Setting the record straight

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: November 9, 2008

To the editor:
I was featured in, “Marine mom in new battle,” (Nov. 2, page A1), and I am here to correct all the wrong information.

First of all, at no time did I indicate to anyone that I think I am so special that I alone deserve free health care. I, like thousands of other veterans, already receive care from the VA. I simply wanted to say that health care is in a terrible state and it’s a shame that even children have to go without coverage. Why can’t we all have some of our tax dollars back to spend on our children’s health care, kind of like John McCain’s idea for the tax credit?

Second, I was misquoted as saying that my husband and I “simply cannot afford the $160 per month” to put our children on my husband’s plan at his job. His employer has EXCELLENT coverage at pretty reasonable prices considering what other folks around here have to pay; but that amount is incorrect. We cannot (right now) afford the extra $400 per month it would cost, not $160. I know that isn’t bad, but we do not have that much more per month after our medical bills (incurred due to our old insurance, which was terrible), our house payment and other bills that we all have to pay.

And as for the individual who accused me of being too greedy to take care of my children, no I do not have cable, satellite, Internet, computers, cell phones or extensive credit card debt from shopping. I don’t shop anywhere but Wal-Mart, just like the rest of us around here.

While we “appear” to make a lot of money, my husband only brings home about $750 every two weeks. Never judge others, it just may be you in line for welfare next week. God help us all.

LAURA BROOKS
Cascade