Letters on Pompeo and ACA, trade bills, mental health event

ACA complaints a bag of hot air

A commentary by U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Wichita, was the biggest bag of hot air that has exploded on The Eagle’s Opinion page in some time (“Extending subsidy is wrong approach,” June 21 Opinion). It was full of unsupported, old propaganda presented under the guise of defending his constituents. Anyone who does a little checking will find his claims are false.

If the U.S. Supreme Court rules against the Affordable Care Act subsidies, we will learn quickly that neither Pompeo nor the other Republicans have any solution for health care. We know from Gov. Sam Brownback and the right-wing Republicans that they and Pompeo have identical concerns for their constituents – in other words, no concern for Kansans who are in the lower half of incomes.

Only one thing Pompeo said was believable – that he will stick to his opposition to the health care act no matter what.

Reject trade bills

Knowledge is power. For a democratic electorate to function in the best interests of all, there needs to be free access to information, vigorous debate and often compromise.

America’s evolution into a plutocracy is neatly expressed in trade promotion authority and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-country “trade” pact.

The TPA, aka “fast-track,” authorizes the president to negotiate trade agreements and present them to Congress, with limited debate and just a “yea” or “nay” vote and no amendments. The TPP, a secret trade wish list concocted mostly by multinational corporate interests, usurps national sovereignty by empowering corporations to sue any governments that would inhibit corporate profits through “non-tariff trade barriers,” such as laws protecting consumers, workers or the environment. Such cases would be decided in a corporate-controlled tribunal, which could fine the country millions of dollars with taxpayers footing the bill and no appeal.

Congress should reject both bills.

Raise awareness

The Mental Health Association would like to invite the public to help us raise awareness about children’s mental health while having a great time. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at O.J. Watson Park, 3022 S. McLean, Shelter No. 5.

In addition to the fun things to do at O.J. Watson Park, we will have a disc jockey, moonwalks, face painting, a photo booth, a raffle with prizes, the Wichita Police Department’s bomb squad and K-9 and mounted units, the Wichita Fire Department, local mascots, arts, crafts and games. The park’s train rides and mini golf will be free to the first 100 people, and lunch and refreshments will be free for the first 500 people.

Mental illness affects a large number in our community, including 20 percent of youths. Mental illness is real, common and treatable. Come together with us to have fun and support fighting the stigma that prevents youths and families who are in need of getting mental health support.

This story was originally published June 23, 2015 at 7:05 PM with the headline "Letters on Pompeo and ACA, trade bills, mental health event."