Letters and Commentary

273

Americans Deserve Access to Affordable Health Care

To the Editor:

If at first you don’t succeed, try try again. Apparently, House Republicans have taken that quote to heart. They have tried unsuccessfully to repeal the Affordable Care Act a whopping 34 times! Do they not get the message?
Ironically, this do-nothing group of lawmakers has a health care program of their own under the federal Employees Health Benefits Program. They are offered fantastic options covering a wide variety of services that include, for example, prescription drugs, hospital visits and surgeries. And, I might add, that the taxpayer picks up 75 percent of these premium costs. Yet this same group would deny millions of people who are uninsured access to medical services that all Americans rightfully deserve.
Under the Affordable Care Act, policyholders can cover their children’s health costs until age 26. People with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage. Seniors benefit with a discount on brand-named medication.
It makes no sense to me why the House Republicans are always in opposition to any plan that the Obama Administration wants to enact. But, then again, this is the party of non-sense.
Ellen Hock
Long Branch

Celebrate Irish Heritage at the NJ Shore

To the Editor:

Nestled among the sand dunes of Sea Girt, New Jersey, you can hear in the distance the magic of the bagpipes. The sounds of singing and children’s laughter bring that much needed smile to your face, and the smell of bangers and mash with a pint of Guinness is just the thing to put that twinkle back in your eye.
In its 11th year, the Irish Festival at the N.J. Shore has become the single most premier festival in the State of New Jersey. Each and every year they manage to balance the new, exciting, cutting-edge music that young people desire in consistence with legends that have performed for generations. This year will be no different. With no less than 10 musical acts on three separate stages, this will again be a blast! BLAST!
This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at the Sea Girt Armory and will honor the festival grand marshal, the Monmouth County Freeholder John P Curley, a great Irish Lad himself.
What truly sets this festival apart from the others is its commitment to the Irish Culture. The heritage series boasts practices, demonstrations and lectures in Irish religion, history, language, arts, Civil War participation, dance and more. There are a lot of things here for everyone and you really don’t have to be Irish to join in on the fun!
For more information go to www. njshoreirishfestival.com/
And, don’t forget to stop by and say hello to Sully!
Dermot F. Farley,
Irish Festival at the NJ Shore

Lobsters Don’t Deserve to be Boiled, Broiled or Grilled

To the Editor:

According to a recent Associated Press story, reports of brightly colored lobsters – once exceedingly rare – are becoming more common. While scientists debate why pink, blue, orange, and even calico lobsters are turning up in traps, one thing is certain: No lobster, no matter what color, deserves to be boiled alive.
Lobsters can live to be more than 100 years old, they recognize individual lobsters, remember past acquaintances, have elaborate courtship rituals and help guide young lobsters across the ocean floor by holding claws in a line that can stretch for many yards. And, although theories abound, no one has ever come up with a satisfactory way to give lobsters a painless death.
The next time you consider eating one of these interesting living beings, please pass, and opt for an animal-friendly, meat-free meal instead.
Paula Moore
The PETA Foundation,
Norfolk, Va.

Pilot Program Urged to Fight Drunken Driving

To the Editor:

I have introduced legislation that would create a two-year pilot program that would require ignition interlock devices to be installed in first time drunk driver’s vehicles in Monmouth County.
Alarmingly in 2012, Monmouth County has the second highest number of drunk driving incidents of all the counties in New Jersey. Unfortunately, current penalties have not been strong enough to deter people from driving under the influence and putting themselves and other drivers at risk.
The legislation, A-3235 will require a report to be submitted evaluating the effectiveness of the ignition interlock device pilot program to the governor and legislature once the two-year term is complete. From there, recommendations will be made to whether the program should be continued and expanded statewide.
Accidents related to drunk driving are heartbreaking, especially when they result in injuries and fatalities. I am hopeful that this pilot program will play an important role in the fight against drunk driving, by preventing repeat offenses of driving under the influence.
Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini,
11th Legislative District 

Voice Your Opinion on Alzheimer Plan at Town Hall

To the Editor:

The National Alzheimer’s Plan was approved by President Obama in May 2012. The next step for the plan is to ensure that Congress supports implementation of it with an additional $100 million for three key areas – Alzheimer’s research, education, outreach and community support. Public input is needed to make this next step happen, so we invite all New Jersey residents to attend our regional town hall at The Senior Center of the Chathams, 58 Meyersville Road, Chatham, on Sept. 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Attendees will discuss the plan and how it will affect them and their community. Readers can call 973-586-4300 to register. The town hall is one of hundreds being held now nationwide by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Congressman Rodney P. Frelinghuysen is scheduled to make an appearance before the audience, which will be comprised of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, their caregivers, representatives from federal, state and local government as well as the research, health and long-term care communities. Attendees also will be encouraged to share their personal perspectives on what is needed in these key areas in order to best capitalize on the plan.
Our town hall is scheduled during September in part because it is World Alzheimer’s Month, which is a key time to bring awareness to the disease and attention to the next step of the plan. During the month, we take the time to applaud the everyday individuals facing Alzheimer’s each day and those in the fight against this fatal disease, while we work toward better treatments and an eventual cure. These individuals work daily to achieve our vision of “a world without Alzheimer’s disease.”
Alzheimer’s disease affects over 5.4 million individuals nationwide. As the 6th leading cause of death among Americans, it is the only disease among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent, cure, or even slow its progression.
We urge all New Jersey residents affected by Alzheimer’s disease to attend the town hall and make their voices heard. Again, readers can call 973-586-4300 to register.
The time is now because Alzheimer’s cannot wait!
Sincerely,
Dr. Fred A. Kobylarz,
Board of Directors, Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter

Two River Moments


The Peninsula House Hotel and Beach Club in Sea Bright was built in 1881 and destroyed by fire on Oct. 9, 1986. The site, known for its wide verandas and cool ocean breezes, was a place where area residents worked and socialized. This summertime aerial photo was taken in 1955.