Recent letters to the editor in favor of health care reform have missed the point.

In spite of promises that government-run health care will be an option, can we believe President Barack Obama? He breaks promises as easily as he breathes. Look at his campaign pledges for openness and transparency in government. How many Cabinet nominees and appointees are there now who have failed to pay taxes?

People object to the current insurance company stranglehold on medical care and costs, and rightly so. When my husband was forced to retire more than a year ago, it was either start paying a high price for the insurance he formerly got through his employer, or make our house payments and have a place to live. We chose the latter.

But government-run health care? If you thought health insurance companies were bad, just wait until the "we're from the government and we're here to help you" crowd charges you for their services and tells you what they will cover. It won't be a freebie, either.

Do we really want more government control over our lives?

Jacque Lumb, Fremont

Fireworks laws protect

The "Reconsider fireworks laws" Local View by Berkeley Brown of the Platte Institute (LJS, June 28) contains many flaws.

The flouting of fireworks laws is not a legitimate reason to change these laws. Our traffic and other necessary laws are flouted every day. It is nonsensical to maintain that we should stop enforcing them for that reason.

Likewise, Brown argued that laws that "protect us from ourselves" are unnecessary. I would argue that public safety is important. I know, because on the day Brown's column was published, I had a fire start on my property because of fireworks.

I don't need laws to protect me from myself, but I need laws to protect my property from other people. I'm certain the founders would agree with that.

Lastly, Brown argues that fireworks laws are contradictory to the spirit of the holiday. I would point out that lighting legal fireworks at the approved times according to city ordinances doesn't constitute oppression or tyranny, as Brown implies.

Such laws are in accordance with the spirit of the holiday. In the drafting of these laws, elected citizens chosen by the people deliberated to act for the common good and for one another. Is that similar to what the founders did? I believe so.

I would also point out that the true spirit of the holiday is best honored when people read and encourage their family to read the great Declaration of Independence and teach them to honor the principles contained in that document.

Scott. F. Gregory, York

Don't tear apart families

Last week's White House meeting on immigration shows important movement forward for immigration reform.

We have been tearing apart communities, friends and families with unjust policies. The future of our communities is up to us. We can build a strong and safe nation by joining together.

As a community member, I have seen families torn apart by the raids and deportations. This hurts my heart, because I would never want to go through that or have that happen to any family member.

Immigrants are contributing to the well-being of my community, and deporting them is not only an injustice to their families, but also an injustice to my community.

It is time for a workable immigration system that supports communities and families around the nation.

Natalie Nelson, Lincoln