Thomas Minihan
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
Who was it that said, "you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free?" In a recent opinion piece published by the News Tribune, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer claimed, "Every Congress, I introduce legislation advocating for support for "mammovans," or mobile mammography stations to allow increased access for all women to this critical, potentially life-saving service." When he used the term, "I introduce legislation," I recognize that to mean he proposed a bill or a joint, simple or concurrent resolution before Congress, or co-sponsored legislation or some type of resolution. However, that statement did not check out to be accurate. ( www.congress.gov/member/blaine-luetkemeyer/L000569?q=%7B%22subject%22%3A%22Finance+and+Financial+Sector%22%2C%22within%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22congress%22%3A%22all%22%7D) I know that congressional records are a new thing and can sometimes be completely inaccurate, so I searched for the term, "mobile mammography." I found that someone has "introduced legislation" regarding this topic. In fact, it was U. S. Rep. Julia Brownley, from California who proposed "H.R.4794 - Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options for Veterans Act," which currently has one co-sponsor, and that person is not a Missouri representative.
In reviewing his congressional record (link above) I was a little surprised to see the narrow focus of the legislation that he has proposed. He recently opined, "With thousands of miles of shoreline along the Lake of the Ozarks, Mississippi River, Missouri River and Osage River, Missouri's 3rd District has seen more than our fair share of flooding over the years." Does anyone remember the last time The Lake of the Ozarks flooded? I don't think it's ever happened, but he's on a quest to prevent it from happening, without ever acknowledging that flooding is a result of climate change. He asserted that, "We are at Mother Nature's mercy," instead of recognizing what science has to say about how climate change is increasing the risk we face from flooding.
To answer my opening question, I believe the Bible asserts that the quote was from Jesus. I also know that it's much easier to let others tell you what to believe. Regrettably, I want to live up to my "Core Values" not the version published in the News Tribune, the ones endorsed by Jesus.