With all the focus on socialized health care, the Associated Press broke an incredible story that received very little attention. The Obama administration has privately concluded that a cap-and-trade law would cost American taxpayers up to $200 billion a year, the equivalent of hiking personal income taxes by about 15 percent," reports the Associated Press. Congressman Bob Etheridge voted "Yes."

As outrageous as that sounds, this figure was verified by the U.S. Treasury Department. But it gets worse. According to the Associated Press, "At the upper end of the administration's estimate, the cost per American household would be an extra $1,761 a year." The report also states that the total economic costs will be "equal in scale to all [existing] environmental regulation."

But Mr. Etheridge and Democrats have cried foul, estimating the tax increase they voted for will "only" cost families $800 per year. Gee, thanks Mr. Etheridge!

Congressman Etheridge voted for cap and trade, increasing taxes on the average American family by no less than $800 per year (Democratic Party estimates) and more likely $1,761 per year (official U.S. Treasury Department detailed analysis). Mr. Etheridge voted for the "stimulus" that cost each American household $10,038 in additional debt but hasn't slowed rising unemployment. He voted for the auto-industry bailout, the big bank bailout and the big insurance-company bailout. Etheridge voted to spend $3 billion of taxpayer money on cash-for-clunkers and now Etheridge is pushing a $1 trillion health-care scheme.

Each and every time, Mr. Etheridge has voted with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco and in support of President Obama's agenda, and yet Congressman Etheridge considers himself a "moderate Democrat." If this is what the Democratic Party considers "moderate" these days, this sure ain't your daddy's Democratic Party anymore.

Mark Otto

Cleveland community

A competitor to the end

In the late 1930s, a young man began growing up in Johnston County, in the town of Smithfield. He had a special smile, and he loved fishing and the outdoors in general.

As he grew older, it became obvious that he possessed the natural athletic skills that some have. Along with these skills, he had a work ethic that prepared him for his future. In high school, he proudly wore the red and white of the Smithfield High School Red Devils. He was a superstar in the three sports that we had -- football, basketball and baseball. Later on, he wore the black and gold of the Wake Forest University Demon Deacons. This young man knew about overtime and extra innings.

Several years ago, his health began to fail, and he adjusted to a quieter lifestyle. In more recent times, he had his greatest challenge with his health. Like the old days, he stood up to his foe of health failure, never to give in. Once again, he went into overtime and fought the good fight; he just ran out of minutes.

His name was Frank Berry Skinner. He left this world on Aug. 31. He was my classmate and friend.

M.T. Baggett

Smithfield

Veterans earn their benefits

This is in response to "Reform is right thing to do" by Elizabeth Mencia in the Sept. 23 Herald.

President Lincoln, on March 4 of 1865, said "... to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan..." Greatly understood and embedded in the foundation of America is the responsibility of the people to care for those who have braved the consequences of war. Health care provided to veterans is neither welfare nor a privilege. Rather, it is a moral right obligated to those whom have endured hardships while defending the basic freedoms of America -- life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

To inject veteran benefits into the health-care debate is not only a flawed analogy, but additionally, it is morally wrong, and to some, it might be construed as blatant disrespect. Those who serve and have served in foreign lands are inherently entitled to benefits as a result of sacrifice. A veteran, who has served our country, is unlike the normal citizen, who has not. They are separate and should not be considered the same during the health-care debate. If the health-care package passes and all citizens of the United States are provided access, the veteran and the civilian will still be different. Veterans Affairs will provide care to those who have defended our country, and another entity will provide care to those who have not. If so, veterans will be provided care because of a moral must, and the normal citizen will be provided care because of a socially perceived necessity.

William Ridgeway

Garner

Rally organizer says thanks

Thank you, patriots of Johnston County and those patriots from Wayne and Wake counties. Thank you so much for coming to the Patriot's Day Tea Party on Sept. 11 in Smithfield.

It was a great success until the Smithfield police came, but I hope you got something out of it anyway, and I hope it answered some questions. In the hour that we were allowed to listen to Joey Jackson, I hope you learned a little bit more about what the national health-care bill might require if enacted.

Birmah Stemler

Smithfield