HEALTH CARE
We need affordability without public option
“Sick with fear over health care” (News, Sept. 5) did not address the issues of huge monthly premiums charged by private insurance companies, or families having to file bankruptcy because of high out-of-pocket expenses. I have relatives who pay $2,400 a month in private insurance premiums because of a pre-existing condition. I have friends who, even though they have public health insurance, have to pay huge monthly private insurance premiums for adult children who have pre-existing conditions.
I read of no plans on how to stop private insurance companies from inflicting high monthly premium increases, or denying us coverage. Every American should have the option of affordable health insurance group rates as good as federal and state employees have. Give me a plan on how to achieve this without a government-run public option.
Peggy Ledbetter, Atlanta
HEALTH CARE
Good health care doesn’t have to mean insurance
Two important things have been lost in the health care debate, and they both pertain to insurance. The first is the question, “Do we need insurance?” Many believe insurance should only be an inexpensive high-deductible catastrophic plan. If they truly reform the health care provider industry, the remaining health care needs should be affordable.
The second issue is, what is driving the politicians? Despite all the controversial side issues, the resulting bill will serve little more than to guarantee the insurance companies will have more customers and more profit. The first issue questions the second. Who is really being served here? I do not need insurance or a government health plan. All I need is health care I can afford.
Michael Honohan, Marietta
SOCIETY
Marriage not about narcissistic party
It’s no wonder so many marriages end in divorce (“Couples plan weddings, want guests to foot bill,” News, Sept. 6). Weddings no longer center around the love and commitment two people hope to share over the long journey ahead of them, but now focus on the 48 hours immediately following the ceremony.
A wedding is not a business transaction — nor is it an acceptable way for a bride and groom to solicit funds to throw self-celebratory parties that they otherwise cannot afford. Why focus so much on the petty details of a single day? A couple instead should be examining the values and character they are carrying with them on the long journey ahead. Ann Woody, Loganville
POLITICS
Chapman is solid addition to race
Re “Candidate from coast has his eye on reform” (Metro, Sept. 7): As Sen. Jeff Chapman joins the race for governor, I agree with Jim Galloway’s assessment that “it would be wrong to dismiss Chapman as a Don Quixote of the salt marshes.”
Chapman’s candidacy is good news because he has actually taken principled stands on major issues such as those concerning developing Jekyll Island State Park. For Cervantes’ hero, the giants of his imagination were perhaps windmills — but our problems with education, water and transportation are real giants. We need leaders with honesty and imagination to take them on.
Diane Shearer, Tucker
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