Letters to the Editor - June 18, 2010

Himes owes no one an apology

To the editor:

I have a love/hate relationship with letters to the editor.

On the one hand, they allow people a voice for their opinions, but on the other hand, they are just that: opinions, often with little regard for the facts. A recent example demanded an apology from Congressman Jim Himes for misleading statements about the new health care bill, but I guess the writer can truly mislead and owe no apology.

A revised report by the CBO, which I took the time to read, did indeed note that there would be an additional $115 billion in discretionary spending, which means it is subject to future appropriation actions, which may or may not occur.

In addition, the report did not say that this additional spending would mean the bill no longer helps reduce the deficit.

If you review their first report, the budget deficit was projected to be decreased by $138 billion in the next decade and by $1 trillion in the following decade.

Do the math and you still get substantial reductions in the deficit.

Further, the CBO is required to be conservative, so by any estimate, cost savings exist.

Was the writer screaming for an apology when Republicans voted for Medicare Part D, which is projected to increase the deficit by over $20 trillion in the next 20 years and for which not a penny was funded?

Democrats have actually revived the "pay as you go" procedures earlier abandoned by Republicans.

A party that promotes fear (remember death panels), ignorance, misinformation, and obstructionism, does not serve the best interests of our country.

As a freshman Congressman, Jim has voted in the best interests of his constituents, and when re-elected, will continue to be an independent, solutions-oriented voice for the 4th district. He certainly owes no one an apology for that.

Sherry Palmer

Riverside

Thanks from the Bennett Cancer Center

To the editor,

Year after year our community comes together on National Cancer Survivors Day to take part in the annual Hope in Motion Walk, Run and Ride for Stamford Hospital's Bennett Cancer Center. Sunday, June 6 was a particularly special day as it marked the event's 15th anniversary.

More than 4,500 people, many from Greenwich, participated in the event as walkers, runners, riders, volunteers, entertainers or corporate sponsors.

Thanks to all of you for your ongoing support and commitment to the Bennett Cancer Center and to this great cause.

The funds raised through Hope in Motion allow the Bennett Cancer Center to provide programs and services that directly benefit patients and their families.

The proceeds also help pay for outreach efforts designed to foster education and prevention in the community. These programs and services are among the many reasons the facility is special to so many people throughout the region.

On behalf of those associated with the Bennett Cancer Center, we applaud your efforts and thank all of you for your participation this year.

Your ongoing enthusiasm is a wonderful testament to the strength of this community and its commitment to the Bennett Cancer Center.

Carl Bennett

Greenwich