Remembering Tom Harpool

I never knew a man who worked so hard, seemingly indefatigably, for public good, as Tom Harpool. Read his achievements in the DRC June 14 — and be amazed.

I had the privilege of working with Tom in several dimensions since I came to Denton in 1965. As an elder in St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, he was a counselor and supporter of my work as campus minister at NTSU and TWU, ’65 to ’78.

When I started TLC Landscapes Co., I turned to Tom for guidance. I bought most of my tools, materials, fertilizers and plants from the Harpools. I was indebted to him in many ways.

We served together on committees and programs for Keep Denton Beautiful, the city and extension service.

I heard or read about Tom’s many other services: school board, utilities board, Kiwanis, chamber, Scouts and as a leader in the creation of the Upper Trinity Water District. He served 10 three-year terms on the session of his church. I don’t know how he did it.

I can think of no one who has done so much for the people of Denton and North Texas. We will all benefit from his legacy for years to come. And his stamina and devotion to doing good are an inspiration and example for all.

I remember Tom as a man who always treated everyone with courtesy and respect. That’s a man to follow!

He was a good Scout, who kept all the code and left his campsite a lot better than he found it.

Dale Branum,

Denton

Dr. No is at it again!

Well, the latest report from Congress.org reports that Dr. No (a.k.a. Congressman Burgess) is at it again. It is unbelievable that a medical doctor would vote to keep the FDA from being able to regulate (not ban) tobacco products.

Even the two archconservative Texas senators voted for this legislation.

I know, Dr. No will obfuscate about excessive regulation, free speech, private enterprise, individual responsibility, spending too much money, ad infinitum, ad nauseum, buttobacco use costs all of us many billions of dollars and incalculable suffering every year. I don’t use it and haven’t in 45 years.

The surgeon general informed us in the early ’60s that it was very bad for our health. Research now shows that we are even affected by the residue in furniture and clothing.

Use of tobacco causes birth defects, low fetal weight, cancer and respiratory problems and many other health effects.

With his being an M.D., I find it unbelievably irresponsible for him to vote against this legislation, but he did!

Only thing I can figure, it must have something to do with campaign money. What do you think? I think it is high time for a change.

Franklin “Mac” Poe,

Denton

Bet he can’t

In my letter of June 4, I had bet that Mr. Stodola could not write a letter without mentioning his hate for Christians, Republicans, and/or George Bush.

Mr. Stodola answered [Letters, June 14] by writing a letter that did not say anything bad about the Christians. Maybe we got a break since it was Sunday.

His anger this time was directed at Republicans and George Bush. Maybe we should all be happy with two out of three?

I never asked him about any of the things he wrote about today. I never asked him to comment on any of these subjects. Who would want to get him started?

In his letter, Mr. Stodola says he’s “Christian” but he did not say he is “a Christian.” That’s like people saying “I believe in God.” Which god?

Now, where does he get the statistic that 90 percent of Americans want health care reform? Is that true or false? Mr. Stodola should mention his source if he’s quoting a poll or statistics.

Were WMDs sent to Syria? Who knows?Iraq was checked but not Syria.

Since I don’t like to hear a song, or watch a movie, over and over repeatedly (remember Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day?), I’ve decided for my own mental health to not read a letter signed by Mr. Stodola when published.

If he says something interesting in my lifetime, someone please call me. Ha! I just don’t see that happening. 

Oh, how do I collect my winning bet?

Chuck Roedema,

Denton

At what cost?

What do Botox injections and laser eye surgery have in common? Neither is covered by insurance, and they are cheaper today than five years ago.

The problem is the medical field believes it is above telling us what the cost of a procedure will be. We would never allow a mechanic to fix our car without knowing in advance what the costs will be. A doctor says you need to be fixed, and we never even ask how much.

Call your physician and ask how much a procedure costs, and you will never get an answer. That is the problem.

We have allowed our health care providers to get away with this practice. However, one reason may be the fear of getting sued. They tell you one price, not knowing you were going to have a heart attack on the operating table and the cost goes up. I guarantee someone will sue.

Our health care system is the best in the world. Otherwise, people from all over the world would not be coming here to get medical treatment.

Our insurance system for paying for it is not flawed. Otherwise, everyone would not want it. Of course, they are out to make a profit. Even nonprofit hospitals make a profit or they couldn’t pay the nurses, etc.

The problem is, no one is held responsible for the inflation of health care costs. Pricing transparency and tort reform will fix the problem.

Steve Sullivan,

Denton

FDR: A different view

I’m writing in regards to a recent letter claiming FDR’s New Deal programs as being just for show [Letters, June 14].

Due to a government job, my grandmother, a single mother, was able to support her three children by traveling throughout the county teaching rural families the best techniques for canning, how to make mattresses and other useful skills.

Their farm also received electricity through the Rural Electrification Act.

Government programs made a huge positive difference in their lives.

As for World War II being the catalyst for pulling us out of the Great Depression, what was the war effort but massive government spending?

Gretchen Niendorff,

Oak Point

Name change

As a nephew-in-law of the late Tom Harpool, and making my first visit to Denton, I was very impressed with the uplifting memorial service, several newspaper articles citing his achievements, the overflowing crowds at the service and all that Tom has meant to the community over seven decades.

Denton should be temporarily renamed — by dropping its last n and adding an m.

John Breen,

Georgetown