Three-card monte

Watching our federal government at work makes me feel like being the mark in a game of three-card monte.

What can we believe?

Integrity has taken a hike. Members of Congress seem to be above the law. Out-of-control spending continues. Political shenanigans are rampant.

This health care bill is going to be passed regardless of what it takes and without regard for the will of the people. President Barack Obama has announced his willingness to work with Republicans. I interpret that to mean: “as long as they agree with me.” Otherwise Democrats will employ reconciliation rules to prevent a filibuster.

Meanwhile, Anthem Blue Cross in California has proposed a 39 percent increase in premiums. Is that for real, or could it be that they are acting as shills?

Many have lost faith in our federal government. And who can blame them? 

Joe Walker

Lorena

Defending herself

Common law has recognized the right of individuals to protect themselves since the Magna Carta.

So it’s no secret Baylor University basketball phenom Brittney Griner has been the target of “rough play” strategies all season long. It’s the responsibility of Big 12 officials to protect her from any harm due to illegal contact by opposing players. Although no one can condone blatant physical retaliation by players in any sport, the Big 12 shares responsibility for Brittney’s March 3 reaction to an obvious attempt to intimidate and possibly harm her when she punched Texas Tech’s Jordan Barncastle during the Lubbock game.

Officials need to review all of the games where this obvious coaching strategy has been in effect. I understand that Baylor Coach Kim Mulkey must respond to the incident in a decisive manner. (And athletic director Ian McCaw is in a difficult position as Baylor athletics could suffer further discrimination by challenging the Big 12).

Yet I hope Baylor supporters will contact officials to plead for understanding of Brittney’s reaction, and to demand closer scrutiny, or even condemnation of physical abuse by opposing players as a coaching strategy.

Bobby Blain

Woodway

Postage hikes, too?

So the U.S. Postal Service wants to take a full day off from delivering mail on Saturdays and raise postage rates?

There are many Americans who are out of work at this time and trying hard just to make ends meet. Our postal system seems to be following in the steps of President Barack Obama and most government agencies: they expect more money yet want to work less for it.

Between our liberal government and the unions, taxpayers will probably be made to deliver the mail on Saturdays and receive no compensation for it.

Marilyn Johnson

Lorena

Same plan for all

How come nowhere during the recent attempts to reach a “compromise” on President Barack Obama’s health care reform bill have I heard any discussion that would require members of Congress to abide by the same health care plan that the public does?

Tom C. Hill

Waco