling insurance after hours?
The Affordable Care Act may not be perfect, but it is the first logical step toward reasonably priced health insurance for the entire nation.
To label it as a criminal act is irresponsible.
Joe Orenstein
Bustleton
