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1990s WWE wrestling star Chyna dies in Southern California

Letter to the Editor: Support Bernie Sanders in quest to salvage middle class

Arguably, the reason Joe Sestak lost his bid to serve in the U.S. Senate to Pat Toomey in 2010 was his staunch support of the Affordable Care Act.At the time, this was a highly politically incorrect position, as the Republican Party was in the midst of a massive national campaign to discredit Obamacare. But Sestak did what he thought was right: As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, he cast his vote in support of national health care. Since that time, the implementation of Obamacare has not always been smooth or painless, which is understandable given the immensity and complexity of instituting this program. But as time goes by, it becomes increasingly apparent that Mr. Sestak indeed did the right thing.Since 2010, 20 million Americans have gained access to health insurance, dropping the number of uninsured from 15.7 percent to 9.2 percent. And the statistical big picture does not reflect all the benefits that have resulted from the health care law. I know a small business owner with a family member who suffers from a severe form of diabetes. Escalating insurance rates that left significant medical expenses uncovered, and an inability to shop around for alternative health care due to the pre-existing condition (diabetes), were financially bleeding him dry prior to Obamacare. Now his health care costs have stabilized at manageable levels.Mr. Sestak is currently seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. He is faced with another issue in which doing the right thing might not be politically expedient. While Republicans and Democrats fight about how revenues generated by the exploitation of the Marcellus Shale should be divided, Sestak speaks to the dangers foisted upon people by this industry. In short, he is one of very few political candidates in Pennsylvania who has the courage to challenge the state&#8217;s economic addiction to shale gas. I believe this is the reason why Mr. Sestak has not received the endorsement of the Democratic Party.We need political leaders who are willing to do the right thing, who have the courage to stand behind their decisions in the face of criticism. Certainly, Sestak&#8217;s military background &#8211; he was a three-star admiral in the U.S. Navy &#8211; contributes to his ability to see a plan through to the end. His experience as director for defense on the National Security Council provides him with a grasp of global affairs. His academic background &#8211; he holds a doctorate in political economy and government from Harvard University &#8211; indicates an exceptional intellectual readiness to lead.Democrats have a choice to make Tuesday between Joe Sestak, an experienced stand-up guy who&#8217;s not afraid to fight for a cause in which he believes, John Fetterman, a well-intended but relatively inexperienced newcomer, and Kathleen McGinty, whom we may trust to represent the wishes of the Democratic National Party.David WasilewskiHunlock Creek

Letter to the Editor: Senate hopeful Joe Sestak has shown courage of his convictions