We're not No. 1
I've noticed in a lot of letters to the editors recently in several papers where writers state that the U.S. health care system is the best in the world (see "Yahoo, you," Letters to the Editor, Sept. 9). Not so. That singular honor goes to the French. France has been noted and awarded as the country having the best health care system in the world. Each citizen is covered from birth to death. And unlike the U.S. insurance industry, no one is ever turned away for any procedure necessary for their continued health. People of this country have to realize that the health care industry here is in the business totally for profit. They make life-and-death decisions all the time based on how much it's going to cost their precious bottom line. Think about it. Which would you really rather have? Let the United States follow France's example and get good health coverage for every citizen. —Kenneth Hall, Highland Park
Keep Freedom alive
Re: "Defend real Americans" (Sept. 2), if Freedom House closes, what is to become of the immigrants that can no longer seek refuge in the future? Dead, jailed or disfigured. We fund a war, why can't we provide basic necessities to a select few who make it to Freedom House? This is no $700-billion stimulus package but it's a very small gesture to a few people we likely helped displace in some way. The legitimacy of the "American dream" and the lives of good human beings are on the table. To close Freedom House is to close the door on freedom and all America stands for. —Armond V. Joseph, Bloomfield Township
No word from on high
On behalf of all the clients at our center, we appreciate your support on this issue. Sept. 30 is the last day of funding for the center, and there's only one question I would like to ask the decision-makers: "What are approximately 300 survivors of torture supposed to do after that date?"
No matter what the reason behind this decision, it only takes one day to meet all of these survivors. You don't need to be a genius to figure out the needs for this population. Spend one day and you got the idea and the need for such services. We should invite the decision-makers to spend one day with us and then make up their minds. However, after two weeks of requesting a meeting with them, guess what, my friend? No response to our demand, not even acknowledgement of our e-mails and phone calls. Is it public money, my friend, or not? Is there anyone out there listening? —Husam Abdulkhaleq, Supervisor, ACCESS Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center, Dearborn
Small bones to pick
I would like to thank you for taking the time to critique my restaurant, Antonio's in the Park ("Park plates," Sept. 2); however, there were a few errors in your review and some major elements that were omitted. The ordinary white rolls that are served warm are actually freshly baked. The foil wrapped butter pads seemed to be a positive and unique change; sorry you didn't like them. The bland olive oil is also served with balsamic vinaigrette and imported Romano cheese (not Parmesan). Most of my guests enjoy mixing their own combination of the three. I am surprised that you didn't. You mentioned that meatballs cost an additional $1.95, which is not unusual, but you failed to mention that a Caesar salad, with an entrée, comes at no extra charge. As for the overly chilled salad, our salads are made fresh daily. In order to serve such fresh salads, they are prepared and placed on chilled plates. Health Department Codes require coolers to be maintained at 39-42 degrees. Mine are perfect. The pasta that comes as a side dish is penne not ziti. Our tuna does not come with prepared grill marks, we simply know how to grill tuna.
Again, I am pleased that Antonio's in the Park has been recognized by the Metro Times, and I do appreciate your opinion. As I am sure you are aware, owning a small business has become increasingly difficult during these stressful economic times, but we feel we have continued to maintain high standards, without jeopardizing quality. Remember, our entrées are still priced between $12 and $22. Antonio's in the Park takes pride in serving fresh home-cooked meals in a personalized friendly environment. I welcome another visit in the future, but accurate feedback would be greatly appreciated. —Brian Sammut, Antonio's in the Park, Grosse Pointe Park
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