To the editor:

As evidenced in the Jan. 9 Journal-World front-page article about the marital status of urbanites and HBO shows, this paper is obviously in need of news stories. As part of my New Year’s resolution to better help my community, I offer this story:

“Bush cheats retirees.” Before the Medicare bill passed, Bush promised us that corporations reducing retiree drug benefits would lose out on a special tax subsidy. Talk about shock and awe. Bush actually added a provision to the bill that allows companies to get the special tax subsidy even if they severely reduce drug benefits for their retirees.

Bush, of course, is not wholly to blame. The special provision was brought forth by several companies that coincidentally donated large sums to Bush’s campaign: Lucent Technologies, General Motors, Dow Chemical and SBC Communications. Combined, they gave almost $140,000 in hard money and $2,500,000 in soft money to Bush and the Republicans.

For the full story, please see the Wall Street Journal, Jan. 8. Many papers are quoting other papers these days, which I think is a great way for you to get good news stories on the cheap (in these economic hard times). Another benefit: You can tell what belongs on the front page and what belongs in the entertainment section.

Linda Gwaltney,

Lawrence