Published: October 26, 2009 07:55 pm         

Reader's Forum: Oct. 27, 2009

Albom event good for ISU, community



I just got back from the Mitch Albom speech at the ISU Speaker’s Series. I wanted to take a moment to write, and say how proud I am of my alma mater for providing this program to the community free of charge.

While I was waiting in line I spoke to an avid book reader from Sarah Scott Middle School, who talked to me about the impact of reading on the youth of the Wabash Valley. I became inspired that there were so many people from ISU and beyond, that enjoyed Mitch’s work, and more importantly so many people that share the passion of reading.

The line to meet Mitch after the program was long, and Tilson Auditorium was full. I just kept thinking to myself how underutilized the facility is for events, but I was also proud at the same time that the event was standing room only. I think Terre Haute had finally found the perfect storm, a great author and speaker, and a price point of “free.” It was an inspiring speech, about “not being able to take anything with you,” and about how we all can make a difference if we choose to.

What kept running through my mind as important to me in this community is the value of the arts and culture in our community. I realize that we are in a recession, and I think Mark Bennett spelled it out perfectly in his Sunday column about ISU and Terre Haute working together on Riverscape. The one theme I loved about his column was all of us working together to make this community a better place. I have spent many years here as someone that believes in the value of art, music and literature in the Wabash Valley. I have been passionate in speaking about it on my radio show and to everyone that I come in contact with, and I hope that other people will join me in applauding ISU for bringing Mitch Albom to Terre Haute for the ISU Speaker series. Kudos to Mark Edwards and the gang for all that they do each year with that program, which is a great asset to not only ISU but the community.

I hope that ISU president Daniel Bradley was in attendance to see the “full house,” and for those of you that missed it, maybe you can catch the next installment at ISU. It was great to see the community support this event, and I can only hope for more opportunities to enjoy things like this in the future. You can’t place a “value” on something like this in Terre Haute, but I can say it’s an event that was good for community morale that made me proud to be a Sycamore and a Terre Haute resident.

— Matt Luecking, Terre Haute



Health care reform not a quick fix



It is bad to agree with someone or group on assumptive knowledge. It is worse to agree with someone or group from ignorance. The “I think I kinda know what good health care reform is” may not be what it is at all.

Health care reform could end up being a great governmental and a total medical industry and health care debacle. If our president, senators and representatives don’t examine, discuss, understand and read what they put together and share it in detail with all Americans, how can good, quality and equitable health care reform even begin?

Some questions that need to be asked. How will it be paid for? What determines good health care reform and what determines bad health care reform? What are the health care reform facts needed to make a “for” or “against” healthcare reform decision? How will all individuals and institutions be directly affected and indirectly affected by health care reform? Who will determine medical excesses and medical stringencies? By what standard will they be measured? Will anyone’s rights be violated?

Our federal government appears to be out of touch with public and private preferences for health care. It is vitally necessary that all aspects of reform; the individual, the patient, the medical facility, the doctor, other medical personnel, the researcher, the medical and drug research facility, the medical insurance company, and the law and lawyer would have to be completely understood in their continuous and specific interacting relationships.

Without a thorough understanding of these relationships any health care reform is doomed to failure and individuals and institutions would be catastrophically hurt and damaged. Good, quality and equitable health care reform is not a quick fix as is being attempted.

— Charles Bean, Terre Haute



Thank you for support for brother



On behalf of my brother, Ron Day, and myself, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that supported the recent benefit for my brother’s kidney transplant surgery.

The generosity of more 150 local merchants and organizations that donated items and services for auction items was overwhelming. Country Music Makers, Country Nomads, Showdown and Midwest Playboys all provided music for the event. We really appreciate them giving up their Sunday and donating their time.

We would also like to thank the many friends and family members, without their help and prayers the benefit would not have been possible. Without the support of those mentioned above plus everyone that attended, this event would not have been so successful.

Thank you.

— Penny Ratts, Terre Haute