Headline of the week: "Inflation jumps as consumers pay more."
WATCHDOG: So that is what causes it!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
SUNDAY NEWS
In reference to former State Representative Tom Armstrong housing former sex offenders in his house, a Sunday News "Quote Of The Week" was Columbia's mayor Leo Lutz stating: "We want to send a clear message. ... We don't want you in Columbia. Please go elsewhere."
WATCHDOG: When a mayor makes such a statement, it is indeed news. Even if the editors refrained from taking an editorial stance pro or con, at least they put the issue in front of the public to stimulate thought and reaction. Hopefully reaction they will get!
WATCHDOG: When a mayor makes such a statement, it is indeed news. Even if the editors refrained from taking an editorial stance pro or con, at least they put the issue in front of the public to stimulate thought and reaction. Hopefully reaction they will get!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
LANCASTER POST
In its July 18 edition in a feature entitled "Puff Piece", the Post poses the following question concerning the proposed trolley car system: "Does anyone remember a single public meeting on this radical and very stupid proposal?"
WATCHDOG: Here in Lancaster, it seems to be the practice for the authorities to only hold public meetings after all the decisions have been made and the project is beyond turning back, not before. But good question anyway. (Incidentally, the Post's recent edition is its best yet.)
WATCHDOG: Here in Lancaster, it seems to be the practice for the authorities to only hold public meetings after all the decisions have been made and the project is beyond turning back, not before. But good question anyway. (Incidentally, the Post's recent edition is its best yet.)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
NEW ERA
In a June 15 article entitled "Pa.'s top court won't hear center lawsuit", the New Era states: "Although design work for the project was being done during the litigation, [Tom] Smithgall said the legal challenges have cost both time and money.
"He believes the litigation added at least three years to the project. During that time, there has been a sharp increase in the cost of construction materials."
LETTER TO WATCHDOG: "How quickly they forget the 2003 redesign, which tripled the size and cost of the project, and discarded nearly four years of design work.
"How quickly they forget the internal arguments between Penn Square Partners and the LCCCA, which added nearly two years to the project.
"They need to blame SOMEONE, since they've never taken any of the blame for themselves."
"He believes the litigation added at least three years to the project. During that time, there has been a sharp increase in the cost of construction materials."
LETTER TO WATCHDOG: "How quickly they forget the 2003 redesign, which tripled the size and cost of the project, and discarded nearly four years of design work.
"How quickly they forget the internal arguments between Penn Square Partners and the LCCCA, which added nearly two years to the project.
"They need to blame SOMEONE, since they've never taken any of the blame for themselves."
Monday, July 14, 2008
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
The lead article on July 14, "Food for thought at SDL" is devoted to a report by consultants for Nutri-Tech Inc. who said "Students, faculty and staff have widespread complaints about mushy, overcooked, oily foods and a lack of variety on their schools' breakfast and lunch menus." It then goes on to say "The findings will help whoever is hired to replace former longtime food-service and transportation coordinator Gene Miller, who retired in January."
WATCHDOG: Contrary to professional journalistic practices, the Intell published no rebuttal or explanation from McCaskey food management, especially Gene Miller who implicitly seems to be held responsible for circumstances that have to do with insufficient funding for the food subsidy program. (See article under News & Commentary.)
WATCHDOG: Contrary to professional journalistic practices, the Intell published no rebuttal or explanation from McCaskey food management, especially Gene Miller who implicitly seems to be held responsible for circumstances that have to do with insufficient funding for the food subsidy program. (See article under News & Commentary.)
Sunday, July 13, 2008
SUNDAY NEWS
An article on July 13 "Parties agree they don't like charter" by Helen Colwell Adams was well researched, comprehensive, timely and informative.
WATCHDOG: Unfortunately it was partly buried on page A10 rather than receiving front page major article treatment, at least in the local section.
If Marv Adams does that often, he may have more trouble at home than just Abigail!
WATCHDOG: Unfortunately it was partly buried on page A10 rather than receiving front page major article treatment, at least in the local section.
If Marv Adams does that often, he may have more trouble at home than just Abigail!
SUNDAY NEWS
The editorial on July 13 is headed "Hospital, bill thyself. With huge surpluses, and opulent quarters, it's plan that LGH and Hershey Medical can do better for the Plain and others who can't pay their bills."
WATCHDOG:
Although the willingness to criticize Lancaster General Hospital, a member of the Big Five, deserves commendation, the editorial misses the entire point by suggesting that LGH act more charitably towards the Amish. The uninsured pay half again as much for their services as the rest of us who are insured.
In response to NewsLanc's question, LGH reports that the average of the "charges" paid by insurance companies and Medicare amounts to about 50%. The Amish are being required to pay at least 75%. That suggests LGH's profit margin must by eight to ten tims greater for the uninsured than for the insured.
The Amish are being ripped off! And so are we when we pay our co-pay portions.
So who is giving charity to whom?
WATCHDOG:
Although the willingness to criticize Lancaster General Hospital, a member of the Big Five, deserves commendation, the editorial misses the entire point by suggesting that LGH act more charitably towards the Amish. The uninsured pay half again as much for their services as the rest of us who are insured.
In response to NewsLanc's question, LGH reports that the average of the "charges" paid by insurance companies and Medicare amounts to about 50%. The Amish are being required to pay at least 75%. That suggests LGH's profit margin must by eight to ten tims greater for the uninsured than for the insured.
The Amish are being ripped off! And so are we when we pay our co-pay portions.
So who is giving charity to whom?
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