An Open Letter to President O Bama

Mr President

I am writing this blog using the freedoms that have been guaranteed to me by the Consitution of the United States. Those freedoms include LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Depending on which agency you contact, you will find that I am, employed, and a homeowner in the city of Springfield Ma.. I have been married only once,and am still married to her after some 18 yrs.

I graduated from high school in 1972, attended Providence College for three years and got my B.A. from Rhode Island College in 1979. I went on to a brief career in the U.S. Army and was discharged under honorable conditions in 1982.

Over the years, I have been successful in a number of areas ranging from a career in the automotive industry, involvement in an auto racing ministry, and a period spent as an internet columnist for several regional and national websites.

Here is the problem Mr. President. I am both a handicapped person and a disabled veteran.
I was born with several defects including a hand/eye coordination issue. If I had been a fetus today, I would have never been born. The same could be said for my wife. In the 50s her mother took a drug. As a result, my wife could never concieve. We are a childless couple in our 50s.

I have accepted my limitations and have always worked around them. Despite my handicap, I was able to complete military training. My VA disablity has less to do with my handicap and more to do with some stupid actions on my part.

The move to nationalize heath care scares me. I may be 20% disabled, but I am still 80% able.
Last week I worked some 80 hours as a pizza delivery person. I spent another 10 hrs maintaining my home and several more assisting my wife. Sleep is an option.

My wife depends on Mass Health for her medical treatment and I use the VA. Each month my wife has to visit her doctor to get her pain killer medication. Every month it is a battle for her to stay functional Under your plan her life would be worthless. She would be classified as a non productive citizen. She would be amoung those forced to consider assisted suicide.

I try to avoid using the Veterans Administration. That currently leaves me with untreated diabetes. I would rather self treat than face the doctors and the wating lines. I use the mental health unit, but only under extreme conditions. My fear is that in time, I too will face the lable of a non productive citizen.

Mr President, You cannot give life nor should you or your government have the power to take it.
That includes forcing abortions on people as well as assisted suicide. I have always believed that we as Americans value life. Our elderly, our veterans and our unborn all deserve a chance.

Thanks

John Kokolski
an American citizen

Cash for Clunkers? I want to trade in John Kerry!

Disclaimer!!!

I currently am driving my wife's 98 Kia Sephia, which does not qualify as a Clunker. By choice, I have been driving 4 cyl fuel saving vehicles for most of my 35 yr plus driving career. I am also an admitted car nut. My favorite vehcles of all time include the Ford Capris of the early 70s and the Hemi powered Mopars of the mid 60s.

Could you please tell me where I can trade in Senator John Kerry for the Clunker credit? If the price is right, I will add in Senator Ted Kennedy and the House delegation from the state of Massachusetts. If the purpose of the legislation is to improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emmisions, I cannot think of a better way than to trade in our elected representatives for newer lighter and more efficient models.

In the long run the C for C law is the biggest bomb to hit Detriot since the Edsel and here is why.

Yes there are a number of cars on the road that could/should be scrapped. Most of these are driven by low income people. This law only permits credit towards the purchase of new vehicles. That alone puts it our of reach to those who need it. It requires that all vehicles must be scrapped after the engine has been disabled. This reduces the supply of used vehicles and thus the prices on them will rise, furthur hurting the poor. The requirement that the vehicles be scrapped has a double whammy. Prices for scrap have already fallen, this supply will push them down further still. Meanwhile, the poor get wacked again as prices for used parts will increase.

Detroit, Japan and other car countries share a common problem. There is only so much demand for new vehicles. The manufacturers have been building too many cars for too long and have resorted to discount pricing. All this does is move demand forward. The C for C law does more of the same. What will happen when the law finally ends? Demand will fall back to previous levels. What Detriot and the other car builders will have to do is to continue to reduce their production until the supply is equal to the demand. That is pretty simple. I leaned that in Econ 101. Oh, I forgot, Barney is capable of running a bank but never studied Economics.

Hey! for the right offer, I will toss in Chris Dodd and Deval Patrick