Letters to the Editor: July 2009

Health care reform

A glossary with “Health Care for All?” [June] said this about socialized medicine: “In the U.S., only the VA health care program would fit into this category.” How about the military health programs, which cover millions of active-duty and retired military personnel?

Are the critics of socialized medicine saying that the VA and military medical systems are doing a terrible job of caring for our veterans and active duty personnel? —Marion and Joseph Saltsman, Chevy Chase, Md.

No Social Security COLA

It was upsetting to read “No Social Security Cost-of-Living Increases” [In the News], forecasting no COLA for 2010.

Since our congressional leaders have already gotten a pay raise this year, let’s see them step up and decline to accept their increase for the balance of this year—and not give themselves a pay raise in 2010. —Frank DeFeo, Spring Hill, Fla.

A dog’s life

I would like to commend Sue McCrosky for her “What I Really Know About Eternal Youth” essay, and for her wonderful kindness in rescuing that lovely dog, Champ. It was a beautiful story. —Carol Fox, Hartwell, Ga.

Editor’s Note: Because of an editorial misunderstanding, the “What I Really Know About Finding a Job” essay in the May issue overstated the range of difficulties faced by the author. Some of the described problems were encountered by other job seekers, not the writer.

We appreciate hearing from you. Write to: Bulletin Editor, Dept. RF, 601 E St. N.W., Washington, DC 20049; or e-mail to: Bulletin@aarp.org. Please include your address and phone number.