Unfettered Letters

The ‘right’ to health care

The Obama administration evidently thinks that everyone has the “right” to all of the medical care they need or want — except those who have earned it. That reflects the ghastly moral corruption that government brings to its control of health care. Thank you for calling attention to this (3/20, Opinion, “U.S. has obligation to veterans”). The plan was not “unfair” but outrageous.

First it must be stated that the treatment of combat injuries is not welfare but a richly deserved moral commitment to those who have risked their lives defending our freedom. As it is, politicians who maintain that everyone has a “right” to health care really mean that no one has a right to any health care unless they get it from the government.

When we see how the government cares for combat veterans, what should the rest of us expect when the government controls and rations all health care?

Richard E. Ralston
Executive director, Americans for Free Choice in Medicine
Newport Beach, Calif.

Thank you to Scout troop

Congratulations to Troop 162 of the Boy Scouts of America who provided us with an excellent reminder of patriotism on Veterans Day with the demonstration of the 800 American flags near Johnson Drive and I-35.

It matters not as a veteran whether your service was World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm or Iraq. Veterans surrendered a part of their lives so that you and I might live in a free land and where we can worship in the manner of our choice.

We all should remember that freedom is not free, and it appears to me that veterans are the ones who have paid the price for our freedom.

A classic reminder of the service provided by veterans was the flag demonstration. We all owe the scout troop a thank you for their timely reminder.

Benton T. Munday

Prairie Village

Dear Soldier …

Dear Soldier,

We are the luckiest country in the world. You help us keep our freedom. You are the savior of many lives. You help us fight our enemy. You are the heart in our nation.

I think we should talk to our enemy and try to understand our enemy, but I know you have to fight back sometimes. I know it is hard to end wars.

Until the war has ended, I want you to be brave.

Thank you,

Collin Anselmi, age 8
Leavenworth

Veteran appreciates kindness

On Veterans Day, I was at a retirement luncheon at Hometown Buffet in Independence, along with other persons who had retired from this company. The function was held in the private room.

About halfway through lunch two ladies entered the room and were going from table to table inquiring whether people sitting there were military veterans and what branch they had been in. When one of the ladies stopped at my table and asked if I was a veteran, I told her I had been in the Army. She handed me an envelope that said “Honored Army Veteran.” Inside the card said, “Dear Friend, we will be forever grateful for your courageous service and countless sacrifices. God bless you.”

They had signed their first names on the card. I hope I don’t embarrass them by repeating their names, but I want people to know about their very kind and thoughtful gesture. Someone asked them if they represented a special group and they said no, that they were doing this on their own.

They had also put a ten-dollar bill in each card. They passed out about 10 cards in the room.

Thank you and God bless you, Evelyn and Marcia.

Reg Hill
Oak Grove

Grateful to our veterans

Veterans Day has come and gone, but somehow the events of the past few months leading up to the election, hearing and watching the people getting out and voting and listening to John McCain’s and Barack Obama’s speeches overwhelmed me with pride.

I am proud and grateful to be an American, proud and grateful to have served my country in the U.S. Navy, proud to be a veteran and proud and grateful to those people now serving our country.

The freedoms we all enjoy and some take for granted are not without cost. Let us all remember this as we honor all of our veterans past and present.

William Mace
Overland Park

Thank our veterans today

Veterans Day is special, as is the Fourth of July, Memorial/Armistice Day, Pearl Harbor Day and numerous important other occasions.

Most citizens of the U.S. pause, pray and give thanks for our veterans and active service people who have protected us from the challenge of foreign intrigue, terrorism and sometimes the greed of special-interest groups that threaten us in so many ways.

Jackie Raymond
Overland Park

Grocery chain honors veterans

I feel that the Hy-Vee stores are doing a very nice gesture by offering a free breakfast buffet to all veterans on Veterans Day. What a wonderful show of gratitude for these most deserving people. In these times of corporate greed and problems, it is reassuring to know that there are these kinds of corporations still present.

I might also add that for purchases made at either of the Lee’s Summit stores, our church receives a percentage refund on all receipts that the congregation turns back in to the church. We need more community-minded stores like this.

Jack Zorn
Pleasant Hill

Life isn’t all about money

The future of America was brought to my attention by two articles in The Star. One was regarding Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow, who was suspended for one game, costing him $235,294 (10/22, Sports, “Browns suspend Winslow; General manager fed up with tight end’s remarks about health issue”).

The other article was about a soldier injured in Iraq and on disability compensation. He has not been able to pay his last three house payments of $532 per month and is about to lose his home (10/22, A-1, “Nation’s foreclosure crisis falls harder on its veterans”).

As a retired teacher, counselor and public school administrator, I’m concerned that fewer are entering the profession due to salaries. However, many are still involved because of the values and leadership they want to show our youth.

One great role model is Tony Severino, who coached for me at Shawnee Mission Northwest before going to Rockhurst High in 1984. Tony has coached for more than 35 years, and his total supplemental coaching salary will not match Winslow’s one-game pay, but Tony doesn’t do it for the money. It is his ministry.

Let’s all work to change America’s future generations, educationally, socially and economically.

Gerald Yoesel
Olathe

Praise for VA hospital

Recently I drove my husband to the VA hospital on Linwood Boulevard. Jack has been a VA patient about 15 years. We arrived about 7:15 a.m. and were warmly greeted by several lovely personnel who furnished a wheelchair, made sure I could find parking and took my husband to the lab for testing.

The entry and main floor were clean, and the general area was neat and attractive. All the personnel were pleasant, neatly dressed and helpful.

I wished to write since the VA hospitals have had much criticism in the past. As a retired 78-year-old nurse, certified in infection control, I can appreciate the importance of clean environments.

I was pleased and proud to be so well cared for the by VA Hospital.

Mary Ann Travis
Overland Park

Veteran supports Graves

Kay Barnes says, “A dismal record, a disgraceful campaign” or something to that effect in reference to Congressman Sam Graves. I know Sam Graves personally, and that’s not the Sam Graves I know.

For instance, I know Sam Graves as an Eagle Scout, as someone who has played “Taps” at many returning veterans’ funerals returning from overseas, and as a Congressman who helped me get my medals for serving my country in the military for 25 years. I am part Native American, a born-again Christian, a Boy Scout and leader since 1962, and I believe that Sam Graves is the best candidate for the 6th Congressional District.

I believe in our nation is a country with a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” and a country blessed by God. God promises that “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Lloyd Lapore Jr.
Kansas City