VOICE OF THE PEOPLE | Nov. 10

We all must be our brothers' keepers

For 12 hours on Saturday, Mrs. Dalton and I watched on C-SPAN the debate on health care legislation in the House of Representatives. Our personal opinions on the matter were confirmed as we worshiped next day in a House of the Lord. It was both comforting and reassuring to be there and to receive direction from the Spirit.

During the congressional debate and during many of the confrontational public hearings, we heard often asked, “Am I my brother's keeper?” In a more modern version, we heard, “I'm not responsible for my neighbor's health care,” or “Don't spend my tax money to help a family who has been evicted because the wage earner couldn't budget his money or lost his job.” We believe this country was at its best when neighbors assisted neighbors in need and the fortunate came to the aid of the less fortunate.

In Genesis, after Cain murdered his brother, Abel, God's voice asked Cain of Abel's whereabouts. Cain replied angrily, “Am I my brother's keeper?” God reproached Cain severely and “set a mark upon him.” The question of being a “keeper” for our fellow brothers has been debated through the centuries.

The question was settled firmly for us during Sunday worship service. Yes, we are asked by God to support his children who are unable, for whatever reason, to support themselves. God has chosen us, those who have been blessed by good fortune — of genes, or circumstance, or parental support, or education to serve our brothers.

Providing good health care for everyone is just one of many ways to serve. We believe that God is watching our debate and our action.

Harry M. Dalton

Rock Hill

Many served with bravery and honor

I would like to say what an outstanding ceremony it was at Glencairn Garden on Friday for the dedication of the Veterans Memorial! A wonderful job was done by all who were involved in the organization of the building of the memorial and the dedication ceremony! If you haven't had an opportunity to see it, it is beautiful, and you should make it a point to visit it as soon as you can.

It was a privilege to be in the company of our veterans and current members of our armed forces for a time of reflection and honoring those who have served and are serving. However, I would like to clarify something just in case anyone might have seen on TV a portion of an interview that I was involved in. After the ceremony, I was asked by a reporter and camera person if I would agree to a brief interview, which I did. I was asked my name, branch of service and era that I served in. Answer: Lowell Bomar; Marine Corps; Vietnam era. At that point, I was asked various questions ranging from my feeling about Veteran's Day, the Memorial Service, to the massacre at Fort Hood.

Total interview of about 3 minutes. At no time was I asked if I actually served in Vietnam or if I had lost friends in combat. However, when I was shown on TV on the 6 p.m. news, the intro was, “Marine veteran of Vietnam remembers friends who died,” or something to that effect. I want to clarify that although I did serve in Vietnam, I should not be grouped with the heroes who saw extensive combat and hostile action. I did not.

I was in places where that certainly could have happened, but I never even had to fire a round the whole time I was in the country. I consider it an honor and a privilege to have been able to serve but do not deserve or want to be thought of with those who actually saw extensive combat or were wounded in action. Those brave men and women deserve their own place, and the rest of us who, by God's grace were spared those experiences, stand by and salute their sacrifice and bravery!

Lowell Bomar

York

Passing health bill took real courage

Thanks to U.S. Rep. John Spratt and other thoughtful representatives who voted to pass H.R.3962 on Saturday. I am proud of the 220 brave men and women who resisted pressure from the insurance industry to pass comprehensive health insurance reform.