Permalink

Letters to the editor


Published: July 22, 2008

Columnist doesn't know the troubles others endure

To the editor:

President Reagan talked about America as a "Shining city on a hill"; meanwhile too many Americans lived in the "valley of despair." Sadly, the "American Dream" is beyond the reach of many, even after the few good years we have experienced recently.

Perched in his air conditioned office, Taylor Armerding has decided that no matter how bad things become in America today — well, they are really not that bad. How would he know? He has enjoyed job security with all its perks, is close to retirement, which will also be a piece of cake, and through the years has had a modicum of security, enough to raise and educate his family. So much can be accomplished with a bit of security which so many people don't have, a value important to the success of a marriage. A walk through reality would reveal the simplistic views expressed by Taylor in his July 13 column.

One visit to a family on welfare does not mean a thing in terms of what's really out there in the rural world of Appalachia, the shacks that dot the roads all over the South, and the millions who work for minimum wages in nursing homes, chicken factories, picking crops, or working at the most menial jobs in America. The American dream is unattainable for them — no matter. When a CEO can earn in one morning what it takes an average worker a year to earn, it is unconscionable — but apparently OK in Armerding's book. The point is that the lowly worker has the same basic needs as the highly paid CEO: food, shelter, clothing and medical care.

When the rich corporation gets in trouble, the government steps in to bail out failures, amounting to socialism for the mighty, and free enterprise for the poor. In the "shining city on a hill," it seems to me that a good day's work is rewarded with a decent living wage.

Armerding ends his column with these words: "So stop complaining and be thankful." Perhaps those who have lost homes and jobs, those who have to decide whether to fill an expensive prescription or buy food, can't afford to educate their kids, struggle with high gas and heating oil prices, watch prices at the supermarket skyrocket, should adopt the Armerding suggestion that things are pretty good! The glass is half full and let's all eat cake!

DANTE IPPOLITO

Norwell

Not all disabilities are apparent

To the editor:

I am so sick of people rushing to judgment on the disabled and clumping us all together, like we are the "deadwood" of society. I am sick of explaining myself, too.

Joe Levesque says in his letter (July 8) that all disabled should work or volunteer and this should be expected. I disagree, but do agree if you're disabled and are able to volunteer then you should do so when your disability allows, for your own self worth.

I volunteer when I can. I have a young child and am aware that for her I need to portray the active mother and member of society role and sometimes push myself too far, so far that I am immobilized when we are at home. I am learning to say "No" and pace myself slowly. But society just doesn't get it and makes this quite difficult.

I am one of many who is disabled with what is considered a "masked disease." These are diseases affecting us on the inside vs the outside. Joe Levesque mentions the disabled man in a wheelchair — his disability can be seen. Although I look like a middle-aged, healthy mother, I struggle every day with limitations from numerous illnesses.

Expectations come from all directions — family, friends, other mothers, school, society, etc. I even feel guilty at times because I am made to feel this way because I am not working. This isn't right. People need to educate themselves and show more compassion for those of us who were once a part of the working class and didn't choose for this to happen. Not all disabilities can be seen.

Social Security disability is not just handed to just anyone. I had to go to Boston to prove my disability and every couple of years I also have to go to a disability doctor to re-confirm my disability, which has only gotten worse each year. The time and money spent on this re-confirming is in itself a waste — after so many years of doing this, I would think my disability would be obvious.

Some may have figured a way to fool the system, but I refuse to be lumped into that category because society has chosen to do so. The disabled should not be considered society's "deadwood" because we do not work.

Please educate yourselves and know that all disabilities are not seen or understood.

ROBIN L.T. COSTELLO

Haverhill

Babe Ruth tournament was a success

To the editor:

On behalf of Greater Lynn Babe Ruth, I would like to thank Sy Uliano for hosting the 2008 16-18 Eastern Mass. Senior Babe Ruth North Tournament at Mount Vernon Park recently. Sy, together with his wife and son, has done a fabulous job overseeing youth sports programs in Lawrence for many years.

As a Lawrence native, it was a pleasure to have a chance to bring a team to the new Mount Vernon facility.

Greater Lynn Babe Ruth wishes continued success for Sy and the Lawrence Babe Ruth program.

JOHN KASIAN

President

Greater Lynn Babe Ruth

><p>