Bipartisan health care reform

I am a hardworking U.S. citizen, and I want to see us come together to make the United States a better place to live. I am one of many Americans who cannot afford health insurance. Fortunately, I do not have any health issues that require me to go to the doctor with any regularity. But when I do get a severe earache or sore throat, I cannot go see the doctor because I cannot afford the visit or prescriptions.

I understand that some people do not like the health care reform bill and want it thrown out. To them I ask these questions: How come the Democrats and Republicans can’t work together to make this plan better instead of starting from scratch? We need medical care now.

To those wanting to start over: Are they willing to pay for me to go to the doctor for something as small as an earache that will cost me $200-plus for an emergency room visit? I would greatly appreciate the help.

Tabatha Wilson

Waco

Chet Edwards health care vote

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, last year voted against the House health care reform bill and pledged to vote against the Senate health care bill. He understands that our country is in debt and realizes that these bills will only make matters worse.

Even though the majority of voters feel that both of these bills have been rushed through Congress, I think we all agree that Edwards has taken the time to listen to our opinions and figure out a solution that is better suited to our needs. His common-sense proposal for a fiscal trigger was a great solution but was not included in either of the bills, so that is why he is not supporting the Senate bill.

Ashley Miller

Waco

Go Big (and littler) Green

I appreciate the conundrum encountered when trying to decide whether to identify Baylor University’s women athletic teams as the “Lady Bears” or the “Women Bears.”

At Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, they have solved the problem by referring to the men’s athletic teams as “The Big Green” and the women’s athletic teams as “The Tiny Bit Smaller and Slightly Less Athletic Green.”

B.J. Greaves

Waco

Not supporting David Sibley

When I found out that David Sibley will run for Kip Averitt’s seat in the Texas State Senate, I laughed and said I hope no one votes for him. Sibley was a lobbyist and, in my book, anyone who is a lobbyist is the lowest of the low in our political system. We don’t want them nor should we have them as our representatives.

Linda Whittredge

Woodway

Praise for personal service

In this fast-paced world we live in today, I have seen personal service become less important and almost impossible to find. But that is not the case with Waco welder Danny Daniels. He has come to my rescue countless times with quick efficiency to ensure that my gates are secure to close my business. Just recently I had a broken gate and he came right over, despite having just been released from the hospital. It’s nice to know there are honest and caring business people locally who have our best interest in mind and who we can trust.

Deborah Boyd

Waco

Doc is lecturing us?

I find it somewhat oxymoronic and a bit insulting to be lectured by state Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson about the cost to taxpayers of pending health care legislation when Doc pays his taxes several years late and only when forced to do so.

Would the Trib run a column by former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards on the importance of marital fidelity?

Stephen Lundquist

Hewitt

Waco Transit called inconsiderate

I feel like Waco Transit does not care about the average hard-working citizen. I have on several occasions tried to contact Waco Transit to inform them of my concerns but have never gotten a response.

I live in an area where I have to walk under an interstate to get to the Route 5 bus stop. This is because the bus will not come down the other side of the road, which is where the apartments are located. Several of us ride the bus every day to work and we all have to walk great distances and under the highway to catch the bus.

It’s particularly difficult when it is raining or just when you’re running late. I have to catch the bus at 6:30 a.m. to be at work by 8. If the bus is not on time or is running early, I miss it and am late.

When I have tried to contact Waco Transit about this situation I have met with a negative attitude. They don’t seem to care. The other day I asked to speak with a supervisor and the receptionist told me that none were available until after 8 a.m., when I am already at work. I asked for a number to a corporate office, but she replied that she did not know the number. Often the bus drivers are rude and inconsiderate toward riders.

So I am writing this in hopes that Waco Transit will improve service to make it easier for those of us on this side of town to access public transportation.

David Sebesta

Lacy Lakeview

Thanking JC Penney workers

I wish to thank two employees of JC Penney for their assistance recently when I became ill at the store.

They called an ambulance and stayed with me until it arrived. Their names are unknown to me, but their kindness does not go unappreciated.

I thank them very much for their concern and help.

Bob Alexander

Waco