‘Medicare for All’ bill co-sponsored by Panetta, Carbajal deserves local support | Opinion

Medicare for all

“Older Americans say they feel trapped in Medicare Advantage plans,” (sanluisobispo.com, Jan. 9)

The U.S. is the most economically developed country in the world. We are looked upon as having the most sophisticated democracy of all developed nations. Unfortunately, however, the U.S. is the only developed country that lacks a Universal Healthcare System — a single-payer system for all Americans.

Our U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Salud Carbajal are co-sponsors of a single-payer bill called the Medicare for All Act (House Resolution 3421). To pass this bill they need grassroots support, but much of the public is unaware of it.

Our congressmen need to be out in their districts hosting a series of town hall meetings to educate the public on the following: What is a single-payer system? How does it compare to our current employer-based/multiple-payer-system? Why is single-payer more affordable and efficient than our current system? What can the public do to show support for the Medicare for All Act?

When it comes to an issue such as our health and citizen well-being, our leaders need to be engaged — spending time educating the public and including them in the legislative process.

Robert Skinner

Atascadero

Which Debbie?

“Fact check: Did Debbie Arnold sent a postcard endorsing Susan Funk for Board of Supervisors?” (sanluisobispo.com, Feb 16)

Debbie Arnold discovered that another “Debbie” had written a mailer supporting Susan Funk for Board of Supervisors. That Debbie didn’t reveal her last name, which Arnold assumes was for the purpose of confusing others that Arnold herself had changed her mind. A bit pretentious?

My 85-year-old brain seems to fail at making such assumptions. I am sadly satisfied with Susan Funk’s explanation that her policy is to protect her supporters by using only their first names in their mail-outs. “Sad” because partisan extremism has risen to such violent levels in our country and county as to require such a policy.

On the same day a Moreno mailer arrived at our house that was full of lies about “extremist” Funk supporters who want to “defund the police,” with quotes as if they came from Susan, but clearly did not. Sad, since I am a Susan Funk supporter, and retired from a career in California law enforcement. Furthermore, what does the Board of Supervisors have to do with police funding?

The state laws relating to the sheriff restricts the powers of the county Board of Supervisors so that most power resides with the state Attorney General via district attorneys.

Seems to me Moreno’s confusing that with her job as mayor.

Jim Carlisle

Atascadero

Getting things done

“Moreno or Funk? Here’s The Tribune’s recommendation for SLO County Board of Supervisors | Opinion,” (sanluisobispo.com, Feb. 9)

The Tribune did a fine analysis of the District 5 supervisor candidates. Though both candidates made contributions to Atascadero’s government, it is actually Susan Funk who initiates and leads in Atascadero and countywide.

Funk has a hands-on, proactive approach to government. She chaired our county’s Homeless Services Leadership Council and proposed realistic solutions. She advocates for support services for those in transitional housing and for mental health training for law enforcement officials. Funk supports law enforcement’s efforts to keep everyone safe.

The Tribune’s endorsement values Funk’s transparency to questions about anti-democratic measures, like gerrymandering, and her commitment to representative and democratic county government. Her opponent takes undo credit and avoids direct answers. Conversely, Funk is candid, collaborative and hard-working. We need a supervisor like Susan Funk who gets things done!

Marcia Alter

Arroyo Grande

A pragmatic approach

“Moreno or Funk? Here’s The Tribune’s recommendation for SLO County Board of Supervisors | Opinion,” (sanluisobispo.com, Feb. 9)

As a San Luis Obispo County resident and business owner deeply concerned about California’s homeless crisis and its impact on our county, its human cost and its effect on public safety, I am proud to support Heather Moreno in her campaign for District 5 Supervisor. Moreno’s leadership as Atascadero’s mayor has demonstrated a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, particularly when it comes to the multifaceted issue of homelessness.

Under Moreno’s guidance, Atascadero proactively collaborated with the County’s Community Action Team, embedding mental health and crisis workers with law enforcement to provide essential help to vulnerable individuals within the homeless community, all while enhancing public safety. She increased resources by hiring a second officer and a part-time mental health worker, working in tandem with a case manager from the ECHO Homeless Shelter.

Moreno’s balanced and responsible approach has earned her the respect of both homeless advocates and the endorsements of law enforcement — a testament to her ability to bridge gaps in pursuit of a better community.

Adam Verdin

Arroyo Grande

Opinion

Unconscionable

“SLO protesters grieve for Gaza, call for U.S. to stop funding Israeli military,” (sanluisobispo.com, Nov. 11, 2023)

The ghastly massacre on October 7 spawned an unrestrained and disproportionate surge of violence against Palestinian civilians. The horror of these past weeks is captured well in the story of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was murdered by Israeli forces alongside several of her relatives and two paramedics who tried to save her. Hers is only one of nearly 30,000 similar stories of state sponsored murder, and 2 million stories of starvation and displacement.

Israeli leaders have targeted schools, churches, mosques, homes and markets. In the process, tens of thousands of people have been murdered and millions have been displaced from their homes.

Israel’s far-right factor doesn’t just seek to target the perpetrators of the October 7 attack, they seek to punish the entire population of Gaza. Conscientious Americans seek an immediate ceasefire, the return of innocent captives on both sides and for any support for Israel to be made conditional upon our legal precepts that forbid tax dollars from being used in perpetration of crimes against civilians.

It is unconscionable that progressive elected leaders support terror perpetrated by a far-right foreign government.

Dr. Rushdi Cader M.D.

San Luis Obispo