Court ruling seems to go two ways
Surprisingly, Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts, a Bush appointee, became the swing vote in favor of the Affordable Care Act.
I can't take issue with much of the case law underlying the court's decision. One question, though. How can the court rule the payment for not having required insurance is a penalty, not a tax (thus allowing the court to make a ruling by exempting it from the Anti-Injunction Act), while simultaneously ruling the mandate is constitutional by treating the payment as a tax under Article I of the Constitution rather than a coercion into a commercial transaction, and thus a violation under the court's interpretation of the commerce clause? It seems the court has ruled the government can have its cake and eat it, too.
By the government's argument (and the Supreme Court's ruling), the ACA is in fact a tax, mainly one on the lower-income middle class who doesn't carry health insurance and doesn't qualify for government subsidies. How does President Obama justify the ACA with his campaign promise to not increase the tax burden on those in the middle class?
One thing I think we can all agree on: It will certainly be an interesting topic of discussion during this election season!
JOSH PAUL
AMA unit limits number of doctors
The article "A mixed diagnosis for doctors in overhaul" (June 29) quotes an AMA official saying, "Without the assurance that Medicare payments will be adequate, fewer people will go into medical practice."
However, it's the AMA's own Council on Medical Education and Hospitals that limits the number of doctors by limiting medical school enrollment.
Every year many more qualified medical school applicants are turned away than are accepted into medical school. The AMA argues they are assuring quality students, but it's not about standards. It's about limiting the number of medical students to limit the number of doctors.
The AMA is a strong trade union that has created a shortage of overpaid doctors and a shortage of medical care for the rest of us. That's why we must book an appointment weeks or months ahead, just to then wait hours to see a doctor for a few minutes and pay out the nose. Health care in industrialized nations without the AMA is better and less expensive. Don't buy the propaganda, talk to people from other industrialized nations. U.S. health care is so bad, sober-minded people think the government can do a better job.
WILL SANDS, Harrison
Starnes has proper qualities for bench
Hamilton County voters have the opportunity to elect a competent and outstanding individual, Gary Starnes, as General Sessions Court judge. Gary possesses the experience, qualifications and qualities necessary to serve as judge. Before opening his own law firm in August of 1993, Starnes practiced law with the Spears, Moore, Rebman & Williams law firm for six years. He frequently serves as a special judge in the Chattanooga City Courts and in the General Sessions Court, which office he is currently seeking.
His combined experience of 26 years handling complex civil cases gives him the knowledge to make sound decisions. He has managed his law firm with honor, dignity, and puts in countless hours seeking what is best for his clients, while never losing sight of his family or community. He is an active supporter of the Children's Advocacy Center, Chambliss Children's Home, and the Shepherd's Arm Rescue Mission, and a member of Stuart Heights Baptist Church.
The Chattanooga Firefighters Association and International Brotherhood of Police Officers have formally endorsed Starnes for General Sessions Court judge. Gary has the energy, experience, knowledge, loyalty and work ethic to make the judicial process as efficient as possible for Hamilton County. Please vote for Gary Starnes as our next General Sessions Court judge.
JERRY McDONALD
Cyclists must be responsible
In response to "Enjoy Riverpark, but beware bikes," (letter, June 30); bikes themselves are not the problem; it's bike-riders who have no concern for the safety of others.
It is shameful and a tragedy this lady's experience on the wonderful Riverpark turned into a painful and expensive injury. Some riders think the Riverpark is some type of race track and become a danger to others.
These riders think they can yell out "on-your-left" and pass anyone at reckless speeds. The posted speed limit for bikes on the Riverpark is 3-5 miles/hour. Park rangers should do a better job enforcing these speed limits. In fact, Rangers should start patrolling the Riverpark on bikes themselves, like the Chattanooga police bicycling downtown.
Also, the offending biker should have been immediately stopped, identified, cited and made to pay restitution for the lady's injury. People should immediately call the police or the park rangers when such reckless endangerments or injury occur.
I have ridden the Riverpark for many years and have never seen an accident; so, I can hopefully think this type of accident is very rare.
However, bikers need to be constantly responsible and not reckless; and there is a need for greater scrutiny by park rangers when bikers do become reckless.
FRANK DePINTO
'Equus' production solid in all areas
I am an admitted theater snob. I love the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and the Tivoli and have supported these for years.
I found myself at Barking Legs to see the production of "Equus." To say it was amazing doesn't say enough. The acting was superb all the way around, set design was brilliant! The nudity was so well done and such an integral part of the story. I have changed my mind about local theater and so stunned that we have this caliber of productions in Chattanooga!
I am a convert and look forward to more outstanding productions -- so well done!
SHERRY L. WEST
Hoss is driven to be fair, honest
I support Bryan Hoss as the new judge in Soddy-Daisy. Having known Bryan for over 20 years, I have a good understanding of who he is. As a classmate, a teammate and a friend, I have never met someone who is more passionate about what they do and driven to be fair and honest with everyone he encounters. Never has there been a deadline Bryan hasn't met. Not only does Bryan show passion and great drive, but he has both the experience needed and is a great character builder for others as well.
Bryan's work as a lawyer for the past 12 years offers the experience that Soddy-Daisy deserves. Bryan also has the ability to make someone want to be the best person they can be. I believe that when Bryan is on the bench, he will have all parties feeling as if they will be better people no matter what their reason for being in his court room.
Over 40 years of having an out-of-town judge, Soddy-Daisy needs to continue that tradition by putting Bryan Hoss on the bench!
GEORGE MICHAEL HOLMES
Lasley maintains a balanced life
As a lifelong resident of Soddy-Daisy, I feel it is extremely important that we elect someone for city judge who is not only knowledgeable, impartial, fair-minded and compassionate but who also has a vested interest in the well-being of our community. In my opinion, this person is Marty Lasley. I have known Marty for most of his life, first as a lively preacher's kid at Oak Street Baptist Church, through his years at Soddy-Daisy High School, and later as an eager young law student.
For the past 25 years, Marty has distinguished himself as a top-notch attorney with a well-documented record, unsurpassed by any of his opponents for this position. Most impressive to me, however, has been his ability to maintain a balanced life while excelling in his chosen profession.
Despite his success, Marty has been able to maintain an attitude of servant-hood to his Lord and his fellow man, his devotion to his family, his keen sense of humor, and his undying love for his hometown. That's the sort of person I want to see as Soddy-Daisy City judge. I hope that you agree!
WILLIAM J. SHADRICK, Soddy-Daisy