Learn from the movie 'Sicko': To the Editor: With presidential hopefuls talking about healthcare, memories surfaced concerning this issue and what it means to me.

Growing up in Illinois, I remember when babies were delivered for $100, including nine months of pre-natal care, delivery, and post-delivery care for mother and child. Most deliveries took place at home because there were so few hospitals in rural areas. Doctors made house calls.

People went to the doctor, without appointments, when they were sick. Patients paid $5 per visit. Those who couldn't pay brought farm produce, did some carpentry or bartered other odd jobs.

Medical care was between doctor and patient. There was no such thing as health insurance. I remember all these things because both my parents were doctors.

Things began to change. Doctors found restrictions on the amount of time allowed with patients, limitations on some of their services, and other services they were required to offer.

A new predatory industry emerged in the 1970s; medical costs now had to cover the salary of someone in the office to handle insurance claims, as well as expenses for the headquarters, offices, utilities and army of customer service representatives, secretaries, salesmen, medical consultants, claims adjusters, statisticians and attorneys the health insurance industry needed to run their end of this business.

Single-payer universal health coverage sounds to me like the best thing since the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. To understand why, I encourage anyone concerned about the healthcare crisis in America to see Michael Moore's new movie "Sicko."

Medini Longwell, Murphysboro

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Thank you, Mr. Gentry

To the Editor

It appears that the residents of Williamson County have found a real keeper in their new county board chairman.

In his short time in that position, Brent Gentry has focused himself on improving and restoring the integrity and public trust while his motivational standards are to be admired.

He has displayed his interest and genuine concern for the county and if the residents will recognize and support his unselfish efforts, it is possible that the best is yet to come.

So a tip of the hat and a sincere thank you goes to Mr. Gentry for a job well done thus far.

Ray Null, Herrin

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Don't knock the post office

Dear Editor

I just read an Associated Press article about one Southern Illinois University student that says if the United States Postal Service starts charging to deliver mail or made them pick them pick it up, he would find an alternative method.

One man said he wouldn't pay to get his mail delivered. He would order over the Internet from international stores and ship direct, so local business's would lose his business too.

Now wait just a minute. My postal service takes care of me. Rain or shine they are at my front door every day. For 41 cents he will take a letter to President Bush.

And in a very few days I got an answer. They have done that for 3 cents. E. J. Fager told me he used to get his on horseback. So don't be putting down our Postal Service. It is the only service we got that I can't complain about at all. So take your business elsewhere.

Harry Allard, Murphysboro

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Good luck, Springfield

To the Editor

Springfield should be a shoe-in for the Springfield home of the Simpsons comic strip as the city is the home of one of the countries largest dysfunctional groups.

It is known as The Illinois Legislature. Good Luck, Springfield.

Bill Schwegman, Carbondale