Cut what’s covered by health insurance
As the health-care debate rages on, the cost of health care continues to rise. Meanwhile, our elected leaders on both sides of the aisle continue to grandstand before the American public trying to gain favor and power in a disgusting display of arrogance.
Long gone is the day when they (our elected leaders) are interested in what the American public believes and wants and are now controlled by special interest and partisan politics.
What neither side has the gumption to say is what is wrong with the health care system is: We’re using too much of it.
It is my belief that we must have major cuts in what is covered through our private insurance policies and Medicare. We must all make that sacrifice now. People must take control and responsibility for how their health care dollars are spent.
The problem is, we have no incentive to do so when all we do is present our health insurance card at the pharmacy or doctor’s office, then everything is covered. People have no idea what health care actually costs. My contention is, they will when they start paying from their own pocket.
DAVID L.
BLANCETT JR.
Bravo to Allied Arts, teacher Stagner
I want to say a word about the splendid work that is being done by Allied Arts.
It was my privilege to be in attendance at a drums class at the Signal Center, taught by Mr. Bob Stagner. Mr. Stagner is a consummate teacher to whom both children and adults respond eagerly. It was exciting to be there watching the little drums being beaten with so much enthusiasm and love.
The entire idea behind the classes is that everyone should be included in the arts. Mr. Stagner and his organization, the Shaking Ray Levi Society, conceived of the idea and appealed to Allied Arts with a request through a grant for equipment and backing. Allied Arts responded, and Mr. Stagner has been working weekly for the enrichment of the children and adults.
Thank you for the privilege of recognizing a splendid teacher in such a worthwhile activity. And special thanks to Allied Arts.
MARY P. PIPER
Leadership key to resolve dispute
One sign of real leadership is the ability to address difficult issues and find reasonable solutions as our mayor has done most recently in helping to resolve the Fairmount Avenue redevelopment controversy in our North Shore neighborhood.
Mayor Littlefield’s firm stand against an overly dense rebuilding plan has yielded positive results for housing diversity and the quality of the urban environment.
Past miscues aside, the Chattanooga Housing Authority has seen the wisdom of cooperating with neighborhood representatives and the mayor to achieve a better plan. They have good architects and planners to help them achieve this new vision, and while no plan can please everyone, the prospects for positive results are greatly improved.
Chattanooga has been a national leader over the years in bringing public and particularly neighborhood input into the planning and development process, and while this issue may have been vigorously argued in the neighborhood and in the press, a much improved solution is on the horizon thanks in large part to Mayor Littlefield’s determined leadership.
GARNET CHAPIN
North Shore
Haslam’s business charges more
I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican. Second, I am 64 and on a fixed income. Third, I don’t listen to what a politician says; I watch what he does.
After watching what seemed like the 40th Bill Haslam ad of how he went door to door in Knoxville seeking advice from the citizens, and thinking about a recent trip from Chattanooga to Newnan, Ga., I just had to write.
I drive a diesel-powered pickup, and due to the fact diesel costs more than premium gas (though it costs less than regular gas to produce), I am constantly looking out for the best prices.
During my trip I was watching prices and became very aware that the most expensive diesel was at every Pilot Truck stop I passed. While pricing ran from $2.65 to $2.75 everywhere else, Pilot was charging $2.91 for cash purchase and $2.97 for credit card purchase. Mr. Haslam, since you are a megamillionaire, own Pilot Truck stops, and have access to the best fuel pricing due to volume, my advice is to stop gouging the “little person” you want us to believe you care so much about.
Dichotomies such as this give me tremendous pause when watching “I feel your pain” types of advertising from a politician.
JAMIE BUTTS
Ooltewah
Parties’ health-care lists vary greatly
After the health-care summit, the Democrats say, “We’re pretty close on most of the issues. Everything you’re suggesting is already in our plan. Why do we need to start over? Can’t you Republicans just jump on board instead of trying to obstruct what the American people want?”
Republican health-care shopping list: Eggs, hamburger, fish sticks, crackers. We pay the bill.
Democratic health-care shopping list: Organic chicken, fruit, drain cleaner, Kobe beef, rat poison, Ahi tuna, strychnine, Milano cookies, arsenic. Our kids and grandkids pay the bill.
The devil is in the details.
GEORGE KAUFFMAN
Hixson
Rising interchange fees add to costs
Families across the nation are continuing to struggle to make ends meet during these trying economic times. As individuals work hard to provide for their families, they are also padding the pockets of giant credit card corporations with each purchase at a grocery store.
Interchange fees are the payments made to a credit card company every time a customer uses a credit card. The fees are draining the life out of small businesses that are fighting to keep their doors open. Interchange fees have increased 300 percent in the past seven years, exceeding increases in health and energy costs. Small businesses are forced to pass these rising costs on to their customers in order to keep their doors open.
The Senate Committee on Banking holds the power to ease the burden on America’s small business owners by decreasing the current rate and adding transparency to interchange fees. By adding transparency, the public can hold credit card companies accountable as to how much of the fees are associated with actual processing costs and how much is associated with perks for executives.
I hope that Sen. Bob Corker will stand up on behalf of the regular citizens who depend on his representation every day to make their voices heard.
CLAIRE CURTIS