Letters On The September Issue

React LETTERS ON THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

Hardy Ha’s Anita Renfroe, the YouTube sensation, is definitely a lady who can be funny and clean at the same time (“Mirth Mother”). I saw Renfroe perform last year, and she was hysterical. We need more people like her to keep us laughing. Donna B ea m, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania

Healing Ideas? I appreciated your article highlighting some of the issues of healthcare reform (Quick Study: “Bill of Health”). It confirmed that overtesting and overbilling have led to the decline of our health-care system. It has many problems, but before we mess it up more in the name of reform, Washington needs to figure out what works and then slowly repair what’s broken. B il l Coons, Woodstock, Georgia

I had to put the September humor issue down time after time to wipe tears from my eyes and to relax my throbbing sides. This was the best day brightener I’ve had in months. And by the way, I think Americans have the best sense of humor.

JULIANWOLKENSTEIN.COM

Kathleen Ponikvar, Orwell, Ohio

Two things drive up health-care costs: unethical lawsuits and bureaucracy. Let’s reduce those first instead of reducing quality for everyone. Russel l E. Souz a , Schell City, Missouri

I’m Canadian, and I’ve had hernia surgery, a rotator cuff repair, and four MRIs. My entire family has received care for some very complicated conditions. The cost to me

We Want to Hear from You! If we publish your letter—whether it’s to comment on our content, sing our praises, or take us to task—you’ll receive a free Reader’s Digest book or CD, courtesy of our Books and Music division. Send your submissions to [email protected]. readersdigest.com 0/09

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WHEN WILL THE RECESSION END? … THE READER’S DIGEST VERSION We asked readers on our e-mail panel to complete this sentence: “I’ll know the recession is over when …” The top indicator? When more jobs are available (40%). Other telltale signs:

>> “… I’m able to sell my home for at least the amount I originally paid C. K., Fountain Hills, Arizona for it.” >> “… people start smiling again.”

for all of this? Nothing. I hear about how Americans come together in times of trouble, but the one thing Americans have not come together on is sharing the cost of health care. I was in a gas station in International Falls, Minnesota, and there was a donation jar for an 11-year-old girl with stage III cancer and no insurance. That would never happen in Canada. Do not be afraid of health-care reform. Doug Jensen, Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada

S. J., Bismarck, North Dakota

>> “… frugality is no longer a

Off Track

popular topic.” T. M., Casper, Wyoming >> “… I don’t feel guilty spending $20 on something I want but don’t need.”

You’ve got to be kidding: June Griffith was nearly killed by an oncoming train (Heroes: “Dangerous Crossing”), which obliterated her car, and she was given a ticket for “inattentive driving”? The poor woman was lost at night and got stuck! The police officers should apologize to Griffith, refund any fine, and remove the violation from her driving record.

G. D., Pleasant Grove, Utah

>> “… I have to turn work away (I’m a self-employed carpenter).” C. L., Harwich, Massachusetts

>> “… I can move out of my parents’ house.”

K. S., Auburn, Maine

>> “… my employer stops cutting benefits and actually gives me a raise.” K . L., Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

>> “… my husband feels ‘safe’ enough to take some time off from work.” G. C., Owings Mills, Maryland

>> “… traffic jams are back.” W. W., Hillside, New Jersey

>> “… I can sleep at night.” H . K ., Hibbing, Minnesota

Want your opinion heard? Join Our Connection, the Reader’s Digest reader panel, and take part in short surveys. Sign up at readersdigestconnection.com. You can also register to win $30,000.

Josh Baer, West Jordan, Utah

Grizzly Tale As a wildlife filmmaker who lives in grizzly bear country, I read with great interest about how Ron Leming Sr. saved his son from a bear attack (“Arrow to the Heart”). While a great tragedy was averted, if the pair had carried pepper spray, they could have defended themselves—and that bear would still be roaming Wyoming’s majestic backcountry. John Shier, Livingston, Montana

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readersdigest.com 11/09

N ina Lomba rd ino, Lyme, Connecticut

More Than a Game All kids should have a role model as terrific and caring as Roger Barta (“Life Coach”). So many team leaders want to win, often at the expense of their players’ mental and physical health. Learning about Barta’s style should be mandatory for all coaches. J oa nna Rhoton, Sherman, Texas

Gun Control My boyfriend is a Marine serving in Afghanistan. When I read that our troops are being killed and injured

by stolen American arms, I was furious (Outrageous! “Friends Like These …”). Why doesn’t the government do a better job of tracking guns and protecting our troops? I hope this article provokes people to take action. Ashley Taurman, Placentia, California

If our government can keep track of mad cow disease, surely it should be able to monitor the military’s guns. M. M., via Internet

Eking Out Ink Janice Lieberman said most of us spend $10 to $20 for a single cartridge of black ink (Here’s the Deal: “School’s In”). I’d like to know where most people shop. I

( C AT ) J I L L J O H N S O N F R O M G L A M O R P U S S B Y J U L I E JACKSON, CHRONICLE BOOKS (2009)

The grizzly was provoked and acted on instinct. This innocent animal was killed because a father and son wanted a “trophy” elk. Shame!

spend $37.05 for a single cartridge of black ink. M a ril y n Erickson,

(HORSE) JULIANWOLKENSTEIN.COM; (GRIFFIN) HAL HOROWITZ/ WIREIMAGE/ GETTY IMAGES

Springfield, Massachusetts

Now Hair This Wigs on horses? Livestock haute couture is quite a hoot. And if you like pony pinups, may I refer you to kittywigs.com? Colleen M. Schiebold,

I visited each of the three sites for ink cartridges that Lieberman recommended. I have a Lexmark printer, and each of the sites listed prices that are at least $4 higher than what I pay at Target— even for the recycled ones. And that’s without tax and B. Gier, Prospect Heights, Illinois postage. Janice Lieberman writes: The price of ink cartridges ranges widely, depending on your printer model, the size of

Fort Worth, Texas

I think the horse on the cover of the September issue and comedian Kathy Griffin have the same hairdresser! Jimmie Jo Hixon, Tavares, Florida

the cartridge, and the manufacturer. Many consumers spend about $20 (or less) on cartridges. While Target’s pricing is excellent, the sites we suggested offer a larger selection and, often, better prices. ■