Letters to the editor, Oct. 20, 2009

Government shouldn't control health insurance

Can anyone tell me who gave the government the right to dictate what type of health insurance we should have?

After working three quarters of my life and paying taxes to support people who are to lazy to go out and earn a living, receiving government assistance and abusing the system. There are people who really need the help and I don’t mind contributing to their cause, on the other hand, there are free loaders.

I don’t need the government messing with my choice of health care providers they think would be more cost efficient. The government is the last place I would turn to for efficiency.

Politicians should not meddle in our private lives, but should try to clean up their own lives.

Harvey M. Edwards, Barstow

On local marijuana dispensaries

I was in the middle of a letter to the editor about the idea some have of establishing a marijuana dispensary in Barstow when I read Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt’s commentary on the very topic (“In defense of banning marijuana dispensaries,” Oct. 16).

I believe the commentary well covers the many reasons we should not have any in Barstow, as well as the unincorporated areas around us. The main difference between Mr. Mitzelfelt’s article and the letter I was working on is that he uses politically correct wording to address the topic. My letter was more street talk, you know, a doper is a doper is a doper.

How can someone who is supposedly suffering discomfort with an ailment seek help from a dangerous untested substance. Just because the discomfort has subsided doesn’t mean it’s gone away; you just might be stoned. Had you chosen alcohol you might be drunk.

I believe as Mr. Mitzelfelt’s commentary addresses the main purpose behind marijuana dispensaries is for those trying hard to legalize marijuana to gain some ground in their pursuit. In 1996 California voters agreed to approving medical marijuana, and as a result Health and Safety Code 11362.5 was born Anyone who reads this section might ask why haven’t we seen some effort made to put this back before the voters for repeal. Why have a dispensary, when those with physician approval can grow their own?

Our medical community has been filled with many questionable physicians, none can be more questionable then those supporting marijuana as a medical remedy to pain and stress. One group of people I feel compassion for is the many employers who have to deal with this medical marijuana issue in their business.

Communities are not made better by allowing these dispensaries to develop. Ask yourself, do you want such a business in your neighborhood or where you send your kids to pick up a loaf of bread? My advice is to let the Council know you don’t support such a business in Barstow. The editor may chastise the Council for not letting one open up, but nothing in his editorial addresses the dangers associated with the use of marijuana, and the detriment to the community.

Ron Paddack, Barstow