Readers write

HEALTH CARE

Government caused disparity in insurance

“Individual coverage frustrates Georgians” (News, June 21) ignores the fundamental reason for disparity between employer-provided group health insurance and private individual health insurance: government interference. It is not “economies of scale” or having an HR department to advocate on an employee’s behalf that account for the fact that group health insurance offers coverage with greater options and breadth than individual plans. From ERISA laws, to the creation of HMOs to mandated employer-provided coverage, to COBRA and HIPAA laws, actions taken by the federal government are responsible for creating this inequity in the marketplace, by eliminating a market in which companies are free to compete. As insurance companies have been forced to tailor their group products to the government’s demands, they have offset the costs of government compliance in the only other area of their businesses where they are freer to make actual business decisions —- individual health plans. The only solution is to free insurance companies, employers and private citizens like me from the shackles of regulations.

Jennifer Casey, Acworth

GOP needs to lay off tired phrases in debate

The Republican Party’s opposition to some sort of national health care plan is becoming tiresome. It is obvious to me that the lack of universal health coverage is one of America’s biggest problems. America ranks very low among industrialized countries in many measures of health status, and poor people receive markedly different medical services than affluent people. Both political parties should try to work together to come up with a plan that solves some of the problems in our health care system. But, all I hear from Republicans and conservatives are phrases like “socialized medicine,” “government takeover of health care” and “rationing of health care.” These phrases are tired mantras; not helpful, and designed to derail any attempt to reform the existing non-system. Republicans have some good ideas, and some valid criticisms of President [Barack] Obama’s plan. Can’t they be constructive in helping to shape a new system, rather than being the party of “no”?

Larry J. Pett, Atlanta

JUDICIARY

It’s about time someone investigated judge

Re: “GBI files complaint over judge’s conduct” (Metro, June 14), I am elated. I lived in that county for 20 years. This investigation is long overdue. I am among many others who would be more than happy to pay for a full and complete investigation of Judge Kristina Cook Connelly. I compiled much over the years which was sent to state and federal agencies, begging for their intervention in the kangaroo court proceedings that occurred under Connelly’s reign. Finally, the rusty wheels of justice are beginning to turn. I look forward to honesty, integrity and judicial equality being restored to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit.

Pat Horton, Atlanta