Time to confront greed, indifference
In E.J. Dion’s Jan. 19 column, he reported on his conversation with two Republicans in 2008 when they predicted with uncanny accuracy the financial collapse that would come. They stated it “would seem like an excellent time for Democrats to take power,” meaning the Democrats would then bear the fallout and the anger of the people.
I have sometimes wished the Republicans had won so those who had been the biggest supporters of a unilateral pre-emptive war, with no tax increase — indeed, a tax cut which ballooned the deficit — would reap what they had sown. I resent the smugness of the folks who now loudly proclaim fiscal responsibility.
However, we must recognize blame gets us nowhere and we must understand that the core of our problem is not political, but greed and indifference. Health care, for one example, is stalemated by those who benefit from the current system, who don’t want their profits disrupted even for the greater good.
The spiritual bankruptcy this greed and indifference represent must be confronted, lest the United States slip completely from its moorings. Otherwise, the economy and health care may become the least of our problems.
KATE STULCE
Ooltewahh
Health reform a must for all
Recently I received an unexpected physician’s message, “You have a tumor in your lower colon. You need chemotherapy and radiation followed by surgery.” I can only thank God that I have good insurance coverage through my wife’s employment with the Hamilton County Department of Education as well as Medicare. This situation brought to my attention what a family without insurance faces when hearing such news.
Health-care reform proposes to provide everyone with “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness …” just like senior citizens. Those who oppose it seem to believe that saving babies and the elderly on life support are all that matters. They ignore what happens during the rest of life.
The system must be changed. Opponents focus on tort reform, saving a tiny fraction of health-care costs. They make many statements which are untrue, like death panels and rationing. I’ve had my death panel. Two of my attending physicians have told me to look over my living will, power of attorney and will as we discussed my treatment options.
Think rationally, giving up the ideological nonsense, about the kind of America in which you want to live. One of fear and anger, or one of love and compassion.
ROGER A. MEYER
Apply ‘Golden Rule’ toward health care
The column in the Perspective section of the Times Free Press Sunday (Jan. 24) by physician Dr. Deborah Poteet-Johnson is a worthy read. She details her extensive experience in health care both as a physician and as a patient. This article describes in detail the costly burden of approvals for medical procedures, pharmaceuticals and denials by health insurance companies of what she deemed medically necessary procedures and drugs.
At the core of this is under which underlying principle should health care be provided? Should we have a system whereby health insurance companies benefit by either denying coverage or making such requests for coverage or claims so burdensome and costly as to effectuate denial? Or should affordable coverage at the most reasonable cost accrue to the benefit and right for all of us? It is an important question to ponder before one attends the next tea party. Moreover, which alternative principle would more consistently apply the “Golden Rule,” as we regularly attend church in this Republican town.
JOHN F. EARY
Ringgold, Ga.
Health columns offers distortions
Regarding Professor Ellinger’s column (Sunday Perspective section), he says the “Republican Party has used distortions, half-truths and outright lies…” Yet he’s guilty of similar tactics.
For instance, 1) where are the additional health care professionals coming from to care for 30 million-40 million uninsured; 2) if $500 million can be cut from Medicare by eliminating waste and fraud then that should have been done before overhauling our health care system; 3) why ignore tort reform when everyone knows frivolous lawsuits drive up health care costs; 4) my wife is 62 and we have to pay almost $9,000/year for her health insurance — that’s the cheapest we can find and she has no pre-existing condition other than high blood pressure. The only way she can avoid an additional tax on her “Cadillac” plan is to join a union; 5) why should a Tennessee resident have to pay for Nebraska’s Medicaid cost? I know it was dropped but only after a public outcry (and if the House adopts the Senate plan it will be back in) and 6) why would everyone lose the Medicare Advantage option except Florida residents?
This is the plan that Professor Ellinger would like to see forced on the American people. I say, “no thanks.”
KEN CAMPBELL
Tullahoma, Tenn.
Free parking for a few is unfair
I’ve tried for a year to garner attention to the unfairness at Tennessee airports where handicapped license plates or placards hanging from rear-view mirrors allow people to park free. Tennessee and local governments are losing much revenue due to this policy.
Why is this group singled out to get such a significant favor? They’re normally capable of walking the few feet to a bus that will carry them to the terminal. Buses generally have lifts to aid boarding.
The placards seem to be simple to obtain. A doctor just has to send a form listing the illness or injury to the Department of Motor Vehicles. What prevents people from borrowing (or stealing) these placards to use at the airport to save paying the high fees?
This issue needs to be examined. I appreciate what the Chattanooga mayor has done. It’s only fair! If one group has this “privilege,” then why logically can’t others such as veterans, police, fire department, school teachers, etc.?
I found the parking policy is actually a state requirement. I’ve had no answers why it continues, especially when the state is constantly looking for money. No one seems to want to do the right thing.
JOHN BLACKBURN
Tullahoma, Tenn.
Editorial ignores plan’s negatives
Obviously Sunday’s editorial (Jan. 17) promoting ObamaCare was full of sound and fury signifying nothing specific and disregarding the plan’s negatives. Everyone with a double-digit IQ knows that giving health care to 31 million will raise total costs dramatically. Figures lie and liars figure, so the government claims its costs just might go down someday, somehow. All that means is an astronomical shift of costs to the rest of us.
Your article didn’t mention the new tax on responsible citizens who are paying for good coverage, or new taxes on businesses that won’t or can’t provide it. No mention of a new tax on the rich who pay most of our taxes. No mention of huge cuts in Medicare for seniors, or cuts to hospitals and doctors (our son is already considering changing professions). You join Obama in class warfare against health-care providers, insurers and drug companies, knowing full well the rest of us will have to pay those companies more if the feds pay them less.
Your admiral goal of reducing needless procedures could be accomplished simply by limiting malpractice awards.
Finally, we tire of the message that health care is cheaper but better in other countries.
SANDRA MOREN, R.N.
ELLIOTT MOREN, R.N.
Ooltewah