Fairness includes caring

Are you and I Americans or just people sharing the same land? I have always believed that being an American meant something special, family even.

I see millions of dollars going to aid other countries and even to pay for medical coverage for Iraqi citizens, but almost half of the people in America are outraged at the possibility of having to spend what amounts to the cost of a few bowls of rice to save the almost 47,000 Americans who will die next year, as well as the many millions more sick or maimed who will go uncared for because they are unable to afford health care insurance.

Tea partiers and Republicans in Congress are passionately opposed to health care for all Americans. I am not expecting them to be “good Samaritans.” I am just asking them to care about their American family. My 20 years of military service was to defend my country, Americans.

I despair for my country, for there are those who, while claiming “fairness and balance,” harangue the people with lies and half-truths while fomenting insurrection. Put aside your anger, my fellow Americans. To love your country is to “love your neighbor.”

James C. Lanham

Cheney