Editorial: Town hall debates test health care reform civility
The Gazette notes nationwide town hall meetings during the summer recess stir strong debate on health care reform. It condemns threats and shout-downs while praising open listening and direct citizen engagement with representatives, citing Tom Harkin's Iowa meetings as examples of healthy discourse and obstruction.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Congress
Republican Party
Criti
Iowa Sea
Tom Harkin
Des Moines
Cedar Rapids
Harkin
D-Iown
Iowa
Carolyn Beverly
Polk County Department of Public Health
Reforming a Flawed Health Care System Sparks National Debate
Glen Gardner from Cedar Rapids argues that U.S. medical costs, reaching 2.4 trillion in 2008 and 17 percent of GDP, are driven by disease linked to animal products. He asserts real health care is prevention and diet changes, estimating household costs at 14,000 annually.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
U.S
Glen Gardner
Cedar Rapids
Changing workplace factor in health reform
Readers discuss the public option in health reform, noting shifts in employment, unemployment, and underemployment. The letter argues a public option could help millions while opposing socialist aims and warns against violence at town halls and partisan rhetoric.
Reform needed so people don t lose care
Paul McAndrew Jr. of Iowa City argues for health care reform to prevent injured workers from losing insurance after injury. He notes COBRA premiums are unaffordable, delaying care and risking financial disaster for workers and families.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
Paul McAndrew Jr
Iowa City
Health woes mingle with politics and protests in tough times
The piece links friends facing panic, depression, and unemployment to a wider climate of economic anxiety. It notes teabaggers and townhallers provoking volatile sessions, including Rep. Tim Bishop’s security concerns, and contrasts fears about health care reform with budget tolls. The author cites 9.4 percent unemployment and rising debt as drivers of anger.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sandra
Long Island
N.Y
Tim Bishop
Bishop
Nancy Pelosi
Dick Durbin
Illinois
Chuck Schumer
New York
FreedomWorks
Washington
Dick Armey
House
Connecticut
Bob MacGuffie
Tee
Congress
Protecting kids from abuse starts with education and awareness
A columnist discusses preventing child sexual abuse in the wake of an Iowa City incident involving former guidance counselor Donald L. Clark. The piece emphasizes teaching children to say no, disobey inappropriate authority, and to tell trusted adults. It cites prevalence, suggests resources, and mentions a public information session and the ICCSD guide.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa City
Lemme
Grant Wood
Donald L. Clark
Clark
Nancy Drew
Iccsd
City High
Opstad
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Kcrg-Tv39
Obama
Democratic Party
King George
Saddam Hussein
Aed
Barack Obama
New Webb
Wilich
Todd Ohnesorge
Congressional Budget Office
Parker
Kparker.com
Kathleen Parker
Tribune Media Services
Jennifer
Hemmingsen
Jennifer Hemmingsen
Gazcomm.com
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