There’s a difference between insurances
Regarding “Why the uproar over new requirement?” (Readers write, Opinion, July 8), I have several reasons why buying car insurance differs from mandating health insurance. Owning or driving a car is a necessary condition for buying car insurance. The necessary condition under the health care law is being alive. Does the government have the right to compel us to purchase a product because we exist? There is no federal mandate to buy car insurance.
When buying car insurance, we can pick and choose a plan that meets our needs, shop around for a good price, and have the flexibility to choose who works on the car. I get a price break based on my driving record. With a “one-size-fits-all” health care plan, I cannot buy a policy tailored to my age, health and behavior.
The Affordable Care Act is a 3,000-page document of rules and regulations that will be a nightmare to understand and enforce. Our current health care system can use modifications — but under the Barack Obama plan, we significantly damage the world’s premier health care system.
MARIANNA CHAMBERLAIN, BUFORD
Teaching answers to three questions
Your editorial page on independence (“Sunday Issue: Independence,” Opinion, July 8) is the best writing on America’s most important issue that I have seen in years. The writing is eloquent, balanced, wise and easily understood. The message delivered is absolutely true.
My primary reason for writing is to express gratitude. I also want to share the following personal story.
I lovingly call my grandsons “rascals.” When my oldest grandson was about 6 years old, I began asking him a question, “Who loves this rascal?” I taught him to answer, “You do.”
When he was about 8 (after some mistakes on his schoolwork), I added, “Who is the smartest student in your class?” I told him he should answer, “Me.”
About two years later, I decided to ask him a third question, which would be meaningful for the rest of his life. After considerable thought, I came up with, “What treasure should you always keep searching for, even after you think you have found it?” The answer is: “The truth.”
Each time we get together, he will ask and answer these questions for me. He is now almost 14 years old. I hope he will always know the answers to these three questions.
BILL FOKES, BRASELTON
Why is Cobb airport on the project list?
I was wavering a bit on the T-SPLOST vote until I decided to take a closer look at the project list. It didn’t take very long to discover a real stinker: A new control tower and airport lighting at Cobb County’s McCollum Field.
Can somebody please explain to me how this is going to “untie” traffic congestion? Are you kidding me? Count four “no” votes from my family.
MIKE THOMAS, PEACHTREE CITY
HEALTH INSURANCE
Response to “Why the uproar over new requirement?” Readers write, Opinion, July 8.
A recent letter writer (and others) say the federal government forcing us to have health insurance is no different from the state requiring car insurance. Let me explain the difference. You don’t have to have car insurance unless you drive on public highways. You can take transit or taxis, let someone else drive you, or drive all over your private property without buying car insurance. Obamacare requires everyone breathing to either have health insurance — or be taxed. Only by not breathing would you be free.
WALTER H. INGE, ATLANTA
