In response to your Oct. 2 article “Democrats go on offensive with SCHIP as their weapon” by Jeffrey Young, I hope Republican politicians do not hold poor and lower-middle class children’s health hostage when the compromise to fund SCHIP at $35 billion comes before them for an override. This is a subsistence program.

The taxes from those in the highest bracket could have gone a long way to fund this had they not gotten a windfall tax break to spend on huge summer homes, boats and luxury gas guzzlers. “Trickle down” economics is more “trick” for the poor and “treat” for the rich.

Vaccinations and doctor visits are not candy. Neither are they cake, recalling the words of Marie Antoinette. Let those who would let the poor scrounge while enjoying luxuries themselves keep their heads and vote for SCHIP at the $35 billion level, allowing states to raise the income limits for eligibility. One level of poverty for the whole country makes no sense when costs of living vary so widely.

Bowie, Md.

LIMBAUGH AND REID

Very disappointing

From J. Falkenberry
Very disappointing that Klaus Marre did not even try to check his facts regarding Sen. Harry Reid versus Rush Limbaugh (article, “Democrats go after Limbaugh, Oct 1).

In context: Mr. Limbaugh called a boot-camp dropout who had made claims of atrocities and claims of service a “phony soldier.”

Had Mr. Marre bothered to review the show transcripts or speak with Mr. Limbaugh or his staff he might have written an article giving the facts.

Instead, Mr. Marre disgraced both your fine publication and himself by spewing half-truths. Cover both sides of an issue or don’t bother to cover it at all.

Maynardville, Tenn.

Didn’t listen

From retired Air Force Lt. Col. Bruce M. Kalish
Did Klaus Marre listen to the radio broadcast that Mr. Reid was referring to when he attacked Rush Limbaugh? He should have included that in his article. If Marre had listened, he would have found that Sen. Reid is a liar, with all due respect to the senator’s position.

Parker, Colo.

Shoddy, shame, smear

From Jason Piebes
What is it with shoddy journalism these days? Klaus Marre’s article regarding Rush’s comments features lengthy commentary from Sen. Reid yet not one mention of what Rush really said! This article has two quotes from Rush: “phony soldiers” and something from Monday calling out Harry Reid. No context? Where’s the rest of the quote? I’m not sure if I have ever seen such a blatant attempt at smearing another public figure. Journalism has become nothing more than editorials masquerading as honest reporting. This article represents the worst of them all. Klaus should be ashamed and the editor that let this drivel pass should be ashamed as well.

Baltimore

Truly breathtaking

From Terri Cannon
I have been listening to Rush for years. He has never disparaged the troops. It’s unbelievable that Harry Reid can get on the Senate floor and lie. It’s truly breathtaking.

Carrabelle, Fla.