Letters to the Editor: Gis Are Winning Afghani Trust
GIs Are Winning Afghani Trust
Editor, Times-Dispatch: Americans must not turn a blind eye to the importance of the battle for freedom in Afghanistan. Many people are voicing their opposition to continuing the war. My feelings on the war are mixed. I find the brutality of war distasteful but I hesitate to withdraw my support.
Our military has learned from past mistakes in Iraq. Instead of giving the impression of being a cold, callous war machine, it is evolving and acting in a more humanitarian fashion toward the Afghan people. The soldiers and Marines are focusing on building trust with the Afghan people. They are establishing outposts and checkpoints. They are reconstructing villages and homes and establishing regular patrols around cities -- increasing a sense of security for the people. In essence, they are acting more as police than an occupying force.
By embracing this position of understanding, we are winning the trust and support of the people. If we continue with this strategy, the war is winnable. Not just for American security interests, but for the Afghan people as well.
Jason Reid.
Lancaster.
Insurance Companies Extort Americans
Editor, Times-Dispatch: The health insurance industry is threatening to raise the price of health insurance if the Senate bill that recently came out of the Finance Committee is passed. This is despite the fact that the bill was weakened considerably to satisfy it. If rates are raised, more Americans will lose insurance, more Americans will declare bankruptcy, and more Americans will die. We caved in to the financial industry when we were threatened with a Great Depression. We do not have to submit to this extortion from the health insurance industry.
There are two ways to control this industry. One is the public option: a federal health insurance program, similar to Medicare, with premiums set so that the program breaks even. Medicare requires only 2 to 3 percent in administrative costs. For-profit health insurance companies take between 25 and 30 percent in profits and administrative costs. A public option would force health insurance to be more efficient and to lower costs.
The second way is to control health insurance the way we do public utilities: Setting rates and limiting profits. This would be similar to the Swiss system. In Switzerland, the basic insurance plan is identical for all companies. In administering this plan, the companies are not allowed to make a profit and are limited to 5 percent administrative costs. Whatever profit they make is the result of supplemental plans, much like the plans that supplement Medicare.
America does not submit to extortion, whether from foreign powers or from terrorists. Why then should we submit to extortion from the health insurance industry?
Robert Redmon.
Midlothian.
Why Sit on Federal Stimulus Funds?
Editor, Times-Dispatch: Why is Virginia ranked last in stimulus spending? Gov. Tim Kaine is apparently in no hurry to spend stimulus money -- money given to Virginia that could create and sustain jobs.
What is impeding action to infuse the Virginia economy with the stimulus funds to develop and preserve family wage jobs?
The same inertia is manifested with respect to the $79 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) stimulus money -- more stimulus funds not being used. Virginia runs the risk of losing the TANF funding if the governor does not act.
The TANF funding is intended for Virginia's families that find themselves in deepest poverty and greatest need and most damaged by the recession. The opportunity to lift a heavy burden for the most vulnerable is an opportunity that should not be missed. To do nothing with the funding is unconscionable.
John Horejsi.
Vienna.
Placing Blame Is Not That Simple
Editor, Times-Dispatch: I am suspicious when told things are either black or white or complex issues have simple answers. Seldom is either the case. I also doubt when someone tries to persuade me with fear. So I was suspicious when I read "Business Leaders Defend Free Market."
Who is attacking the free market, capitalism, or blaming them for the current crisis? The market is man-made, and, like men, operates imperfectly. We try to make up for the imperfections by passing laws -- likewise an imperfect approach. So though both the market and government played roles in the current mess, neither is solely to blame.
The article quotes several appeals to fear: an "avalanche of legislation" taking away our "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness." Is this the government we elected -- and if it is, why are we doing this to ourselves?
Then we are told the current crises started a decade ago with Bill Clinton -- but then we would also have to blame George Bush for doing nothing for two terms. So the current crisis is neither black and white, nor simple. We need to be suspicious of those who protest too loudly that we should fear one group and hail them as saviors.
John Vance.
Chesterfield.
Sniper's Issues Shouldn't Stop Death
Editor, Times-Dispatch: I read with interest the many reasons to spare John Allen Muhammad's final intravenous cocktail: brain damage, brain dysfunction, neurological deficits as well as psychotic and delusional behavior. Certainly, anyone inflicting such carnage on innocent bystanders, for which he has unequivocally been convicted, would possess a few loose screws.
Should we actually, as the lawyers are pleading, waste resources on preserving this monster in our midst? It is to the contrary, for all the above reasons, I say: "Let the juices flow."
Henry V. Secor.
Midlothian.
Reader Reactions
Then is the consensus that private health insurance companies can’t compete with the government?
Well we know Robert Redmond can write a letter, but can he read? Apparently not or he would not be so quick to spout such a bald faced lies.
The truth is that insurance companies, for all the evil that has bene protrayed of them, are not a good investment. They are only returning about 2% on investments. You can do that well with a CD, so why take the risks?
The only thing a government option will do is kill the private market. And make the government monopoly the only game in town. And we know what happens then - right SS, Medicaid and Education? I guess you would expect a product of government indoctrination not to be able to read as well.
And why do so many doctors not participate in Medicare? Answer: Prices set way below market rates.
You have this to look forward to under the “public option”.
Who is attacking the free market, capitalism, or blaming them for the current crisis?
Have you been paying attention?
Often, capitalism is blamed in name when corporate fascism is the culprit.
Medicare requires only 2 to 3 percent in administrative costs.
What about per person administrative costs?
The percentage is lower since Medicare has a much larger cost basis than private insurers.
Lifted from Elizabeth MacDonald:
Why you cannot compare Medicare with private insurance
First, private insurance plans must pay government taxes and assessments up to 5% of premiums. These add to the “overhead” costs. Medicare is exempt from these costs.
Second, in determining the overhead costs for Medicare, the government excludes the cost of its own employees who enroll recipients, perform outreach and education, handle customer service, and do auditing and other functions. Private plans include these in overhead.
Third, insurance companies have to collect premiums. The IRS does that for Medicare.
Fourth, private companies do underwriting; their premiums have to cover their costs. Medicare deficits have to be covered by taxpayers.
Fifth, the cost of servicing the public debt is not included in Medicare costs—and Part B is 75% subsidized by general revenues, not beneficiary premiums. If a private insurance company borrows money, the interest paid goes to its overhead.
I give you one point for honesty in advocating for price controls. It may be mad but I have an honesty fetish.
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