THE CONWAY DAILY SUN, Thursday, February 2, 2012— Page 7
Local Occupy group will establish long-term presence To the editor: The Occupy Movement in New Hampshire, after an initial burst of enthusiasm last fall in many communities is now entering into a new phase that in corporate speak would be called visioning and long range planning. From the outset it was clear that Occupy never intended to be a flash in the pan by having a few street corner protests then going dormant. The local Occupy group intends to establish a long-term presence in the community in ways that will be revealed shortly. Numerous protests and informational leaflettings over the past three months have been held in the area. Most recently a day-long event was held on Jan. 21 at the Conway Public Library concerning the infamous “Citizens United” Supreme Court ruling. The torrent of special interest (Super PACs) money that was unleashed by the court’s ruling has flooded the airwaves with millions of dollars of targeted attack ads. This recent advertising barrage during the early primary season is further proof of a need for campaign finance reform — a hot button issue for many Occupy groups. Occupy is a constructive outlet for many who are outraged by what is happening to our democratic way of life. Parker Palmer in his book “Healing the
Heart of Democracy” states, “I believe in American political institutions. But those institutions too often set policy in response to the will of corporate power instead of the will of the people who have a hard time making their will known without the access money can buy.” Occupy seems to be populated by individuals who have been victimized by a government that is increasingly deaf and impotent and many who see the threat that exists and want to seek remedies before it’s too late. Recent confidence surveys about the Congress indicate that day is not too far off. If these kinds of issues resonate with you, you certainly don’t have to join Occupy but you do need to exercise your responsibility as a citizen by letting those in power know how you feel. Indifference and apathy only play into the hands of those who like things the way they are. Seventeenth century British political theorist and philosopher Edmund Burke observed that “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Democracy doesn’t work very well when we sit on our hands. It’s time for us all to speak up! Dick Pollock North Conway
Is this wasteful, foolish decision typical of our ‘leaders?’ To the editor: My recent letter, which was written several weeks ago and only recently published, questioned a probable illegal give-a-way by our selectmen of a town-owned single-wide mobile home in Tamworth Pines (the former Skandia North). For several weeks, an auction of this very property was advertised and the property was auctioned off on Dec. 17. My research shows that this previously-owned, town-owned, property was sold at auction for $5,900. I have questioned the legality of this free give-a-way, and I wonder if our town administrator (who should
research the law as advisor to the selectmen) didn’t question this givea-way. Was the town attorney consulted and his advice taken? The $5,900 realized from the sale of this property could have been in our town’s treasury, had the law been obeyed by our selectmen and administrator and had they sold the property legally, by public auction! Is this wasteful, foolish decision typical of what goes on at the Tamworth Town Office by our “leaders?” Is there no common sense? Betty Wasson Chocorua
State legislature trying to take control of Medicare To the editor: House Bill 1560 would give the state legislature control over all federal health care programs, including Medicare. The following are definitions and the authorizing provision quoted exactly from the bill. III. “Health care” means care, services, supplies, or plans related to the health of an individual and includes but is not limited to: (a) Preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, maintenance, or palliative care and counseling, service, assessment, or procedure with respect to the physical or mental condition or functional status of an individual or that affects the structure or function of the body; (b) Sale or dispensing of a drug, device, equipment, or other item in accordance with a prescription; and (c) An individual or group plan that provides, or pays the cost of, care, services, or supplies related to the health of an individual, except any care, services, supplies, or plans provided by the United States Department of Defense and United States Depart-
ment of Veteran Affairs, or provided to native Americans. 137-L:4 State Control. Each member state, within its state, may suspend by legislation the operation of all federal laws, rules, regulations, and orders regarding health care that are inconsistent with the laws and regulations adopted by the member state pursuant to this compact. Federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and orders regarding health care shall remain in effect unless a member state expressly suspends them pursuant to its authority under this compact. For any federal law, rule, regulation, or order that remains in effect in a member state after the effective date of this chapter, that member state shall be responsible for the associated funding obligations in its state. That’s right, the state legislature is trying to take over control of your federal Medicare program! Is that what you voted for? (See www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2012/ HB1560.html) Tom Buco Conway
OPEN HOUSE and Gavin’s 1st Birthday Party Wednesday, Feb. 8th at 5pm Everyone Invited! Nail Envy
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Nail Envy
603-356-4460 North Conway Village in front of Priscilla’s Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am-7:30pm • Sun 10am-5pm
Race League Results Week 5