Letters to the editor (9/30/09)

I was at Sen. Mark Begich's health care meeting Friday night when the first questioner said that all politicians are liars, cheats and another derogatory remark. I wondered if he told Sen. Lisa Murkowski the same thing at her meeting, or does he only think that of Democratic politicians. If a person truly feels that way about all politicians, then that only leaves one choice: He must be in favor of a dictator. He then won't have to concern himself about going to those boring meetings.

-- David Ulmer

Anchorage

Put vultures out of business

It should be obvious that a profit-based health insurance system is inherently wrong. Think about it. The more claims an insurer denies, the higher the profits will be. In America, the No. 1 cause of personal bankruptcies is medical costs. We Americans should not stand idly by while our fellow human beings are abused in this manner. It is time to put the health insurance vultures out of business. Let's support single-payer health care for all Americans.

-- Edward Anger

Anchorage

Kott story clear, well written

In reading ADN's front page story on Saturday regarding Pete Kott's case, I was very surprised and even pleased at what a good job Richard Mauer did. The story seems to contain more facts than opinions; the story is well written and organized clearly, something I rarely see in your newspaper. Too often your reporters seem to slant their stories severely, or just rehash slanted stories from other news organizations.

The information you provided about Pete Kott, Bill Allen, federal prosecutors and others gave me a much clearer picture of this whole mess. At this point, I feel like the prosecutors and especially their star witness are the worst of the bunch on both sides. Words cannot describe my particular disgust with Bill Allen and men of his ilk.

It is unfortunate that solid, unbiased investigative journalism is more the exception than the rule anymore. I hope you will require it of your writers more often. It was very much appreciated by this conservative family man.

-- John Schuerch

Anchorage

We need Medicare reform

As a family physician, I am extremely concerned about the negative impact the three major bills before Congress will have on the health care of all Americans. While reform is needed, these bills just create a huge administrative mess that will be a detriment to providers giving care. We need Medicare reform: better pay for primary care so we do not lose money every time we see an elderly patient (paid $48 total including secondary insurance on a $115 bill). We need tax write-offs for our losses ($47,000 last year). We need to be allowed to discount uninsured without accusations of fraud, and fraud auditors should not be paid on commission; nor should each $10,000 fine for not finishing a chart note be extrapolated and multiplied over the whole practice.

Health savings accounts should be allowed for seniors out of the money they pay for secondary insurance. Lawsuit reform and malpractice reform are needed. Insurance companies should allow portability of plans and not be allowed to exclude select groups. Insurance co-ops are needed, and a national catastrophic health plan.

-- Ilona Farr M.D.

Anchorage

They keep up with Alaska

I enjoy your site to check on the weather, daylight hours, etc., and to just generally read about your great state. I also like to read the adventures of the strong people who live far away from towns and how they endure the climate and enjoy living in the wild. We have been to Alaska several times and always enjoy your beautiful state and hospitality. Our son and his wife live in Alaska so we are very interested in the happenings in your state. Keep up the good work.

-- Jane Erwin

North Little Rock, Ark.

Anchorage needs a sales tax

Step up Anchorage!

The time has come to impose a sales tax to help fill in the voids of running a growing city. Nobody wants to see layoffs or cuts in pay or closing parks. Most cities in the U.S. have to do it so why not Anchorage?

Homeowners have been taxed to death and it is not fair to only tax the ones who own a home. Sooner than later make it happen, before more jobs go bye-bye.

-- Chris Lee

Big Lake