Consider the facts
Bravo to Mr. Beaudoin for his letter of Oct.13 regarding District Court Referee Dennis Mikko. I could not have said it better myself, as I, too, was treated in the same manner that Mr. Beaudoin described.
Dennis Mikko not only was dismissive, judgmental, opinionated, pompous and arrogant, but did not listen to the facts and disregarded the wishes of the children. The Family Court system and appointed officials need to be monitored more closely and the voices of the people need to be heard.
Decisions that affect a family should be made from the facts, not from a textbook.
Charleen M. Jach
Traverse City
Absurd indeed
On Oct. 14, the Record-Eagle published a column by Eugene Robinson. His topic: Obama's Nobel Peace Prize. The headline: "Absurd debate over a Nobel." Robinson's position: Anyone who questions Obama's eligibility is absurd.
Absurd indeed! While Robinson rants at length against those who would question the award, he never, repeat never, justifies the award. Instead he spends 36 column inches excoriating those who question Oslo's decision ("addlebrained," "rejectionist," "goofy" he calls them).
He refers to Obama's "vision"; initiatives in health care, energy, education, but ignores any mention of peace! Instead Robinson cries out: "Why, oh why, do Conservatives hate America so?" What?
Robinson doesn't help his cause by commenting on Obama's pending decision regarding troop levels for Afghanistan, hardly a peace initiative!
Indeed, when Obama heard of his award he didn't seem happy ... not the reaction of one who feels justly rewarded!
Ted Kidd
Traverse City
Support Reform
Obama was elected at a time when the world's economy was coming unglued, and threatening our security. The cost of health care, $2.5 trillion this year alone, also contributes to the problem. However, many have continued to fiercely attack and oppose Obama's efforts to address these things.
His health care proposal is estimated to cost around $875 billion over 10 years, about 4 percent of what the projected cost for all health care would be if we did nothing. But this is also attacked by opponents as causing massive debt, which is not accurate.
If we disagree we should make our case by speaking out, but to undermine confidence by fostering unending negativism and fear day in and day out -- is not helpful.
I believe we are smart enough and rich enough as a nation to figure out how to keep what we value while ensuring access to health care for every citizen. Personally, I favor a public option because I think it would be more likely to reduce costs, but even without it, we should support reform because millions are just one accident or illness away from a lifetime of financial ruin, and we as a nation should help.
G. Bob Miller
Cedar
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