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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Health insurance crisis

Dear Editor,

There is a health insurance crisis in this country. I know there is a crisis because over and over I encounter people who have no health insurance. The reasons vary. They lost their job and the benefits that went with it. Or they are trying to start a business and can’t afford the premiums that come with insurance on the open market. Or they were on ACA (Obama Care), but when the subsidies were ended the price went up beyond their ability to pay for it.  Or the job they had reduced their hours to avoid having to pay them benefits.

So many young people without health insurance are running the risk of having an injury that, if it doesn’t maim them for life, will likely burden them with healthcare-related debt for decades. But they simply can’t afford it.

I’m a senior. I have no debt. My children are grown. My house is paid off. And yet I’m the one who has free health care through Medicare. What is wrong with this picture?

Those who are working and raising a family should have the same health insurance benefit I enjoy. They deserve access to Medicare.

Steve Foley
Bellaire 

Elections should not be for sale 

Dear Editor,

Do you remember hearing “money is the root of all evil?” You might remember on the 2015 debate stage businessman Donald Trump said he donates to both parties? Trump said, “when you give, they do whatever the hell you want them to do.” 

Michigan is getting a lot of attention and money is pouring in to fuel ads on our TVs, radio, and social media. These ads are mostly attack ads and have the “paid for by —” whatever group is picking up the bill. 

We’ve been led to believe that the choice is between two political parties. One party is good and the other is evil. Yet it seems all of us feel the system is rigged against us. 

I have a suggestion. Vote for the candidates who don’t take money from corporations and billionaires who then expect access and something in return for their donation. Vote for the candidate that is beholding to you. 
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If you are fed up with the system and being told “we” need to work harder and expect less, maybe it’s time to look at where the money is coming from, and who it is buying. 

Maureen Lorenz 
Kewadin

Letter to the Editor Guide
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Letters to the editor provide a platform for readers to share their opinions and concerns about local relevant topics. By design, letters to the editor are opinion pieces allowing readers to have their voices heard. The opinions expressed are always the writer’s own. Elk Rapids News does not engage in fact-checking as we would like to due to time constraints and a limitation of resources. 

•    Please limit length to 200 words and two submissions per topic. 

•    Letters containing personal attacks will not be published. 

•    Letters are subject to editing for content and clarity, must be signed, and include address and phone number for verification purposes – only your name and community in which you live be printed.

•    Deadline is Monday 12 p.m. to be considered for that week’s edition.

As your only locally owned and operated local news source, we strive to be your local newspaper of choice and welcome your comments, suggestions. – Editor

Reminder to our readers that Letters to the Editor containing political endorsements will no longer be accepted. Instead, readers may pay for a political ad. 

Elk Rapids News
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P.O. Box 742
Elk Rapids, Michigan  49629

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