Letters to the Editor

News Virginian
Published: October 24, 2007

Malkin column distorts truth about SCHIP

In "Another Defining Moment sets sail" (Oct. 19), Michelle Malkin built her column upon one falsehood after another.  Granted, it follows the Bush rhetoric (false propaganda) about the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP.

It is unfortunate that the president has misrepresented the SCHIP bill to the American people to somehow justify his veto, but it is tragic that our local newspaper would further promulgate these untruths.

First, the federal bill would be administrated by states. States would be penalized for non-compliance. Children in households under 200-percent poverty levels would be served first until funds are used up before admitting higher-income families. No adults would benefit until all children are serviced. No illegal aliens qualify for benefits under SCHIP.

The children Malkin cited received hospitalization under current SCHIP legislation, admittedly full of loopholes put in place by a Republican Congress, not Democrats. Under the new bill, it would be more difficult for these families to receive SCHIP benefits.

I don't know where Malkin got her figures but it was stated on the Senate floor that 72 percent of Americans favored SCHIP.
Her reference to "socialized health care" as a "Swiftboat" tactic was totally unrealistic.

Her reference to "greasy Republicans" hardly characterizes Charles Grassley, R-Iowa; Orrin Hatch, R-Utah; or Arlen Specter, R-Pa. All of them supported SCHIP in its current form.

I almost never read Ann Coulter, Michelle Malkin or Rush Limbaugh as they have so distorted the truth with "hate fury" that whatever they say is irrelevant.

Bob Parrott

Waynesboro

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Brennan right delegate pick

Connie Brennan values jobs, education and health care for her constituents. She values the environment, and she values rural Virginia as a good place to raise a family. She cares enough about the people and this area to have served on the Nelson County School Board and the Nelson County Board of Supervisors. She's concerned about local issues, such as the increasing traffic on Route 151. She's a thoughtful listener and she states her positions clearly. 

We need someone like her to represent us in Richmond. I'm really glad she's running for delegate of the 59th District. Now it's up to us, the voters: let's vote for Connie Brennan, and see what a difference she'll make for us in Richmond!

Eleanor M. Amidon

Afton