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Welcome to the Whisper. As you may have read in an ad in the Wolcott Community News, this blog is maintained by Christopher O’Brien. The purpose of the blog is a mix of reasons. First and foremost, to make Wolcott more informative. Sometimes rumors abound and we’ll investigate them. Other media often doesn’t look into what’s going on like they used to. Often we leave town for work and shopping, but don’t know what’s going on with our neighbors. I’m trying to help bridge that gap. Honestly, I don’t think I can do it without some help.

Two, it is meant to keep Wolcott residents informed to things happening in Wolcott’s town government. If roads are being paved, schools suddenly close, taxes are being raised, etc, you’ll probably want to know because sometimes these things impact your family, your budget, or your child’s education. The blog is meant to be politically- neutral so that you can decide for yourself what a decision should be. Facts will be presented strictly as they occur or figures will be provided with reference. Sometimes a commentary may be written about a particular subject from a particular viewpoint, but all view points are welcome and encouraged.

Third, it is the hope that you, the reader, might also be able to contribute. Whether you simply have a comment or thought on a particular post or have an event you want to advertise, please contact Mr. O’Brien. If you want to write about a particular event or topic, you may also contribute that. (writers are solely responsible for their content).

Contact: cobrien7@hotmail.com (203) 558-5817

AARP: What’s Their Stance?

Last night (Wednesday) the CBS Evening News presented a fact vs. fiction segment on the healthcare debate. They examined the three draft bills that have passed House Congressional committees to see if abortion would be federally funded, if the debt would increase, etc. The answers to me were surpising and quite balanced. Actually, some of the answers were unclear baased on the bills passed, but the viewe could tell that there was a possibility that the concerns addressed could be true.

Finally, the CBS news reported how Barrack Obama noted that healthcare reform had been endorsed by AARP. They noted that AARP apparently has officially taken “no stand” on healthcare reform.

I found this surprising since there is YouTube video of a AARP town hall forum – which was abuptly cut off after attendees questioned the potential changes. Oh well, maybe they decided to change their stance from endorsing it to not because of the backlash. Fair enough.

In fact, their media director told Fox News that their “Listening Tour” forums will continue across the country and they “want to hear dissent”.

Then I turned on the TV this morning. An ad caught my attention – mainly because it had an ambulance driving down the street with cars cutting it off and performing maneuvers in front of it. Gosh… the scene is actually very realistic! In fact, quite accurate!! (at last, my job has been accurately portrayed on TV!!)

The ad continued explaining that the ambulance has some place to go – your emergency destination at a hospital. But the health insurance companies – the cars – re getting in the way. Cars cut in front of it, back in front of it, cut it off, tailgate closely, weave almost striking the sides of the ambulance… anything they can do to cut off the ambulance with its siren screaming.

Guess who sponsored the ad? Yep. AARP.