TOWN MEETINGS ON HEALTH

Try putting a song to the opposition's agenda

Lately, I have seen several town meetings on health care disrupted by a small group of people. To the rest of the people who would like to hear the speaker, I suggest simply start singing softly, "We Shall Overcome." Stay calm and just sing. It may not change a thing, but it's nonviolent, it may calm the storm and bring some harmony to the gathering.

GINNY JONES, EDINA

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I have recently learned that I have been classified as one of the "mob" all because I do not agree with the president's health care plan, ak aObamaCare. We who oppose this plan are told to keep silent. Yes, the First Amendment does not apply to us on this issue.

Let's set the record straight: This issue is not about your health care, but about Democrats in Washington securing their votes and power.

The Democrats are known for creating programs, which are the instruments used to control the people. When these programs become law, the public may grow dependent upon these programs, and their vote is then secured by the Democrats, in fear that the program could sunset. It's called buying votes.

Recently we have witnessed cap and trade, Obama Motors, and now ObamaCare. Capitalism is slowly being taken over by socialism.

If you are one of the "mob," please do not remain silent. Speak out in opposition to the Obama administration's wanting to control your life, and the erosion of capitalism and your liberties.

BRENT E. FRAZIER, PELICAN RAPIDS, MINN.

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An Aug. 7 letter writer referred to the people who are shouting down members of Congress at health care forums as just "the average guy," and saying they had as much right to protest as people on the "hard-core left."

Legislators have come back to their districts to hold a discussion with their constituents and answer questions about the health care reform bill. Anyone could attend, ask questions and disagree with their representative in a respectful manner.

Nobody has the right to shout throughout the entire meeting with the intent to ensure that the only opinion to be heard is theirs. It's not the Democrats who are trying to shut these meetings down. It's people who are being directed to do it by lobbyists for the health insurance companies and they've been given clear instructions on what to do.

JIM BOOTZ, MINNEAPOLIS

INFUSION OF CASH

There's another clunker that needs attention

The federal government cash-for-clunkers program is successful and well-accepted. Gov. Tim Pawlenty should ask for a state-funded cash-for-clunkers program to increase the stimulus.

VINCE BEACOM, CHAMPLIN

Power with the patient

Where the quality vs. quantity decision lies

As an employee in long-term care for many years, I feel compelled to respond to "It's not moral to compel suffering" (Opinion Exchange, Aug. 8).

It is heart-wrenching to see those you care for suffer and die. Everything possible is done to alleviate that suffering. It is the right of elderly patients to accept or decline care/treatment recommended by their physician.

A lot can be considered and decided by an individual that could result in reduction of health care cost, without crossing the line into assisted suicide. For example, the medications and procedures one chooses or does not choose when their health declines. Individuals need to be educated and then allowed to make their own choices.

When a client can make a well-informed decision, I believe many would choose quality of life, but it is the elderly patient's right to make a well-informed choice. How long would it be before the elderly would feel societal pressure at the end of life to choose assisted suicide due to health care cost, instead of the care and treatment that they would prefer, because they feel they are a burden to society? Would this be morally acceptable?

PAM BROKHAUSEN, RAMSEY

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The Rev. Trish Greeves has forgotten the great commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." The terms "euthanasia," "death with dignity" and "kill" all mean the same thing -- to cause to die.

Changing the terminology will not change the reality of the action. When we begin to pursue those courses we are no longer listeners and doers of God's word.

We need to be strong, and believe his words to us that no matter what, until the end of time, "I will always be with you."

LAURIE PLANTE, COON RAPIDS