Our readers write

Films complement THS curriculum

As a public servant working for the students of Talawanda, I was disturbed by Deborah Anderson’s letter last week (“Movie curriculum needs review,” 9/18/09), which misrepresents what happens in THS English classrooms.

I invite parents and community members to have a dialogue with the English Department about our curriculum. Letters that go home to parents asking permission for viewing specific films initiate this communication; the letter that goes home about “American Beauty” details the reasons for the film’s R rating and provides my home phone number and e-mail address for parents who wish to discuss concerns. Few parents have questioned the teaching of “American Beauty” in the past — but when parents have, I am confident in my rationale and wish to hear from them. In the case of a parent objection, an alternate film and viewing guide are offered; I ask no one to sit in the hall.

We have no English teachers who teach 10 full-length films. A parent permission letter might list this many, so that a teacher has the flexibility to show the films that fit best with that class’s material that year. Some teachers also show numerous clips of films for concepts such as character development, point of view or symbolism without showing the entire film.

With regard to American Beauty” and its R rating, most of the juniors who view this film in the spring have turned 17 and could legally view it in a theater without a parent. While graphic in parts, the film is not “120 minutes of graphic scenes.” The content and themes of an American dream gone awry are a strong complement to the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel “The Great Gatsby,” and student responses to the film/novel combination have been overwhelmingly positive and insightful. The film won numerous awards, including the Oscar for Best Film of 1999.

I hope the reader will indeed take the “discerning look” at curriculum urged by Ms. Anderson; but this dialogue should serve to increase parent involvement in education rather than result in blanket censorship of content.

Kalinde Webb

English Department chair,

Talawanda High School

Ways to improve health care

If the issue really is health insurance for all, there are a number of things that can be done to improve the current system without increasing the size and scope of government. This includes removing the requirements that employers provide health insurance. If individuals were left to buy insurance on the same basis as home insurance or car insurance, competition would increase and prices would be competitive.

The individuals would better understand what their insurance covered, they could tailor their plans to better meet their needs while containing costs, and insurance would not be dependent upon continued employment. And all health care premiums ought to be tax deductible in the same way they are for businesses in the current system.

My understanding is that there are laws prohibiting insurance companies from conducting business across state lines. I’m not sure how those laws protect us, but it seems to me that lawmakers ought to consider repealing them. That would essentially solve the issue of portability. Imagine being able to go anywhere in the country that you want and not lose your health insurance.

This does not solve the issue of “pre-existing conditions.” But pre-existing conditions are not about “insurance.” They are about subsidizing those who have medical conditions not covered by insurance. Insurance covers those who pay a premium against the possibility of future health problems. An insurance company essentially takes the risk, for a price, to pay for a person’s medical expenses should they need the help. The insurance company is betting that nothing happens and they can keep the money.

I am confident in the generosity of the American public that we can find a way to take care of those with pre-existing conditions in a manner that does not usurp our freedom. No home owners insurance company would sell a policy to someone whose house is burning down. If health insurance companies are required to cover those who have pre-existing conditions, no one would buy insurance until they were seriously ill. And the insurers would most definitely go broke.

Phase out regulations requiring companies to provide health insurance. Repeal laws prohibiting individuals from buying insurance from other states and/or require states to recognize insurance products licensed by other states. And make insurance premiums tax deductible. These steps are suggested by the Cato Institute. Taking these steps would better answer our current health care problems.

Daryl Olthaus

Somerville

United Way 
goal a challenge

We are honored to be the co-chairs of the 2009 United Way of Oxford campaign. We recognize that this is a challenging year for all, from local job layoffs to reduced insurance coverage and higher costs of living. Less income equals more requests for help from our 21 United Way agencies. The State of Ohio has issued budget cuts, which leave these agencies even more dependent on local donations.

Although we have only been in Oxford for three and a half years, we have become involved and committed to several Oxford service organizations. We have seen first hand, families and individuals who have never needed help before, visit agencies for assistance just to get through the month.

As the co-chairs, we urge you to consider donating your hard-earned dollars to the United Way of Oxford. Our fundraising goal this year is $218,000, the highest ever due to the increased need of the agencies we support. With your help, we can meet this goal and provide assistance to the children, families and seniors at risk in our community.

Because of you, we can help. By joining together, our contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of those around us. To make a donation, visit www.uwoxford.org or call (513) 523-0991.

Sabrina Jewell and 
Kirk Bogard

2009 United Way 
Campaign co-chairs