Letters to the editor
Obama’s timidity
01:00 AM EDT on Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Froma Harrop, in her June 21 column, “Obama succumbs to constituency politics,” correctly points out two troubling examples of timidity by the Obama administration — its refusal to participate in the recent mayors conference in Providence because it meant crossing a firefighter union’s picket line, and its refusal to consider medical-malpractice-damage award caps out of deference to trial lawyers.
These decisions reflect a “politics as usual” approach rather than “change we can believe in.”
A comprehensive bill to reduce health-care costs will need to include some limit on damage awards, just as for struggling cities to maintain services during difficult economic times, the costs of municipal-worker contracts need to be reassessed.
In the latter instance, Mayor Cicilline has demonstrated leadership in pressing all the stakeholders to recognize their responsibility to contribute to a solution. The Obama administration’s fear of crossing a picket line in Providence does not inspire confidence that similar leadership will be demonstrated to address our daunting health-care, energy, economic and foreign-policy challenges.
DAVID GRISWOLD
Bethesda, Md.
| Animal Behaviorist, Christine Johnson | |
| Sweetbriar provides opportunities for Tara Dodson and her daughter Avery | |
| Police seize large quantity of marijuana in Woonsocket |
We want to hear from you
More letters to the editor
Most Viewed Yesterday
The hunt for Stephen Saccoccia’s hidden assets
Vehicle fatalities climb in R.I.
Suspect shot during struggle with undercover officer
Patriots journal: Belichick says Moss is smartest receiver he’s seen
Most active surveys
What's your favorite breakfast/lunch place?
React to Carcieri's veto of R.I.'s first saltwater fishing license
Are the Yankees on the brink of another dynasty?
Will you allow your children to be vaccinated against swine flu? Why or why not?
Is it a bad thing or a good thing that prostitution is legal in Rhode Island, indoors?
Most e-mailed in the last 24 hours
Reader Reaction









You must be logged in to contribute. Log in | Register Now!
You are logged in as screenname | Log Out
You are logged in, but do not have a "screen" name. Create a Screen Name