Letters to the editor

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

The Page County school district is the largest employer within Page County, an employment ray of hope against the backdrop of a dismal economy and a county unemployment rate hovering around 30 percent.

However, there seems to be a rancorous aversion to diversity within the Page County school district's ranks. Racial and ethnic representation seems quite limited to the Anglo variety. Women are significantly underrepresented at the district administration level, except for the human director's wife -- she has made it in to the old boys' club.

Last, there has not been a male guidance counselor employed within the district for nearly three decades.

In Page County terms, who's watching the hen house? There seems to be little concern for the rule of law, equality, due process and open dialogue regarding the Page County school district's actions. Maybe it is time to organize a teacher's union.

Let's consider not doing it the Page County way.

Tom Lethbridge
249 U.S. Highway 340
Shenandoah

Aug. 12, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

The current Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors is about to make a decision for all county taxpayers that will affect our ability to pay our taxes for years to come. Architects are already reaping the benefits of a hideous plan to involve our county in a regional jail.

Sheriff Carter is one of a few countywide elected officials. He deserves the respect and consideration for the alternative plan he has submitted to keep our jail in our county.

Cost-sharing and service agreements for the regional jail are forthcoming in September. Will they be made public?

The proportionate construction cost for Shenandoah County grows higher each day.

Call your district supervisor, write letters, send e-mails. Our Board of Supervisors needs to understand the strain of these economic hard times.

What is the date of the of the official vote to secure the partnership of the regional jail? Will it be made public?

We do not need or want to be part of a regional jail. A decision of this magnitude should not be subject to closed-door politics.

Marsha Shruntz
499 Amos Lane
Strasburg

Aug. 10, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

First, the facts on health care:

* The Senate has yet to write its health-care bill.

* The Congress is considering several health-care bills.

* Tens of thousands of people become uninsured every month.

* By age 65, the chance of having a "pre-existing" condition is pretty high.

* Everyone dies, and a large percentage of those deaths are preceded by health problems. (i.e., a good time to have a living will.)

Now, a few personal observations:

* The people who scream the loudest evidently don't understand the process of how bills are written, go through reconciliation, and only when a bill passes both houses will it go to the president to be signed into law. I guess these folks didn't watch schoolhouse rock when they were kids. I don't know what the root of their anger is, but it always seems to be the same people, no matter what the issue is.

* If you are on Medicaid, Medicare, military health benefits or if you belong to a group health plan, you already have "socialized" health care. Are you ready to give that up for your cause?

* If you are in a group health plan, and are lucky enough to keep it till you retire, don't expect to be able to pay the same price when you try to privatize it. And just pray you don't have a "pre-existing" condition or fall outside their predetermined guidelines. If you do, you'll learn what it's like to be uninsured.

* "Government death panels." Uh ... yeah ... and Bush blew up the World Trade Center. Be real. Face it, we complacently allow anonymous insurance claims agents, working in some cubicle, to decide what happens to our health care every day. This is something health reform hopes to change.

If you want to protest, at least arm yourself with the facts. Our government's official Web site is "usa.gov." If you really believe in the power of our Constitution, use it.

This newspaper lists the phone numbers and addresses of our representatives. Write letters or make phone calls. Don't just scream. Be constructive with your dissent.

Matthew Sciegaj
7713 Main St.
Middletown
Aug. 12, 2009

About letters

Letters to the editor about current events or topics of general interest are welcomed.

They must not exceed 350 words and must be signed and include the writer's complete address and telephone number. The phone number, which is for verification, will not be published.

Letters should be sent to 152 N. Holliday St., Strasburg 22657. They may also be e-mailed to jhoran@ shentel.net or jhoran@nvdaily.com. E-mailed letters do not have to be signed, but a phone number is necessary for verification.