letters

Trigger Happy

The Republicans want to abolish Medicare as we know it. We can’t leave seniors to the mercy of the private insurance companies and make them pay even more for health care.

But after facing heated criticism they’re changing their tactics. Now, instead of attacking Medicare head-on, they’re calling for spending caps to disguise their plan to gut Medicare. Spending caps would actually trigger massive cuts to Medicare within a few years. Spending caps are nothing more than a Medicare kill switch.

The Republican plan is worse than bad policy. It is immoral. We can’t balance the budget on the backs of seniors and the poor. Programs that protect our parents and grandparents, like Medicare, should not be on the chopping block.

—Carolyn Barrett North Syracuse

Litter Box

Litter: To stop it, don’t drop it. Alas, I’ve been pushing the concept for years but no one will savor it and favor it, though year in, year out, I spout, tout and belabor it.

I cheer those who appear each year and as a caring community give of their time once again to being a part of beautifying our communities—a wonderful commitment, bringing visible results. We all know, however, what follows. Shortly thereafter, we’re back to Square One: total disregard or awareness of the drop-offs and pileups irresponsible citizens create.

Is there no way we can take the oath to refrain from leaving these pockmarks along streets, highways and byways? How do we instill enough pride that warrants an alarm going off each time we have the urge to thoughtlessly and carelessly when strolling or driving, deposit remnants of fast food containers, cigarette butts, plastic bags, uneaten food and, yes, even dirty diapers.

“Litter: To stop it, don’t drop it” buttons are now available. Interested in sporting one and contributing to a cleaner community? Call 472-2779 or email me: joygerms@gmail.com.

—Joan E. White Syracuse