TAHLEQUAH —
Editor: Daily Press
I would like to contrast two articles that appeared Friday, June 24, in the Daily Press.
The first, “’Quality of life’ killing us,” was the voice of logical moderation. It dealt with the health crisis in this country and began by citing statistics on the declining U.S. life expectancy compared to Canada and Japan, and particularly in Oklahoma, where “our obesity rates, tobacco use, sedentary lifestyles and fast food consumption are making us sicker and sicker.” It noted that the U.S. spends more on health care than any other nation, but with noticeably less effective results than many western nations.
The editorial rightly placed the greatest blame for this crisis on the individual – our unhealthy “quality of life.” But it also wisely noted that government can do something too by helping those on food stamps. The government should give food stamp recipients healthy foods rather than junk foods, soda pop, and candy.
It concluded by making three recommendations which make eminent sense to me: Each individual should work for reform of our health care system so that results justify costs; make a personal commitment to a healthier life style; and encourage the government to help by modifying the food stamp program.
Right next to this article was one titled “American productivity is the life force of our economy.” It cited President Obama’s recent interview on “Today,” and was quite fair in quoting directly Obama’s comments on job growth. But then an economist’s interpretation of Obama’s comments followed. This was followed by the writer’s interpretation of the economist’s comments. It then launched into a repudiation of a so-called great economic myth perpetrated “by labor unions, liberal economists, political demagogues, and the network news media.”
The facts offered for calling the statement that “America doesn’t make much of anything anymore,” a myth were rather convincing. The author rightly went on to praise American technological innovation, efficiency, and productivity.
But then Donald Lambro’s ideological bias led him to the illogical conclusion that any government participation in the problem of economic growth would be “scary” and government should “get out of the way.” This seems absurd in light of the recent economic recession that many economists think was caused at least in part by lack of government participation in free market capitalism.
I prefer logical moderate thinking to illogical extreme bias.
Bob McQuitty
Tahlequah
Letters to editor
In support of logic
- Letters to editor
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Pray for leaders, too
Dave Thomas needs to be sure he is uttering facts, not claims, before he prays.
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In defense of the 2nd
There are four reasons why I am against a mandated background check to purchase a weapon. The first is how I read the Second Amendment: “...shall not be infringed..” means that Congress does not have any authority over “arms.” I do not believe a body of fallible men and women should have that kind of authority.
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STIR incensed at letters
Now we learn that not only have Northwest Arkansas forces successfully weaseled another study of Oklahoma’s
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Foot patrol needed here
Folks are putting in [the Press] their pride for the police department. If all was so fine, why did we get a new chief?
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Kudos to Daily Press
I just want to let you know how impressed I am with the professionalism displayed by Tahlequah Daily Press Managing Editor Kim Poindexter during a disturbing incident I witnessed Monday, April 1.
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In defense of cops
One of my pet peeves is people talking about something as if it’s fact when they don’t have a clue what they’re talking about. In response to Phyllis Wilfong’s letter to the editor, let me set the record straight.
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CN to be commended
I have to applaud Cherokee Nation’s investment in health care.
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In appreciation of cops
Wow, maybe we should start dictating to our police force where, when, what time, what type of food, and with whom they should be eating! More often than not, co-workers are often seen lunching together. Why should law enforcement be looked upon any differently?
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The unfriendly streets
I have lived in the Tahlequah area since 1994, and since 2009, within the city limits of Tahlequah. Since 2011, I have begun running in town, and since 2012, also started bicycling in town.
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Coming full circle
When I was a child growing up in Tahlequah, the Indian children were looked down on. The “White” kids made fun of their names and accents.
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