Letter to the Editor: Altschuler Op-Ed Is 'Chaos Campaigning'

I recently became aware of an op-ed submitted By Mr. Randy Altschuler, aka “Outsourcer.”

I say submitted because it is unclear if he is the one who actually wrote it. But, no matter, it is one of those pieces that so perfectly reflects the current Republican strategy: Vague and random chaos campaigning.

It seems that Randy has now added an attack on women to his agenda. In his op-ed, he claims that President Obama has forced Catholic organizations to cover contraception costs for their employees. Where have you been Randy? Did you miss the press conference? Did you not understand what was said? Do you need a translator? And you have the nerve to call President Obama and our great Congressman Bishop hyper-partisan and openly attack them, as if somehow their clear and concise understanding of the issues at stake are a misstatement of the actual legislation? You must think that the voters are just plain dumb. Your attempt to discredit Congressman Bishop is more than transparent, it is the worst type of politics. So let me set the record straight:

1. This Legislation does NOT force Catholic organizations to pay for contraceptive costs though insurance.
2. 99% of women and 98% of Catholic women admit to the use of birth control.
3. While religious nonprofits must still provide health insurance, coverage of contraceptives would be offered only to employees who ask for it. However, the charities would not have to pay for it.

So, I ask you again, Mr. Altschuler, what’s the issue? If you choose to align yourself with the Republican three-ring circus, who can only create controversy in an effort to gain an edge in their battle for nomination, then, I guess, you are simply a puppet of a failing GOP strategy. Perhaps you have forgotten that former Republican governor of New York, George Pataki, guaranteed contraceptive coverage to ALL New York women in 2002 and no Republican said a thing about it then — were you even in New York?

Take heed, women of New York, the next step is that Randy will want to repeal no-cost contraceptive coverage in New York. Randy, your real agenda is to repeal any legislation supported by President Obama. Seniors now get free preventative care through Medicare — are you saying they don’t deserve that after a lifetime of work? People who are stricken by catastrophic illness now know that their illness will not bankrupt their families. It must be nice to have a bank account big enough not to have to worry about things like that.

By the way, what is your tax rate?

John Bouvier
Westhampton