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Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has died and with him not only the last remnants of the real Democratic Party -- the one that used to care about the average Joe -- but most likely the future of the middle class in this country, as well.

-- Mark Graser, Montpelier

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Ironically, the news has reported that Social Security recipients may not receive a cost-of-living increase for two years. Since the "death panel" controversy has been eliminated, perhaps this is a more subtle way to get rid of older people who have little to contribute to society. At least we will have a choice: food or medicine. My guess is there will be an increase in the cost of Medicare.

-- Jo King, Mechanicsville

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I, an American taxpayer, do not want this health care bill. Plain and simple. Let we the people decide what is good.

-- Susan Reynolds, Chesterfield

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Tell me it's not true. Has Obama really promised Brazil $2 billion to aid its energy company, Petrobras, in drilling for offshore oil? Borrowing money from China to do this? What could be more ridiculous? Can't anyone in Congress stop this madness? The fiscal irresponsibility of this administration is unconscionable. Wake up America -- it's our money!

-- Gene Mrava, Midlothian

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Anyone reflecting on how efficient a government-run health plan would be need only to look at the latest fiasco at the Veterans Administration. Sending a diagnosis of Lou Gehrig's Disease to 1,200 people who are not afflicted with this dread scourge not only is egregious inadequacy of performance, but the irony of the act is only enhanced by the fact that $24 million in bonuses were recently handed out to VA employees.

-- Arthur Muroff, Port Haywood

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After trying to drive and avoid potholes, I no longer feel bad when I toss my gum out of the window. Gum chewers unite! Plug those potholes one chew at a time.

-- Brenda Skinner, Henrico

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Now that all congressmen, senators, and the president are all out of Washington for a while, barricades should be erected around the Capitol and respective office buildings to keep them out.

-- Gary Allen, Colonial Heights

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I recently received in the mail my updated individual insurance plan packet. One hundred and two pages for a relatively healthy adult. Unbelievable. Congress having a draft plan for the whole country around 1,000 pages hardly seems excessive in comparison.

-- Kyra Weber, Louisa

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As I was driving my son to football practice one morning with the country music station on, I was both surprised and delighted when the National Anthem was played. Wouldn't it be nice if the other stations did this, too? Even "God Bless America" would be nice to hear occasionally. I always like to hear the church bells chime the hour also. These are simple things that remind you what being an American is all about: patriotism and freedom of religion.

-- Linda Toomey, Henrico

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During a town hall meeting, President Obama compared the Post Office to Federal Express and UPS in order to rally support for nationalized health care. Federal Express and UPS are profitable, while the U.S. Postal Service is considering raising the cost of stamps again, reducing delivery service, and closing branches. This comparison convinced me: no government takeover of health care.

-- J. Howard Humphreys, Richmond