Americans deserve truth at hearings
During the spate of various congressional hearings, we have all experienced the moment when whoever is testifying claims that the subject will require for him/her to testify at a “closed” session. We all need to remember — especially the House and Senate questioners — that they work for us, and that we are entitled to know what is going on. The only exceptions to this are so-called classified subjects, but they deal with matters of security.
Matters pertaining to revealing moments of incompetence or embarrassment are not protected. The U.S. Code is perfectly clear on this matter. It states, in part: “Information shall not be classified in order to conceal, inefficiency, violations of law, or administrative error; to prevent embarrassment to a person, organization or agency ... or to prevent or delay release of information that does not require protection in the interest of national security (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 28, Ch 1, Part 17, Subpart B, Section 17.22).
The law is perfectly clear. I remind our lawmakers that we, the citizens of the United States, have a right to learn the truth at open hearings.
George Kalbouss Columbus play in family life in our state, and also how important it is to give feedback and work together rather than just giving up.
The article said Ohio has been called a leader regarding assisted living facility assessments, using resident and family ratings. With this accountability system already in place, and with nursing homes already working to improve based on specific feedback, why would Ohio’s legislators withdraw their support now?
Ohio has strategically developed a way for families to get the information they need to make the best choice they can. Taking funding away from assisted living centers also will take away many families’ freedom to pursue their ideal choice.
Clearly, Ohio has already made an investment in caring for nursing homes long-term. To abandon these plans and force many of our state’s seniors into an untested government program is a foolhardy idea. It would be damaging to our rural families and communities and make high-quality care at nursing homes across the state a much greater challenge than it ought to be.
I’m encouraged by the Ohio Senate’s demonstration of continued support for our state’s long-term care facilities, rather than inhibiting the work they put into continuous and intentional improvement.
Melissa Bow Columbus Mental-health counselor Granville