Talk Back: Readers Have Their Say

This week, Sachem Patch asked readers for a their thoughts on two topics that grabbed headlines in the community.

On Tuesday, more than 150 readers weighed in on despite threats of thunderstorms. The rain started about midway through the festivities and officials tried to hurry through certain sections of the program. The poll was almost split down the middle, with 55 percent voting that the school should have postponed the event, and 45 percent disagreeing. 

The debate continued in the comments section, where "Elaine" argued: "Yes, Sachem should [have] postponed until Saturday morning when the rain date was. The class would [have] still graduated together and the families could [have] taken pictures with the children and their friends."  

Pazi Steklo said: "We can't have perfect weather and too bad for anyone who got wet. It's rain, it's not rocks falling from the sky. Geez, grow up people. When I graduated Sachem, I stood in 101 degree hot weather in the freaking parking lot, a few people passed out and hit the pavement."

Also this week, the , citing the individual mandate constitutional because it can be considered a "tax." It paves the way for the bill to compel citizens to purchase health insurance for themselves or face a fine. 

Our poll question, which reached across multiple Patch sites, netted 53 votes and more than 70 comments. On the question of whether or not you agreed with the court's ruling, 32 percent of you said no, while 21 percent said they were happy with the ruling. 

In the comments section, "Eliza" said: "Please, let us not make the same mistake and re-elect the President. He has turned this country into something I am very sad about. Soon, we will have no jobs, no economy and socialized medicine for sure."

M. Perrotta stated: "Obviously most of these people have never been unemployed and without insurance,and have never waited for hours in a clinic,and if you are not poor enough for Medicaid you get to pay a fee of 35.00 at least each time!"

Check out this week’s poll below and feel free to vote and share your thoughts on both topics.