Letters: It was rude - but also true

LIKE MOST Americans, I agree that U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson's yelling "You lie" might've been boorish and unacceptable. But let's put this in perspective.

Wilson is one Republican. Flash back to January 2005 when there was a pattern of heckling from numerous Democrats as President Bush delivered his State of the Union address. That kind of behavior makes Wilson's comment not so bad, huh?

But let me comment on the most important issue. Did President Obama lie when he said "the reforms I am proposing would not apply to those are here illegally"? You say no, based on the terminology "No federal payment for undocumented aliens" in HR 3200 means illegal aliens will not be entitled to any benefits.

Let me throw some reality at you. Due to federal law, an individual who shows up at an emergency room can't be turned away, thus their care will be taxpayer-supported. If we have health-care reform or not, illegal immigrants who show up at an ER will not be turned away and will continue to be taxpayer-supported.

So while Obama might not have lied per se, he didn't tell the complete truth, either. In government, if something is not "specifically prohibited" with clear-cut language, it's tacitly approved.

Tom Sexton, West Deptford, N.J.

He'd rather go to Iraq

When I read your Saturday article regarding the horrible and possibly criminal treatment received by veterans in the Veterans Administration Nursing Home, I was sick.

As a Vietnam veteran (1967-'68) entitled to care at a veterans hospital facility, if needed, I can assure you that I will not seek their services.

I've informed my wife and wrote a letter to the secretary of the army that in the event of a severe illness that I be allowed to re-enlist and be sent to Afghanistan or Iraq, where there could be a possibility that I may die with dignity.

James V. Ward, Philadelphia