Decide to fight lack of health insurance for children

In November, millions of kids will lose their health insurance unless the funding is renewed.

Your President is threatening to veto health care for millions of uninsured kids.

When it comes to your children's health "The Decider" will make your decisions for you.

ANGEL HIX

Rapid City

STM football critic out of line with complaints about team

In his September 25th letter to the Editor, Mr. Clark Sowers of Belle Fourche chastised St. Thomas More for "running up the score" on two of it's opponents this football season. Mr. Sowers is entitled to this opinion, but to conclude, as he did, that an over-emphasis on winning will turn high school athletes into dog-killing Michael Vick is way out of line.

If Mr. Sowers would talk to any Sturgis football player he referred to, who was a part of the 79-game losing streak, I am sure any of them would gladly trade a win for a "race well run" loss anytime. As the late great Vince Lombardi said, "Winning is contagious but so is losing."

Before Mr. Sowers criticizes another school in another town, he should do some hometown investigating of his own in Belle Fourche to determine why Jody Grubb is no longer their high school football coach.

Could it be that some over-zealous football parents and townspeople thought he wasn't winning enough football games?

BILL GRADOVILLE

Rapid City

'Don't Thump Melon' draws praise for RCRH, Kohl's

I was delighted to learn of Rapid City Regional Hospital's (RCRH) program " Don't Thump Your Melon" to encourage children to wear helmets. Equal praise should be given to Kohl's Department store for donating helmets and money to help promote the effort.

In recent years our community has become aware of the devastation that can occur when highly mobile people in potentially dangerous activities fail to wear headgear. (When did you last see a skateboarder wear one?) People can die or become permanently maimed from brain damage. What a terrible price to pay, both emotionally and financially, for such carelessness. Have you ever visited such a disabled person?

Such an educational program reaches youth directly and complements attempts by caring parents to teach responsible freedom. (Why not include seat belt use?)

What else can be done to further the cause?

Newspapers might run feature articles or Linn Productions could produce a movie. Hopefully sports or entertainment celebrities will step up to highlight the cause, Would organized bicycling, motorcycling, or skateboarding groups get involved? Role models are needed!

While we're searching for answers let's follow Kohl's example and support the "Don't Thump Your Melon" effort.

REUBEN BAREIS

Rapid City

Aker elucidates range of issues with broad knowledge

Thank you, Rapid City Journal, for publishing local writer Alan Aker's columns. Mr. Aker (Sept. 23) exposed Senator Tim Johnson's lie about "tax breaks that benefit only the wealthiest Americans."

I'm so happy to see someone finally have the knowledge and courage to shoot down that tired old lie.

Alan Aker has the rare ability to elucidate so well his broad understanding of the issues. I sure appreciate the knowledge that he shares and the wisdom that he imparts.

RAY GREFF

Rapid City