Whomever you voted for, it doesn’t make you a bad person

Boy oh boy, it is tough for me and many other Americans as we followed the presidential candidates and watch the news and all its negativity, bias and spins. So we have a new president and things have changed politically.

I am here with a positive message. Just because someone voted for Hillary or Donald does not make them a bad person or prejudiced or ignorant. I was born in Florida, and most of my family lives there. However, I grew up in New York City listening to friendly and sometimes heated political arguments among family members and friends who were doctors, dentists, lawyers and college professors.

I learned that intelligent, good and loving people can disagree about politics and still remain friends. However, this last election has greatly divided us as a nation with a deep hatred toward Republicans and a desire to condemn all who tend to vote that way.

I tell you lovingly and kindly to not get yourself sick and bitter over all this. It is not worth it. Do your part and donate to a political cause or write a letter to the editor or to a politician or post your views on the issues on social media, etc. Please don’t fall into the trap of negative thinking and worry, which is faith used in reverse and it leads to fear, bitterness, hatred and illness.

I did not vote for Cuomo or Obama, but I still pray for them. Prayer has a way of calming us, because God and your dog are the only ones who really want to hear all your opinions and troubles, and both will do their best to comfort you.

John (JP) Pasquale

Livingston Manor, NY

Nothing for nothing

You can’t get something for nothing. Yet that’s what TrumpCare is claiming to do for the millions of American citizens who earn less than $16,000, or those with pre-existing conditions.

TrumpCare plans to cut $800 million from Medicaid, which provides the healthcare insurance for these citizens. Then it claims that no one will lose their insurance. But, in fact 23 million people now on Medicaid will lose their health care. Sixty-five percent of patients in nursing homes rely on Medicaid to pay for their care.   

TrumpCare also promises that “high-risk pools” will take care of people with pre-existing conditions. Again, something for nothing. The funding, which is woefully inadequate, will be gone after about five years, when the money actually runs out.

Many hospitals will be stuck with the “something for nothing” promise. Without Medicaid to support all the sick people who lost Medicaid or who are in unfunded, high-risk pools, they will not be able to pay for the doctors, nurses, medicines, food, laundry and cleaning employees. So, many hospitals will be put out of business.

People who earn less than $16,000 or who have pre-existing conditions will ultimately have no health care, and fewer hospitals to help them in an emergency. They will not get something for nothing. They will just get nothing. 

Alvin and Raizi Shoop

Callicoon Center, NY