"Freedom of religion is a two-sided coin."

Failing hearts

Do something for the poor souls with limited hope

Editor, The Times:

In response to "Simpler health questionnaire may complicate insurance" [Times page one, Jan. 14]: I cannot imagine a worse case of discrimination than human beings being denied health insurance due to their health factors, and not being fortunate enough to have coverage through a job.

We are all worthy of health coverage that will prevent undue suffering, death and bankruptcy from under-insurance or none. This is just one more serious reason we need to have true health-care reform now.

I have heard the Legislature is proposing a working group to study several proposals. Let us have a study of only those proposals that will give every resident guaranteed, continuous, comprehensive coverage that they'll never lose, regardless; and that is believed to save the state and individuals money long-term, compared with the status quo.

Two proposals that appear to meet these criteria are Sen. Karen Keiser's Public Private Partnership bill and the Washington Health Security Trust Bill.

Let's get a study of those and have the people vote on them once we know what each will deliver and cost.

— Ruth Knagenhjelm, Seattle

A good strong jolt

How can a "civilized" society punish people who have health problems through no fault of their own? In Michael Moore's documentary film "Sicko," the moment that stands out for me takes place on a golf course in Canada, a country with national health insurance. A man is asked, "Aren't you afraid that your taxes will end up taking care of people much sicker than you are?"

The guy looks at the interviewer with confusion and disbelief. "Someone has to take care of them, don't they? I mean, that could be you or me, right?" The concept of caring for others seems natural to him.

Now in our state (and country), if someone loses her job and previously had breast cancer, she must buy higher-priced insurance than the rest of us. According to The Times, even those whose TB has been cured, not to mention premature infants, are kicked into a high-cost plan.

If these circumstances don't provide proof that we need a national health-care system, I don't know what does.

— Jan Schwert, Seattle

Recovery is indicated

I read with disgust and amazement "Judge's strict no-hat rule upsets cancer patient" [Local News, Jan. 13], regarding the lady cancer patient and her unfortunate incident in Judge Holly Hollenbeck's courtroom.

Quoth His Most High Honor: "I am very understanding with people who battle with cancer. My own mother died from cancer."

Further: "Refusal to remove [one's hat] shows contempt for the court and for the judge."

Any judge who believes he must demand that a lady cancer patient bare her bald, chemically ravaged head to show respect, is in no way deserving of the respect he so covets.

I wonder if Hollenbeck's late mother routinely sat in public baldheaded. I doubt it. It's a shame she didn't instill better manners in her son, or explain that in order to garner respect, even a judge must earn it, rather than demand it.

— Steven Wise, Columbia, Mo.

You may never get it

Where is Judge Holly Hollenbeck's compassion?

Having suffered through chemo and losing all my hair, may I inform him a hat is worn to keep the head warm. It is not just for looks! I disagree that "Refusal to remove shows contempt for the court and for the judge."

Much as I am upset by the judge's words, may he never have to face what chemo does to a person.

— Ruth Cash, Tacoma

One step closer

Walking on eggshells

Reader Tim Carney ["A fateful dose: Breathing might improve," Northwest Voices, Jan. 15] presents his argument most compellingly; however, one wonders why he stopped at the moment of conception in his presentation. Why not extend the right to life to all, without prejudice?

Outlaw capital punishment and war, as they deprive our society's members as well as any others' right to life; and a lifetime under lock and key without the possibility of release would not preclude the offender's chance for redemption as well.

Let's go one step further: Let's give every egg the right to life. While we're at that juncture, outlaw any form of birth control, including the pill, condoms and abstinence, as they would violate the egg's right to life.

Or from the other angle, let's allow cloning of human beings, as it shouldn't matter how the sperm and egg met in the first place, should it?

Just where do you draw the line?

We all have a choice, and sometimes the choices available do not agree with everyone. That's what life is about, Mr. Carney.

— Peter Viens, Yelm

Jumping over the cracks

Is it illegal or immoral to prevent pregnancy? If so, is this true in all cases — rape and incest included? Are these personal choices or should they be regulated by law?

"Plan B" prevents egg fertilization. Condoms deny the opportunity for egg fertilization. Birth-control pills deny the opportunity for egg fertilization. Abstinence denies the opportunity for egg fertilization. All of these actions are legal and involve personal choice and there is no input required from the local druggist.

Does denial of egg fertilization equal abortion? Are condoms and birth-control pills the same and are they abortion? Is abstinence the ultimate form of abortion?

Freedom of religion is a two-sided coin. There is freedom of religion and there is freedom from religion. A druggist who cannot separate personal belief from professional responsibility is in the wrong job.

The simple truth is that I don't have to believe as you believe to live in this country.

— Stuart Creighton, Normandy Park

Brunch at Tiffany's

Snack in the box

In "Preservation on the menu for Ballard's shuttered Denny's" [Local News, Jan. 4], Benaroya spokesman Louie Richmond was quoted as saying "The restaurants people support are not the sort of Denny's restaurants," leading at least this reader to believe I should be ashamed I ever set foot in such a "lowbrow" establishment as a Denny's. The humiliation I must feel!

I don't own a Beemer or pine for my latte every day, nor am I secure in the six-figure, middle-manager salary it requires to get even a pamphlet for the condos they are drooling to construct over the last vestiges of the working man.

Whatever, pardon me while I go back to scanning the NW classifieds for a home for sale. My wife just sent me a link for a slightly used cardboard box under an I-5 overpass in King County for a paltry $225,950!

— Mark Hulen, Seattle