It’s the young who’ll bear costs of health reform
Regarding the proposed health-care reform:
No matter how well intentioned, the health-care reform bill will reduce North Carolina residents’ take-home paychecks.
Congress knows where the money is coming from. As of this time, this administration is testing the waters to determine where the cost reduction is going to be. Medicare recipients (older folks who already paid) have raised a ruckus. Women were listed last week on our reaction to cuts in life-saving procedures. Will we be silenced by our children being allowed a longer time on our policies?
The section of our population that has been silent on this whole issue is the section that will carry the longterm burden ó young kids. They are being forced to monetarily repair a system that was paid for. At the same time, no financial tools have been put in place for them to solve their own Medicare “crisis” in their retirement years 20,30 or 40 years down the road. That tool would be some form of health savings plan run like a 401(k). No government involved!
Why are our kids not decrying confiscation of at least 20 percent of their money? Why no outrage of proposed fines and possible jail time? Perhaps they don’t understand there will be no money for them to buy a house or car. The actual money will have to be spent on day-to-day living. No savings will be affordable!
ó Irene Dalton
Salisbury
Celebrating adoption
November is National Adoption Awareness Month, a time to celebrate past, present, and future adoptions.
Adoption means many things to a child: permanency, love, safety, and above all, a place to call home. Many people are not aware of the 1,000s of children in our public foster care system. Most of these children come into the state’s custody due to abuse and neglect. It is hard to fathom the hardships and obstacles these children have faced, but one thing is for sure; in loving environments these children heal and thrive.
These loving environments are created by dedicated families who have made a commitment to adopt waiting children and give them the love and attention they deserve. These families give the ultimate gift: their home, their lives, support through good and bad times, and the security every child desperately needs. These families serve as inspiration to their communities for their selfless efforts to improve the lives of children in need, helping to ensure them a happy, healthy future.
Since 2004 the number of adoptions in the U.S. has dropped from 22,884 to 17,438 in 2008. While the number of adoptions may have decreased, the number of waiting children has not. There are more than 3,000 children awaiting adoption right here in North Carolina. Now, more than ever, communities need families who are willing to embrace adoption, allowing children to have the comfort and security they deserve.
If you think you are ready to open your heart and home to a child in need, call 1-800-632-1400 or visit www.chsnc.org to find out how you can make a difference.
ó Ken Tutterow & Sandy M. Cook
Tutterow is president and CEO of Children’s Home Society of N.C., and Cook is executive vice president of programs. CHSNC is a non-profit adoption and foster-care resource organization with headquarters in Greensboro.