I'm getting a little tired of hearing the word "cautious" used, as if it were a bad thing, to describe U.S. Senate candidate Martha Coakley.

The disease that is quickly becoming a global pandemic is not H1N1. Actually for the first time a non-infectious disease has been recognized by governments around the world as a major health threat. At the Diabetes 20th World Congress held in Montreal, somber statistics were presented on the growth of diabetes worldwide. It is now estimated that each year 10 million persons will be diagnosed with diabetes and that by the year 2030, 1 billion people around the globe will be afflicted with either diabetes or pre-diabetes. The majority of the growth rate is attributable to increases in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Governor Patrick has just ordered a 23 percent cut to Day Habilitation programs. These programs are largely unknown to the public, but are immensely important to thousands of people with developmental disabilities and their families. These programs are Medicaid funded day services where eligible individuals with serious developmental disabilities, often with accompanying physical disabilities, get essential speech, physical, and occupational therapy along with nursing assistance during the 6 hours daily that they attend the program.

I would like to commend the citizens of Medway, who turned out on Monday evening to take part in the decisions that would affect their lives and the quality of life in their town in the future. These citizens showed that they were concerned with being over-regulated by government. These citizens defeated two articles that would have imposed strong fines on citizens for numerous "infractions" of a so-called blight/nuisance law. Several citizens stated that the articles were poorly written and infringed on some of the basic rights of the citizens. One citizen suggested that instead of imposing fines, we try to help one another such as "Extreme Makeover" or "Habit for Humanity" does.

Re: Julia Spitz' informative but voter infuriating "Capuano says Senate race lacks debates" (Nov. 17).

As both a Vietnam veteran and as a conscientious voter I believe that I, like all of my fellow Massachusetts' citizens, have the right to view in statewide TV debate the four Democratic candidates who are seeking our vote for the late Senator Kennedy's historic U.S. Senate seat.

I am disgusted with the House bill that just passed. I want a strong public option and I want the President to be able to keep his promise that no one will have worse coverage than we do now.

On Nov. 7, the House narrowly passed HR3962, their first step toward major health care reforms. On the positive side, the bill includes a provision to end discrimination for pre-existing conditions and a prohibition on raising rates or dropping coverage if you become ill. However, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, added "our bill could not include the provisions of the single payer alternative even though it has support in the House and throughout the country" as well.

I have lost all faith in our State Rep. Alice Peisch, D-Wellesley. While she has worked hard on many issues for the residents of Weston, which I commend her for, she also has dropped the ball on some key issues. Let me explain.

As the season of "giving thanks" approaches, we are reminded of the continued generosity of our entire community. You are all incredibly giving and we are so thankful! Please take heart in knowing that the contributions of food, check donations, gift cards, along with your good wishes, will grace many tables in Marlborough on this approaching Thanksgiving day!

The line is drawn in the sand and the politicians have sided with the corporations at the expense of the public. When are the politicians going to do what's right for the people instead of doing whatever they can for the bottom line of corporate megaliths who contribute millions to their campaigns.