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Letters for Oct. 28, 2009
Published October 28, 2009
Sheriffs shouldn’t enforce unconstitutional federal laws
When the Brady Bill took effect in 1994, Sheriff Richard Mack of Arizona sued and the Supreme Court agreed that was unconstitutional. Now he wishes he had, instead, done as Sheriff Nixon of Montana did. He would not join the suit, he said: No, I’m not enforcing the Brady Bill.
Sheriff Mack said the greatest threat we face, as a nation, is our own federal government. He is strongly against the interventionist foreign policy and the domestic national security tactics. “The bigger the government, the smaller the freedom,” he says.
He points out that state nullification of unconstitutional federal laws is as old as the republic. There are several examples of local stands against federal laws.
Standing for liberty always has been labeled extremism.
His book, “The County Sheriff: America’s Last Hope” (sheriffmack.com) explains how your sheriff can be the last line of defense for the Constitution.
I’m trusting Sheriff Charles Wagner will simply, peacefully, not enforce any unconstitutional federal laws. Thank you sheriff.
Nadine Stevenson, Sweeny
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National goal should be reducing health care costs
PBS Houston (Oct. 20) had a panel on health care. I listened carefully to them. They and the health care bill attack the wrong problem.
Essentially they were putting the cart (insurance) ahead of the horse (medical care and the cost of that care). They seemed to forget the horse either pulls the cart or runs over it.
Why not find solutions to lower medical costs. The bill does not reduce the cost.
It seemed very apparent the cost of delivering medical care can be reduced by:
1. Allowing more doctors to be trained.
2. Set up a program of loan forgiveness if a graduating doctor goes into the primary care field.
3. Develop alternatives to emergency rooms, such as medical homes and 24-hour clinics.
4. Reduce the doctors’ fear of lawsuits by tort reform that will alleviate the pressure to do unnecessary tests and procedures.
5. Develop a safe and secure method of having medical history records follow the patient, be available to another facility if the patient is away from home.
6. Use Health Savings Accounts and catastrophic insurance for chronic care.
What is the real purpose of the bill, since lowering care cost isn’t it?
John Riedel, Angleton
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Author’s library visit was special treat for county
I would like to thank the Freeport Friends of the Library for hosting Kinky Friedman at their Author Day (Oct. 16). It was a wonderful literacy event that was enjoyed by many area residents.
His new humorous nonfiction book, “Heroes of a Texas Childhood,” is an interesting young adult/adult book. It brings back many memories to those of us who have admired these Texans, and introduces them to younger generations who might not know their stories.
As a retired teacher and a compulsive reader, I long have admired his writing style, especially the Texas Monthly columns.
He was amazingly patient with the audience, and stayed after the reading to sign items and greet everyone who waited to meet him.
This charismatic, brilliant man is a true Texas gentleman. Thank you.
Carolyn Eddleman, Lake Jackson
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