Published: November 03, 2009 12:45 pm      

READERS' FORUM 11-4 | Congress should have same health-care plan

Regarding the health-care package for the United States taxpayers now being debated by House and Senate members:

There would not be so much debate if the plans they introduce would also apply to them.

Any heath-care package passed should include the same coverage for all government employees and taxpayers. Then we would know that we would have better coverage.

No plans should pass unless the same coverage applies to all.

Joe Mandichak

Portage



How swine flu is treated in Europe

I just read that German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her government ministers and the armed forces in Europe will receive an additive-free H1N1 vaccine called Celvapan, but the German public will receive a vaccine containing squalene and the mercury-based preservative thimerosal.

Will this double standard be practiced here in our country? Of course, and we will know in which group we will be placed.

Our big brave leaders and their families will show us that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Shirley A. Weitzel

Stoystown



An old truck and ill-fitting gear

I and other Shade Township residents attended the Richland Township supervisors’ meeting on Oct. 27. Our objective was to find out as much as we could about the satellite fire truck being housed in Shade Township and the services we could expect.

Jason Ober, Richland’s assistant fire chief, said cavemen put out fires with water. How long do you want to wait for the water to get there? However, we in Shade Township are used to being served by a fire company whose training is impeccable, and certified fire instructors were characterized by Ober as people who want to make money getting paid for training.

A sizable number of Richland firefighters are trained in-house in many aspects of fire training.

When ISO ratings to determine house insurance premiums rely heavily on the professional training the firefighters receive, highly certified firemen and training is important. I am sure Richland is highly trained and so is Ober. However, there is deep concern about the new Shade company.

We in Shade cannot see how we are better served with one outdated fire truck and 10 used firefighters suits not custom-fit to the people who will be wearing them – a dangerous practice in itself. A second truck is more than 20 miles away. The golden hour in treating trauma will be used up in the commute.

Central City has the highly trained firefighters, state-of-the-art equipment and the sincere desire to save our lives.

John Sedewar

Cairnbrook



Pleased to see players being watched

In the Sept. 19 issue of The Tribune-Democrat, there was an article about local football players extending their careers to the college ranks. This story was written by Cory Isenberg, with the assistance of Steve Gironda, a volunteer assistant coach at Central Cambria High School, Ebensburg.

As a former Red Devil football player (2005-09) now at St. Francis University, my name appeared in the article. Due to my friendship with Gironda, and the respect I have for him, I was very pleased to read the article.

I understand that Gironda compiled a list of local football players now on collegiate rosters, whether Division III, Division II, Division I FCS or Division I FBS.

While only the Red Devils were named in the article, I think I speak for most on the list when I say how appreciative I am of the enthusiasm and genuine interest shown in compiling such a list.

It is exciting to see that even though most of us are not at big-named schools, there are some people still following and checking on us.

I would like to thank Gironda for caring about these local young men, for sharing his love of the game, and for wanting to inform others where these former local stars are now.

Jeffrey B. Wasilewski

Loretto





Vandals smashed youngster’s pumpkins

I am really disappointed with the kids who live in Beaverdale and who run the streets all the time. They don’t care whose property they destroy.

I gave my 4-year-old granddaughter three pumpkins to put out for Halloween, thinking they would be alright.

Well, someone came onto my steps, took them and smashed them on the road a block away.

How do you tell a 4-year-old what happened to them? My question is: Where are these kids’ parents?

I don’t think they where taught to respect other people’s belongings. If you live in Beaverdale and have kids, just stop and think: What are my kids doing when they’re out of my sight?

Just look around.

Lynn Sambol

Beaverdale



Thank veterans for their service to others

We will observe Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and I am writing to express my most heartfelt gratitude to all veterans and soldiers who reside in the Greater Johnstown area.

The commemoration of this day is a matter of historic and patriotic significance for all Americans, but particularly those who have served in our military.

American writer Cynthia Ozick said, “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”

I think this is all too often the case with our veterans and military personnel who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom.

It is easy to get caught up in the rhythm of our daily lives and forget that there are thousands of men and women fighting overseas to protect us, like generations of heroes have done before them.

From the Revolutionary War to the war on terror, courageous Americans have selflessly served our country and put their lives in danger for the pursuit of liberty.

We are truly blessed to live in the greatest nation in the world, and for that we have our military to thank.

So on Veterans Day, I urge all citizens to thank a military veteran for his or her valor, and to carry the memory of his or her sacrifice with you as you continue to enjoy the freedoms our soldiers are fighting for.

State Rep. Frank Burns

East Taylor Township



Amish should adopt old Roman adage

Regarding to the ultra-conservative Swartzentruber Amish sect and its refusal to comply with a civilized society, not having proper plumbing, specifically an abundance of readily accessible hot water, could lead to the promotion of the e-coli virus, among other viruses.

If you want to do your business in your own sandbox, knock yourself out. However, when you sell your garden produce and homemade baked goods, you should be required to comply with health and agricultural standards set by our state.

I do believe that Cambria County Judge Norman Krumenacker is trying to alleviate this problem without upsetting the Amish’s religion, but the Amish aren’t trying to meet him in the middle.

Luckily, the rest of the law-abiding Pennsylvanians have the ability to protect themselves by not purchasing the Amish’s “goods” and supporting the Amish’s dirty habits.

As the old adage states, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Well, the same holds true here. When in Pennsylvania, do as the Pennsylvanians do. And if they can’t, then Ohio is only 100 miles to the west.

John W. Dixon

Williamsburg