Tap moguls’ salaries
for auto bailout
The dismal state of the economy is not affecting the ability of mismanaged, greed-driven financial and automobile companies to reward their employees. After all, the taxpayers are paying for it. I have often heard politicians and economists talk about “market forces” as the best way to regulate the economy. Now, it is the taxpayers who must regulate the economy and insulate the corporate moguls from their own greed and misfeasance.
The auto industry is seeking to redistribute the taxpayers’ wealth to themselves. How many cars or trucks need to be sold just to pay the inflated salaries of the execs? They blame the credit crunch and other external factors for their plight. However, they do not mention that they have not returned any of their undeserved hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation or the fact they each traveled in separate private corporate jets to “plead poverty” and beg Congress for taxpayer money. Perhaps taxpayers should insist that the compensation packages and the executive perks of these financial moguls be the first source of the auto bailout, and not public money.
Over several decades of public service, I often received no raise because of bad spells in the economy. However, those who have contributed to the fiscal destruction of this country continue to be rewarded. Public-sector employees who are working in ways to help those hurt by the economic disaster will receive little or no salary increases in the foreseeable future.
Why are companies rescued by taxpayers generously rewarding the employees who failed the economy so badly?
ó Richard Sorensen
Salisbury
Health-care system needs an overhaul
Three days ago I took my daughter to her regular pediatrician because she had been running a fever, throwing up, had a sore throat and a rash all over her body. She had scarlet fever. Since I recently lost my insurance coverage, I asked the receptionist at the doctor’s office if I could post-date my check until Friday. She said no. I then asked if I could pay half that day and the rest on Friday, and she said no. I would have to pay $86 up front before my daughter could even see a doctor. I had always paid this doctor on time. I was told to go to the emergency room, which would cost me more, and my sick daughter would wait for hours.
I have been told that I make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but I can’t even afford to put food on the table this Thanksgiving. Why, in a society of excess, can’t children be treated in our heath-care system? My children and many others are the ones who fall through the cracks.
We need universal heath care. I know that many people are against it because of the longer waiting periods to see a doctor, but I would be more than willing to wait longer if it meant that all the people in need of medical care are also being taken care of.
ó Sue Cornell
Salisbury
All have role to play in this historic timeWe cannot expect President Obama to magically clean up the mess that Bush made. We have responsibilities as well. Do not misinterpret this election to mean that we’ve got it made. Hopefully, this will eventually mean that blacks will no longer have to struggle three times as hard to receive the same treatment and consideration as others. President Obama cannot erase racism, but he can make it tougher on those who practice it. It is time to stand up and return to the level of civilization that we were robbed of during slavery. We must educate our children and teach them about the struggle that brought this historical moment into existence.
Once way to describe the joy I feel because of Obama’s election is to imagine that you’re in a game, and you’re behind 1 million to 0. To catch up and take the lead is unbelievable. I base that analogy on the idea of people coming to America as slaves, and now a black man is president. This is one of God’s greatest manifestations of his reality. Only God could unseal the hearts and minds of people who considered blacks to be inferior, including many blacks themselves.
I thank God that Obama’s mother was not forced to have an abortion.
I have always been optimistic that I would live to see this day. Millions of people had this dream before and after Dr. King. I also thank God for blessing me, not only to bear witness but to be a part of this historical event. I will do my part.
ó Jeff Bost
Rowan County Detention Center
Many supported PFLAG benefit
On behalf of the executive committee, the scholarships advisory committee and our membership, I’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to presenting sponsors Food Lion and Mark Lewis, to the 60 individuals and businesses who donated auction items and door prizes, to the Looking Glass Artist Collective for providing a wonderful venue, to the volunteers and members who helped organize and stage the event and to the 175 guests who paid admission and bid vigorously on auction items for making the second annual Salisbury/Rowan PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Autumn Soirée a successful event. Special thanks to David Garling, social activities coordinator, and Frank Labagnara, fundraiser coordinator, for their hard work, and to The Craven Moorehead Band and Little Tuna for great entertainment.
If everyone could have been there to witness the diversity of our wonderful city and community, come together to benefit a great cause, it would have humbled and excited you, as it did me. Young/old, men/women, African-American/Asian/Hispanic/white, gay and straight, leaders from our faith, business and civic communities joined together, not only to raise money for scholarships for Rowan students, but to promote acceptance and equality for our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender family members and friends!
This event raised an incredible $7,500. A little down from the $10,000 raised last year, but in a down economy, still an impressive night’s fundraising! Our chapter will award three $1,000 scholarships for the 2009-2010 school year. I encourage all senior GLBT students and their straight allies to apply for these funds, whether you plan to attend a traditional four-year college, a vocational or community college. For more information, visit www.salisbury-pflag.org.
Thanks again and see you at next year’s Autumn Soirée!
ó Todd Adrian
Adrian is president of Salisbury/ Rowan PFLAG.