• Republicans to blame • It takes a village Republicans to blame Gordon Oswald is probably right. We should stop blaming George W. Bush, the puppet of Dick Cheney, for the mess he left. Then who is at fault? Perhaps
• Republicans to blame • It takes a village
Republicans to blame
Gordon Oswald is probably right. We should stop blaming George W. Bush, the puppet of Dick Cheney, for the mess he left.
Then who is at fault? Perhaps we should take a look at the “I’ve got mine” crowd (the Republican Party) that constantly parrots the Fox News “free stuff/bootstraps” mantra (which includes Mitt Romney) that is preying on the middle class; stealing our social security; shipping our jobs overseas; destroying our education system; committing financial fraud; and fomenting new wars that force our government into deeper and deeper debt — the cost of which the “haves” insist must be paid for by the “have nots.”
The conflation of crimes committed by Barack Obama with those that should be attributed to George W. Bush makes it impossible to discuss Obama’s failings. (Of which there are many.)
However, Obama was not president when Bush’s Secretary of the Treasury Hank Paulson went to Congress with a two-page ransom note demanding $700 billion to be given to the too-big-to-fail banks. How is this Obama’s problem?
The Patriot Act was passed during the Bush administration by a Republican Congress. To blame Obama for “expanding” that act makes no sense.
Lastly, while I think Obama’s choice to allow the insurance companies to skim 20 percent off the top of our health insurance premiums is unconscionable, (especially considering that Medicare overhead is only 3 percent), it is much less than they used to take and given the Republican opposition to any health care reform may have been the best he could do. In any case, there are some significant benefits that have accrued to all Americans — even Oswald — because the health care bill was passed. Besides, the mandate is Romney’s idea.
Look at healthcare.gov and be surprised that you may even get a refund from your insurance company this year because their premiums are way too high.
John Zwiebel
Kalaheo
It takes a village
Mahalo to the American Cancer Society for their two recent Relays for Life and the many organizations and members of the community supporting them.
The ACS does offer hope and help celebrate birthdays by providing much-needed education and support.
In early April 2012, I was diagnosed with cancer (lymphoma). Having survived prostate cancer 12 years ago, I thought I’d never hear that dreadful word again. But there it was threatening me again.
After just four chemotherapy sessions three weeks apart, I’ve learned that I’m cancer-free and will celebrate my 77th birthday in two months.
I wish to publicly acknowledge and express my deepest gratitude to my family and friends for their support and to some very special folks who have assisted me in my personal battle with cancer.
First, Dr. Robert Weiner, my guardian angel. He’s more than a friend; he’s been a palliative savior. He initiated, coordinated and monitored the diagnosis and treatment of my present cancer. Recognizing and treating it early was the key to a successful result.
Next, Dr. Katarina Leckova, my oncologist. She has been overseeing my treatment as if I was a member of her own family. Her care and compassion are extraordinary.
Next are the chemo nurses at Wilcox Hospital Infusion Center. Mary and Mickey, my primary nurses; Rene, Randy, Darcy and Nalani make up the rest of their team who make me feel comfortable during the eight-hour-long sessions of blood testing and infusion.
Many others have come to my aid. My dentist, Dr. Robert Long. My surgeons, Dr. Jay Murphy and Dr. Juliet Zalada.
The pathologists, radiologists, imaging technicians, pharmacists, anesthesiologists and surgery nurses.
We are so lucky to have these highly skilled caregivers on Kaua‘i. It does take a village!
Jim Jung
Kapa‘a
