THUMBS UP to U.S. Sen. Richard Burr for his candor on the health-care reform issue. Burr was in Hickory on Thursday, part of a two-day trip through western North Carolina. He visited Frye Regional Medical Center and talked with doctors and administrators about reform. Burr said eliminating the public option issue from the reform concept advanced by President Obama and Democrats in Congress could pave the way for bipartisan overhaul of the nation's health-care system. Burr was firm on Republican opposition to the public insurance option. His comments cleared up a lot of misconception about the reform debate. Burr also said he does not know any member of Congress who would vote for "death panel" legislation, nor does he know any member of Congress who would serve on such a committee. We appreciate his reply to the question.
THUMBS UP to Soldiers Reunion speaker Jack McCaskill, a retired Army lieutenant colonel. McCaskill has served his country long and proudly. Those ribbons on his chest aren't given away. They're earned. McCaskill and hundreds of veterans were the focus of Thursday's festivities. Fond memories mingled with somber recollections of time in the military. McCaskill put a combat soldier's life in perspective when he said, "No on hates war more than a soldier." Think about that. Combat is a bloody, violent business. We train soldiers who a few weeks ago were students, family members, fellow workers and friends. They don't want to fight, but they do. They do because it's their duty. They swear oaths to defend us, and they fulfill their promises. They sweat, bleed and sometimes die for us. Most of our soldiers are just ordinary people who perform extraordinarily in the face of the gravest danger. Soldiers hate war, but they don't blink if they have to fight for country and family. Thanks to all who honored our soldiers throughout Reunion week. They mean a lot to us, and our thanks mean a lot to them.
THUMBS UP to President Obama for his stance on freedom for the Lockerbie bomber. Abdel Baset al-Megrahi returned to Libya to a hero's welcome after he was freed from a Scottish prison. He was let go for humanitarian reasons because he is dying of cancer. He should have been kept in prison, but the Scots have a policy about dying behind bars. Obama said the terrorist's homecoming was "highly objectionable." The White House denounced the murderer's release as soon as it became public. Now that al-Megrahi is back home, Obama says he should be placed under house arrest. We agree. In a jailhouse.
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