To the Editor:
Mr. Schaaf wrote a confusing letter to the editor which juxtaposed two completely different topics, and united them into a pseudo causal relationship: The first, a call for, and identification of new solutions to our health care problems, and second, the good work accomplished for those in need by the Ecumenical Food Pantry (EFP) in Newcastle. (“People in need, need action, not rhetoric,” LCN, Page 4, 1/27/11)
As an ongoing regular contributor to, and past volunteer worker at the EFP, I sadly have been witness to, and totally agree with Mr. Schaaf about the increase in people needing help, and the unselfish caring efforts of the many who donate and volunteer. What is difficult to see, is how calling for better solutions for health care could be detrimental to the good work of the EFP, and why stating accurate and concerning statistics of the current Medicaid system, and how delineating the effect of broadening that flawed system, as written into the new health care law (which the media has identified as “Obamacare”) must be dismissed as coming from the “loud, monotonous sounds” of “political junkies.”
Name calling raises the discussion to a shout, but does little to help anyone. Both feeding the hungry and caring for the sick are noble causes, and one should not negate nor “trump” the other. Both need to be addressed in the best possible way, and both should be available to all who need them.
I applaud Mr. Schaaf and all donors and volunteers who help those in need through the EFP. Also, I hope and pray that we look at facts with current health care, both here and abroad, and use those facts to develop better solutions to fix our health care system for everyone.
Donna Carlton, Damariscotta
