misinformation. At 95 ….
misinformation.
At 95 years of age, I can remember the time when the notorious Joseph “Joe” Mc-Carthy was alleging that numerous communists, spies and sympathizers had infiltrated the United States. I worry that we may be living in a new, even more dangerous “McCarthyism” era.
The term “McCarthyism” eventually became used more broadly to mean demagogic, reckless and unsubstantiated accusations. This also included public attacks on the character or patriotism of political opponents.
The encyclopedia Wikipedia defines the word “demagogic” as “a political leader in a democracy who gains popularity by arousing the common people against elites, especially through oratory that whips up the passions of crowds, appealing to emotion by scapegoating out-groups, exaggerating dangers to stoke fears, lying for emotional effect, or other rhetoric that tends to drown out reasoned deliberation and encourage fanatical popularity.”
The encyclopedia continues in a footnote to define demagogues in power as “establishing one-man rule, subverting the rule of law, appointing unqualified lackeys to high office [and] corruption.”
Despite my concerns, I will be thankful when this current election is over. Maybe then all of us can—at least temporarily— rejoice that we are yet alive and that we are fortunate enough to be able to live in Leisure World.
Mary Larson Mutual 5 Editor:
Some people know this and some don’t, but we all need to be reminded. Don’t vote for the Democratic Party or the Republican Party; vote for the person you think will do the best job. This country needs help. Think about who can fix it.
Tony Laspada Mutual 6 Editor:
I was surprised reading a story that heralded the annual Medicare open enrollment “extravaganza” (Oct. 13) and resultant feeding frenzy. Two front page “stories” promoted the wonderful “Medicare” Advantage plans, and helpful “Medicare counselors” (also known as sales agents) whose job is to “sell” us, just as LW Weekly’s job is to “serve” us shareholders. I also counted two-anda- half pages of pricey color ads, all extolling the virtues of Advantage which, incidentally, is not, not, not (real)Medicare but inferior private insurance masquerading as such to confuse you. The recent government OIG report (as the previous report of 2007) cited millions of examples where Advantage refused to pay for, or approve of, procedures that (real) Medicare mandates. (Real) Medicare always pays ( https://oig.hhs.gov/ newsroom/ videos/ medicareadvantage- denials-of-care/).
Why do I feel I’m on the menu? Imagine calling your insurance company for hours while suffering chemotherapy or dialysis? Advantage plans can quietly switch you away from (Real) Medicare but it’s usually too late when you realize it. Advantage was designed to imitate (Real) Medicare, suck it dry and kill it… and it’s working! In fairness, the Weekly does have a disclaimer in mouse type and, after locating it and squinting a lot, I was able to read it.
Advertising revenue is essential to balance Weekly’s budget, but it cannot supplant its commitment to shareholders. Will you, at the very least, print sufficient front page information to make rational decisions about such a lifelong commitment?
You can’t serve two masters, please choose.
Ray Olsowka Mutual 2
Editor:
I am so grateful for recovering from COVID. We are so blessed to have our Health Care Center with Dr. Nancy Smith and the 24 hour nurses.They were all so kind, comforting, patient and helpful each time I called. Thank you all so much. My sincere thank you to all my friends that prayed for me, called to help me and sent cards for encouragement during my recovery. My sincere thank you to all of you. Love and blessings.
Juanita Townsend Mutual 10
