HEALTH CARE
Legislation would help thousands of our seniors
Regarding “Bill would revamp assisted living rules” (News, March 14): Georgia legislators have the opportunity to dramatically improve the lives of thousands of Georgia’s seniors by passing legislation to license assisted living facilities.
This would offer a much sought-after middle tier option for long-term residential care, and demonstrate legislative response to consumer preferences. Seniors who need residential care (but not 24/7 nursing services) want the option of “aging in place” where they choose. It is time for our laws to change.
By allowing for licensure of well-regulated and supervised assisted living facilities, our state lawmakers can best serve the needs of our growing senior population and their families.
Kay Hind, chair, Georgia Council on Aging
HEALTH CARE
Decision to raise price of drug is gross greed
Gross greed: That is what KV Pharmaceutical’s recent decision to raise the price of a commonly used, inexpensive drug to prevent pre-term labor is (“Cost up to prevent preterm labor,” Living, March 14). The United States government must share in this greed by granting KV approval to sell the drug exclusively. It is difficult to determine who should have the most guilt. Both acts are inexcusable.
Charlsie Woolley, Atlanta
SECOND AMENDMENT
We should be careful where we place match
As we sit in our houses of worship and contemplate the Ten Commandments, we must acknowledge that one is, “thou shalt not kill.” We all recognize there are exceptions — self-defense and war.
What is difficult to comprehend is the proposed Georgia law that would permit weapons in places of worship. Is there some contradiction in sitting in a pew with a .44 Magnum strapped to my belt while viewing the Commandments over the Ark? If I think the sermon is too long, can I quick-draw to terminate it?
The other puzzling aspect is that the law’s sponsors have been elected by many voters of the “religious right” (or their kin), who ostensibly follow the Ten Commandments. This issue is fuel for fodder. Just be careful where you place the match.
Stanley Harris Jr., Savannah
EMPLOYMENT
We need businesses, unions that are strong
I am surprised that some vilify the actions taken by citizens in Wisconsin to let government know how they feel about the Wisconsin governor’s tactics. Some here in Georgia see the unions as the bad guys because they were able to show the nation that what the Wisconsin governor was focused on was not balancing the budget, but ending union power.
When did we in Georgia get fooled into thinking that seeking more benefits, better pay and time off is wrong? Businesses are not evil — they want to make profits. Neither are unions; they want to help the average worker get a foothold on the middle class, and stay there. We need unions that are strong, just like we need businesses that are strong. Having one without the other leads to long-term abuses.
Lou Toliver, Buford
