To the editor:
    This is an open letter to U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. Senator, I request you vote against the health care bill being developed in secrecy by President Obama, Senator Reid and Representative Pelosi.

At times like this when the world responds to a major disaster, the question is always “How do I help?”

To the editor:
Highland County Children Services would like to express our sincerest gratitude and warmest thanks to all of the individuals, clubs, organizations, and businesses for their generous donations and sponsorship to the foster children and families of Highland County during this Christmas holiday season.

Teddy Roosevelt was, by all accounts, one of our very greatest presidents. But his political opponents tried to scare the public into believing he was just a warmonger who would quickly have the whole world aflame with war and violence if he were elected.

Five major problems that the United States faces are gaining energy independence, curtailment of global warming, the mounting national debt, loss of good jobs and the exploding cost of health care, none of which are being adequately addressed by our elected officials.

When the Clinton's were debating health care in the early 1990s, 95 cents on every insurance premium dollar went to pay claims. Now it is slightly above 80% which means that about 20% of what everyone pays for health insurance goes to profit and administrative costs including executive pay.

My goal is not to offend but to present some ideas and have a discussion.  However, one sure way to prevent a discussion is to accuse me of being a distortionist, a liar, and a new McCarthyite without valid supporting evidence.

I would like to take this time to thank the County Commissioners, all county offices, co-workers, family, and friends for making my retirement so enjoyable. Thanks also to Rory Ryan and his staff for the write-up in the Highland County Press.

Writing Christmas “wish-lists” to send to Santa used to be one of my special talents, but I’m embarrassed to say that, like so many things, I’ve sorta neglected it for the passed several years. But not this year...