A cheap shot at conservatives

Shannyn Moore's marginalizing conservative leaders by citing one ignorant mis-speak of a conservative candidate is all that remains for the "wacko" left ("...what GOP leaders think," Aug. 26).

With the Middle East in chaos, Europe on the brink of bankruptcy, and the U.S. on the financial precipice, she chooses to parse the meaning of rape I suppose as a referendum to re-elect the most inexperienced, incompetant president in our nation's history.

Ms. Moore as well as the rest of the main street media share blame for blindly creating this hope and change garbage in the first place. She and her ilk remind me of "trotters" -- the horses racing around in left circles wearing blinders while being whipped from behind by a guy sitting in a chariot they either don't know or refuse to learn about.

-- Mark Mendonsa

Wasilla

Cost analysis bears out that having insurance is cheaper

I grew up in Canada where going to the doctor was never a problem. Our family spent years in the U.S. with no health insurance -- always worrying and hoping nothing major would happen. If anyone got sick on a weekend, it was not unusual to ask if they could wait until Monday, because going to a provider's office was cheaper than going to ER.

What a horrible question to ask a young child who may have strep. No parent, child or person should be put in this position.

My twin daughters now have health insurance at my expense, access to care, can afford medicine, do not have to apply for charity, and all providers are currently paid in full. There is less stress, worry, and peace of mind knowing there is access to care.

• 2008-2010 -- paid $8,610.59 for basic care ($239.18 per month) not including $20,000 the hospital had to absorb because there was no insurance.

• 2011 -- (first year on insurance) $1,559.66 ($129.97 per month).

• 2012 -- To date $1,046.84 ($87.23 per month).

Insurance access matters.

-- Geri Heiner

Anchorage

Applause for a charitable ride

It's great that you wrote about the terrific cross-country bike trip a local veteran finished. Thanks for telling us about him. He's a great brave guy who deserves our thanks and admiration.

But hey, did I miss a story -- or did you do one -- about another pretty wel-lknown 57-year-old Alaskan who also recently biked across our nation, from Seattle to D.C. in support of another charity, the American Lung Association, arriving in the shadow of the Capitol on Aug. 4? Our own Steve Lindbeck, CEO of Alaska Public Broadcasting, was the top fundraiser of the group that made the 3,600-mile trip, sending amazing blogs daily. He deserves a story too, guys, dontcha think? Thanks for listening.

-- Connie Godwin

former Alaskan and aide to Sen. Ted Stevens,

Chestertown, Md.

Romney enters a no-win debate

Why does Romney allow Obama allies to run the presidential debates?

The presidential debates are being run by friends of Obama and enemies of Romney.

This is no different than a bull fight, where Romney is the bull and can end up in a meat shop.

Why does Romney agree to this?

Newt never would.

-- Michael Stoianoff

Anchorage