Category: Letters to the Editor

Patients can’t go back to pre-ACA

I am twice a cancer survivor.  With my first diagnosis in 1999 and my second in 2001, I felt lost.  I couldn’t see what the future would hold.  My fears lessen as time passes and my treatment has been successful, but a new concern has emerged.  I now have a pre-existing condition that health insurance companies used to claim made people too risky to insure.

The Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, prohibits such discrimination and implemented many other positive patient protections, that often get lost when we talk about its downsides. The ACA isn’t perfect. But cancer patients and survivors cannot afford to return to a time when insurance is unaffordable, coverage is inadequate and their treatment is at risk. Continue reading “Patients can’t go back to pre-ACA”

It’s time for a real town hall meeting

Thanks to John Mallo for posing questions to Rep. Erik Paulsen; my hope is that we have the opportunity to hear or see thorough answers to these questions, and not by way of “phone” town meetings. Constituents like me would like to meet with him, perhaps in a real town hall meeting. It’s an important part of what it means to be a democracy.

I would like to add questions about an additional area of concern:  health care legislation. Prior to the withdrawal of the Republican proposal (which I assume Paulsen would have voted for*) his position was:  “After many years and countless stories of patients facing skyrocketing premiums, losing their health care plan and not being able to see their doctor, we are replacement Obamacare with a plan that will lower costs and give patients immediate relief.” Continue reading “It’s time for a real town hall meeting”

Trump’s budget built on greed, fear

Former Vice President Joe Biden said:  “Don’t tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I will tell you what you value.”

Republican President Trump has just released the short version of his proposed budget. The Trump administration proposes a $54 billion increase in military expenditures. This budget moves us to the ideals of the Roman Empire. Peace through military strength. Rebellions were ruthlessly put down by military might. The wealthy ruled, and the ordinary people were heavily taxed. Continue reading “Trump’s budget built on greed, fear”

Repair, don’t repeal the Affordable Care Act

As a 62-year-old retired woman who benefits from the excellent coverage and care of the ACA, I am concerned about the Republican health care plan. According to AARP (of whom I am a member) a 55 year old earning $25,000 would look at an increase of $3,600 in premiums. A 64 year old earning the same $25,000 would pay an additional $7,000. If that 64 year old only earned $15,000 they would be smacked with an $8,4000 increase.

According to the US census, Representative Erik Paulsen has close to 160,000 constituents in his district between the ages of 55 and 64. Does he realize how many people he would be trowing into poverty by voting for this plan? Continue reading “Repair, don’t repeal the Affordable Care Act”

Insurance Company Reimbursement Discrepancies

The Mayo Clinic has brought to light the discrepancies in insurance company reimbursement rates. As difficult a discussion as this is, it is important, and I applaud Mayo for its bravery. As Tice mentioned, the insurance companies have become “inconsistent and inefficient” in their financing systems. Companies such as Medica reimburse mental health professionals, such as myself, at a lower rate than does Medicare. They also reimburse at 50 percent lower rates than do other major carriers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthPartners and Preferred One. Medica is one company that does not keep pace with industry standards. It has not raised reimbursement rates for psychology in at least 14 years. Inflation has increased; costs for a loaf of bread have increased, and the profit for Medica has increased, but not the payout to providers. That is what Mayo Clinic is bringing to light. We of course want to continue to service all clients, but we also need to hold insurance companies and their executives accountable. Bravo, Mayo!

Kerry Anderson, Plymouth
StarTribune, April 2, 2017

Osmek’s comments on Southwest Light Rail

To the Editor:

Sen. Dave Osmek, Mound, was crass and cavalier in his response to a constituent’s concern about light rail, as reported in the StarTribune. Osmek called it “a liberal wet dream.” I thereafter emailed him, criticizing his response and questioning his ability to represent his constituents. (I said he is unfit.)

He immediately, to his credit, responded, but accusing me of being from St. Louis Park (outside his district), and therefore had no right to give him my opinion. This was even though I had given him my full home Tonka Bay address, clearly in his district.

