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Letters to the Editor

November 2003

(Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Need for Single-Payer Universal Health System I read the August issue of the Seafarers LOG on the U.S. health care situation with interest. It just reinforced my belief that our system, in which benefits are dependent upon an individual having a job that provides coverage (employment-based), is ineffective and morally wrong. The statistics you quoted are incredible. I believe we need to implement a single-payer, universal health coverage system. Even though I have good coverage as an SIU member, I believe the unions must work for what is best for all of us. And the fact that only about 13 percent of U.S. workers are in unions shows that we must organize together with others who lack or have poor medical coverage. Our benefits are imperiled in the current system. The biggest objections to a single payer system are that it is too expensive and that the government is inefficient. But how can we afford NOT to invest wisely in our best resource, the American people? As for inefficiency, our current system takes the cake in that regard! We should be debating how generous we can be with our benefits and ways to maintain vigilance so that a single-payer system is run effectively. But the solution itself is a no-brainer to me. Mark S. Lance, Chico, Calif. Irish Mariner Warns Seafarers to Protect Union and Jobs I am writing as a retired seafarer of 42 years. I remember starting on 60-year-old rat-infested tramp steamers. Since starting, I was always a member of the Seafarers Union of Ireland. I decided to take a trip down memory lane recently to re-visit Rotterdam Holland. I stayed at the Maritime Hotel Seamen’s Club. The facilities were excellent. The reason I am writing this is to say that while the club was full, there was not, to my knowledge, one member of a union there. In my days, a majority of the seamen, no matter what nationality, were all union members. Unfortunately, the Irish merchant marine has disappeared due to very negligent management, despite a strong fight put up by the union. My best wishes to all American seamen. I am familiar with the seafaring scene, thanks to regularly receiving the Seafarers LOG. I would advise all your members to be ever vigilant to protect their union — and their jobs. Frank Gaughan, County Dublin, Ireland Thanks to Paul Hall Center for Aid During Hurricane The clients and staff of the Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center sincerely thank Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center; Howard Thompson, hotel manager; and the entire staff at the TRC for their outstanding services and accommodations to us during our recent stay with them due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Isabel. Their efforts had significant positive impact on the recovery process of our clients and allowed for uninterrupted therapeutic service to our membership. We can be proud of their aid, efforts and contributions to our fellow Seafarers in this time of hardship. Once again, thank you for your hospitality and a job well done. John M. Gallagher, Director, Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center Saving the Plans Money on Prescription Drugs After reading the article in the September issue of the LOG concerning medical costs, I’d like to write of my experiences with prescriptions drugs. I have needed to use prescription drugs over the past 17 years for many medical conditions. Often, I will get a prescription filled, only to go back for my next visit and have the prescription changed. I get angry since I still have so many pills left. What I am doing now is asking the doctor to prescribe half the amount, if possible. Otherwise, it’s a waste of the Plan’s money. Also, I have my prescriptions filled at Eckerd (Genovese). Recently, I read the results of a survey taken of pharmacists in the New York area and the prices being charged. Genovese turned out to be the least expensive. Other SIU members may wish to adopt these two cost-saving measures. Walter Karlak, Woodside, N.Y.