Letters to the Editor

Back referendum

The Helena City Commission by a 3 to 2 vote approved placing the following referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot.

"The Citizens of Helena, Montana in the United States of America hereby urge the Congress of the United States of America to fund The United States Military totally and without conditions so that they will not be deprived of the tools they need, or the manpower needed by them to overcome the forces dedicated to our distruction anywhere in the world thereby giving us, the people of the United States of America the protection we need so we can survive as a free nation."

City Commissioners Oitzinger and Cartwright opposed placing this referendum on the ballot. They put their personal opinions above the right of the voters to voice their wishes. Commissioner Cartwright for some reason cited the Patroit Act among his reasons. Both commissioners seemed to claim that funding the military totally means domestic programs would be cut. The referendum does not mention the Patroit Act or cutting domestic funding. For the sake of our troops and for the safety of your families I urge you to vote for this referendum on Nov. 6 and show that Helena stands with our brave soldiers

John S. Forbes

2526 Heritage Drive

Support insurance bill

All major industrialized nations in the world have systematic national health care insurance except the United States. Isn't it time to end the national disgrace of a health care system that bankrupts all who are unfortunate to have a major medical crisis?

Under H.R. 676, the National Health Care Insurance Act, Medicare would be extended and improved so that all individuals residing in the United States would receive high quality and affordable health care services. They would receive all medically necessary services by the physicians of their choice, with no restrictions on what providers they could visit. If implemented, the United States National Health Insurance Act would cover primary care, dental, mental health, prescription drugs, and long term care.

For a small fraction of the money we've spent occupying Iraq, we could provide a basic service to all Americans that every other major industrialized country regards as a basic human right, the right to proper health care when sick.

Please contact Rep. Rehberg and Sens. Baucus and Tester and ask them to support the National Health Insurance Act.

Jonathan Matthews

1601 N. Benton Ave.