His complete email: “Just to correct you, the email was from St Louis Park. Last time I checked, that isn’t in SD33.”

He made no argument in favor of his position, no response other than a Trump-like knee jerk attack on my legitimacy to give my representative my opinion, rather than a discussion of the issues. As I then wrote back to him, “Some representative. Still unfit.”

Gary A. Thompson
Tonka BaySun Papers, March 16, 2017

Calling for Mayor Slavik of Plymouth to voice support and safety for immigrants

The following letter to the editor was posted in the Plymouth Sun-Sailor March 9, 2017:

Plymouth is home to many different groups of immigrants – Russian, Indian, Somali, and many, many more. Plymouth is home to the Northwest Islamic Center.

At the same time, hate crimes are on the rise (USA Today website). February 23rd a gay couple was attacked and told “You live in Trump country now” (Miami Herald.com). Mosques have been vandalized, Jewish Centers have been threatened, swastikas have been etched on cars in Lakeville, Minnesota. Schools such as Maple Grove High school are battling racism. A Kansas man recently shot two Indian men, killing one, while yelling “Get out of my country”. (NY Times). The list goes on, even in the Twin Cities.

Now, more than ever, we need our communities to come together. Many mayors across the nation, including Mayor of Minneapolis, Betsy Hodges, have publically expressed concern over the hate, support for members of the community, and statements of solidarity.

But we have not heard from Mayor Kelly Slavik of Plymouth.

K. Anderson

Permitless Carry AND Stand Your Ground bills HERE in Minnesota!

The following letter to the editor was submitted to the Plymouth Sun-Sailor March, 2017:

There are bills at play in the Minnesota legislature that would be a risk to public safety. One is HF 188 (Author: Nash) which would make it easier for people to carry a gun without a permit. Included in this bill is an expansion of “public places” where guns could be carried. This would make it impossible to ban guns in schools, court building, hospitals and the State Fair grounds. (Protect Minnesota). Already 7 children die daily in the US from firearms and one Minnesotan is killed by a gun. (Protect Minnesota). To pass a permitless carry law would only increase risk. At the same time there is a bill (HF 238 by Nash and SF 292 by Ruud) to allow anyone to use deadly force whenever they believe their life to be threatened. This is particularly dangerous for minorities who are often under suspicion simply because of their race or any of our kids who look suspicious to someone. Minnesota needs neither of these laws. They would both put more guns on the street and make it easier to use them and not be held accountable. Contact your representative today to voice your concern for our state’s safety!

K. Anderson

Response to immigration ban was poorly implemented

The following letter to the Editor was posted on the Edina Sun-Current website February 12, 2017:

To the editor:

U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen says Donald Trump’s immigration ban was “poorly implemented.” But it’s Paulsen’s response to Trump that’s poorly implemented.

Any manager, executive, or hockey mom could tell that Trump’s implementation of the ban was bad. Poor communication, unclear directives and questionable authority turned hard-working officers in airports into Keystone Kops, embarrassing them, the federal government and the country. There’s little dispute there. Continue reading “Response to immigration ban was poorly implemented”

Anti-Obama commentary left out the most important context

Cal Brink’s Jan. 27 commentary “Obama administration’s parting shot at hunters was gratuitous,” was intended to deceive. What other conclusion can one make when Brink refers to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Order 219, titled “Use of Nontoxic Ammunition and Fishing Tackle,” then calls it a ban on “traditional ammunition.” Nowhere in his piece did he use the word “lead,” as in lead ammunition.

Order 219 is for the “use of nontoxic ammunition and fishing tackle to the fullest extent practicable for all activities” in our national parks, wildlife refuges and other public hunting areas under the management of the federal government. And the order gives the Fish and Wildlife Service five years to implement it, meaning it affects no one until 2022 (https://www.fws.gov/policy/do219.html). And this order doesn’t affect, at all, hunting on private property or state hunting areas, like the Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area. Continue reading “Anti-Obama commentary left out the most important context”