Readers Write

HEALTH CARE

Government is to blame

Re: “Follow the money in Rx debate” (Opinion, June 17), the problems in letting the government dictate premiums and guarantee coverage far outweigh the benefits of such a system. Tucker’s assertion that profit-driven mechanisms are costly to consumers does not acknowledge that a public takeover of the health care industry would increase the cost for the insured, and lower the quality of care. While Tucker is right about our exorbitant health care spending in relation to the health of Americans, the fault should not be placed on the “self-interested physicians.” Blame governmental regulations that hamper the health care industry. Citizens opting to purchase personal health insurance instead of employer-based plans are taxed for their decision. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act allows any small business to obtain insurance, regardless of the health of its employees. A small company can remain uninsured until an employee gets sick, driving up premiums for all the insured. President Obama’s intentions may be noble, but his insistence on government takeover is deeply flawed.

Daniel Groce, Fayetteville

ENTERTAINMENT

Vulgarity ruins show

The June 15 Peach Buzz item on “Jersey Boys” included, “… rapid-fire exchange of a certain naughty word was launched 25 minutes into the show’s first act. … Still, all was forgiven by the audience … by the time the cast began banging through the 1960s vocal group’s biggest hits.” Speak for yourself. It absolutely ruined what would have been otherwise a very entertaining night. Entertainment has sunk to a new low if this is what it takes to bring audiences in to see professionals demonstrate their craft. It also speaks of a play that must resort to vulgar and unnecessary dialog to “entertain.” The truly sad part of the situation is that the audience laughed and applauded following the dialog. It wasn’t funny, and shows the establishment of a tolerance level that indicates to the industry that offensive behavior is acceptable, under the guise of entertainment. What next? The envelope has been pushed to the brink.

Mike Dunne, Johns Creek

PHILANTHROPY

Put humans first

Re: “Pandas, zoo need $500K” (Metro, June 18), I find it unbelievable that we should even consider $500,000 for pandas. In a world where people, here and in surrounding areas, are going hungry, are homeless and can’t find employment, we’re concerned with keeping or not keeping bears. I realize that in a perfect world these nice additions to our way of life are enlightening, but really, what’s more important? Humans or bears? If the philanthropic individuals who have money to dispense for these causes would donate to a shelter for the homeless, Atlanta would be a better place. But then, there would be no dinner reception regaling them for their actions. And where’s the fun in that?

Tim Choquette, Cumming