LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Ohio right to give aid to autistic

2/4/2013

Are you raising a child with autism and stuck with thousands of dollars in bills that your insurance company refuses to cover? No problem, the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law counsels — just turn to charity (“Autism coverage plan may violate amendment,” Jan. 26). That’s wrong.

The first option for such Ohio families is to turn to taxpayers for special education and other services guaranteed under federal law. But with early intervention, such as the new health-care coverage Gov. John Kasich wisely has required, many children can be mainstreamed into school. That would greatly reduce taxpayer costs and substantially improve the child’s quality of life.

Perhaps for its next study, the center could document how many businesses have closed their doors since Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, and 27 other states have enacted autism insurance reform.

LORRI UNUMB

Vice President State Government Affairs Autism Speaks Lexington, S.C.

 

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Columnist sees the wrong reality

In her Jan. 26 op-ed column decrying gun violence, “This gun owner looks for an end to the armed chaos,” Marilou Johanek amazed me with her statement: “Accidental shootings are as common as intentional ones. It’s reality in America. Get used to it.”

A few minutes of research reveals, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, that in 2011, there were 31,125 intentional shooting deaths in America: 11,101 homicides, 19,766 suicides, and 258 “legal interventions” by police, in self-defense, and others.

Contrast this with 222 deaths caused by “discharge of firearms, undetermined intent.”

It is obvious that Ms. Johanek is unaware of reality in America.

TOM NEWCOMB

Defiance

 

Pride in country gone with Obama

I wish I could say I was proud that America inaugurated a president, but I can’t (“‘Our journey is not complete’; Speech offers hints on agenda for 2nd term,” Jan. 22).

I cannot be proud knowing that 51 percent of Americans were deceived into believing fabrications, divisive tactics, and character assassination against GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney and re-elected President Obama.

I cannot be proud knowing that freedom-loving Americans who cherish their liberty and constitutional rights and want to be independent and self-reliant, without government intervention or handouts, are in the minority.

My pride in America has been tarnished. I fear sad times are ahead for us.

GARY STECHSCHULTE

Perrysburg

 

People sue over the silliest things

Two men in New Jersey are suing Subway because the fast-food chain’s foot-long sandwiches are an inch short (“Social media buzzes at picture of 11-inch Subway,” Jan. 17). When we ponder humankind, doesn’t it seem incredible that the wheel ever came into existence?

AMY ADLER

Robinwood Avenue