Health care, Tom Hayden, Richard Lomax

GOP has done nothing on health

Re “Trump, GOP use health law to sway voters” (Page 9A, Oct. 26): Except for the first few months of the current Congress, the Republicans can only come up with buying insurance across state lines and knocking millions of people off health care coverage. Republicans have been in charge of Congress for years and haven’t proposed any new laws to curb the pharmaceuticals and insurance companies from constantly raising rates.

Just being able to sell insurance across state lines will make little difference. Even President Ronald Reagan had proposed price controls.

Why bury health care story?

Back on Page 9A we find the article about health care premiums on the rise and how Republicans are using it to sway voters. More readers are concerned about health care costs than those who drive VWs, yet this article is the top news story. One can only assume The Bee wants voters not to be reminded about the rising costs of health care before they vote.

Hayden and the Great Irish Famine

Re “Quietly effective to the end, Tom Hayden casts a final vote” (Insight, Dan Morain, Oct. 25): Another example of Tom Hayden making a difference in a small but important way was legislation he authored in 1997, the year after he published a book of essays about the mass migration of Irish immigrants to America tied to the Great Irish Famine of 1840-50, “Irish Hunger.”

Hayden was very proud of his Irish American heritage and authored Senate Bill 514 which requires the famine to be part of the history/social science curriculum for secondary schools in California, along side the history of slavery and the Holocaust. It is part of Tom Hayden’s enduring legacy that also should be recognized.

Tom Hayden’s legacy will live on

Dan Morain’s column on the late Tom Hayden was a touching tribute to a man who did so much for California and its citizens.

The American Lung Association worked closely with Hayden in 1988 when he helped anti-tobacco advocates pass Proposition 99 which increased the tobacco tax in an effort to cut smoking rates and fund tobacco control programs. And after the proposition passed, he was a stalwart champion for protecting the tobacco program during his many years in the Legislature. Today, thanks to his hard work and all those involved since, smoking rates have been cut in half in California, saving countless lives.

Our organization and volunteers will remember Hayden as a pioneer in the tobacco-control effort, and we will honor his hard work and dedication by continuing to fight to reduce smoking in California.

Attackers should not be president

Re “Women, report your attacker” (Letters, Oct. 25): I completely agree with letter writer, who says women should report sexual assaults because someday their attacker may run for president. Or be president, or be a potential “first husband.” Yep, it’s a sad time for America.

Richard Lomax is a ray of light

Re “CHP cook hits 50 years of service” (Capitol & California, Oct. 24): What a wonderful article about Richard Lomax, who worked for the CHP Academy since 1966. After he retired he continues to volunteer. His comment regarding working, “When I drive in that gate I still get the rush I felt 30 years ago,” revealed what a special person he is.

How admirable that he feels so positive about his work over so many years. Truly a rare individual and amazing employee who enjoyed what he did for a living. In such a divisive time in our country, it is uplifting to read about someone so positive. Congratulations Mr. Lomax, you are an outstanding individual.

This story was originally published October 26, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Health care, Tom Hayden, Richard Lomax."