Dept. of Energy a massive waste
The U.S. Department of Energy was created in the Carter Administration with the express purpose of “reducing or eliminating the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.”
Our percentage of foreign oil has increased with every administration — R or D — since then. It is a massive, boondoggling failure and is overrun with busybody do-nothings. The mantra for every government agency is “work expands to fill time.”
The DoE Budget request to Congress for 2017 is $32.5 billion. Burn it to the ground, as far as I’m concerned.
GEORGE A. MITCHELL, BLAIRSVILLE
Can’t take away coverage from those in need
The Affordable Care Act must not be dismantled! My college graduate son is no slacker. Upon graduating, he had been hired for what appeared to be his dream job; however, it came with no benefits. Thankfully, due to “Obamacare,” we were able to carry him on my husband’s health insurance (through his employer) for several years. When he was 23, he suffered several severe seizures within a short period of time and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Had he not been covered by our insurance, he would have been bankrupt. As it was, our out-of-pocket expenses — with what we consider just OK health coverage — totaled $6,200. If not for the ACA, he would now be uninsurable due to a pre-existing condition. He currently works as an independent contractor for at least nine different entities — none of which offers benefits.
He just turned 27 this month, so he’s been enrolled in the ACA for one year. It is expensive for him, but he realizes the importance of having health coverage after a very unexpected medical diagnosis. It floors me that lawmakers would take away this coverage from those who need it most.
Women struggle to pay for birth control, but are the legislators willing to support the babies they bear? Who is going to serve these human beings if the ACA is taken away?
I can only hope that senators Isakson and Perdue will find it in their heart to take care of their people.
DONNA ROSENMAYER, DECATUR
