I didn't vote to expand Medicaid just to have DHS eliminate people from Medicaid | Letters

Welfare is a system to provide Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) help to people who are eligible to receive those services. Services like Medicaid, food stamps and other things. But it is kind of curious how, when someone lives in a county like Cleveland County, they would have to drive anywhere upwards of 90 to 180 miles to see or talk to their appointed DHS worker who is assigned to their case and lives in another county 90 to 170 miles away. It would be unsurprising if something detrimental to their benefits was done to cause a reduction in their health coverage under Medicaid or to the amount of food stamps they receive occurred, maybe a misunderstanding of their situation financially, and they could not get to see or talk to their assigned DHS worker to clear up any misunderstandings that could restore their benefits.

I personally know of two people who would have to drive those distances to get their benefits cleared so they would continue to receive them but have just given in and accepted the decree by DHS on their cases. And I am sure there are many more who have that same problem. And what do those who do not have vehicles that they can drive to those locations, like in Comanche County (90 miles) or Adair County (170 miles), do? I suspect nothing and end up having their benefits reduced by DHS. I did not vote yes to expand Medicaid just to have DHS eliminate people from Medicaid because of a measly dollar or two by assigning a case worker who lives 90 to 170 miles away.

Hopefully, someone will take exception to that cavalier treatment used to reduce their dependence on DHS, solely because our Legislature does not want to provide the money necessary to provide a DHS caseworker where they live locally, and with the help of some organization like the ACLU, will sue the DHS agency and the Legislature for being treated so cavalierly. I do know that if I had the means and finances, I would help them sue our state DHS and Legislature.

― Andre Snodgrass, Norman

Kids may very well need a little Ten Commandments, patriotism

Kids in America are in serious need of moral guidance. A decade ago, I would have opposed the Ten Commandments display in Louisiana, but not now. Let's inject a dose of patriotism into these classrooms, as well!

― Scott R. Hammond, Tulsa

'Ole Man River' would be proud

With the Oklahoma River being a centerpiece leading to the announcement of OKC being an Olympic site in 2028, I cannot help but think how proud Ray Ackerman, “Ole Man River,” must be today.

— Dean Schirf, Harrah

Republican or Democrat, let's try to be 'honest, fair and sensible'

Over the years, I've observed the difference between what the Democrats now call democracy and a constitutional republican form of government. The latter promotes public opinion through representatives elected by the people, along with certain aspects of democracy. A pure democracy allows for unlimited majority rule, which at times can become mob rule, as opposed to representatives of the people expressing what our constitution calls for, which is better most of the time.

Of course, there is no absolute perfect form of government, but ours has been the closest thing to it since 1776. Democracy has become a code word of sorts for many in the Democratic Party, but Republicans are for democracy, too, as represented by our Constitution. Let's try to be honest, fair and sensible on both sides of the political aisle.

― Joe Ralls, Moore