Readers write: Letters to the editor, Oct. 27, 2015

I read with interest Randall Plant’s letter (Oct. 22) correctly pointing out that Preston Rudderow’s letter (Oct. 21) claiming the high cost of health insurance was due to the Affordable Care Act was totally untrue. I also agreed with Randall’s solution of combining groups of medical plans together to increase the pool size to gain bargaining strength to lower costs.

I put forth that all pools be combined. That is called “Universal Health Care,” “Single Payer” or “Medicare for All.” It’s time for all Americans to step up and demand that our representatives fix the problem of soaring health care costs. The price will only keep going up until no one can afford coverage.

— Jay Lawrence

Anchorage

Alaska has tried just about every program and approach to address the negative effects of depression, mental illness and disabilities except constructive criticism.

A number of years ago a group of college students created a robot whose sole purpose was to wander the hallways seeking a plug-in. The robot would plug itself in, charge itself up; at that point it would then seek a new plug-in.

State agencies and many nonprofits in the drive for funding lose sight of their stated objective — helping the clients (mental health trust beneficiaries).

As a state we have to address improving basic rights and quality of care for the disabled. Giving the disabled or those with mental illness the right to be treated fairly and with dignity is more powerful and beneficial and should be first on the list as opposed to just creating a new program.

We have a choice. As a state we can continue roaming the hall looking for a plug-in or we can make changes.

— Dorrance Collins / Faith Myers

mental health advocates

Anchorage

I would like to thank Nick Coltman (Oct. 25) for his thoughtful response to my letter regarding the “Van Gogh Alive” exhibit. Rather than attempting to prevent “even one person from attending the exhibit,” the purpose of my letter was to provoke discussion about Van Gogh, his art and his significance. The exhibit at the Anchorage Museum fails to accomplish this. It leaves one with the impression that maximizing profit rather than provoking discussion was the central motivation of those who staged the production.

Yes, the essays posted alongside the reproductions (of Van Gogh’s “greatest hits”) were informative. It was somewhat difficult to concentrate upon them, however, amidst the swirl of colors and the classical music employed as a soundtrack. Van Gogh was a disturbed person and many of his paintings are equally disturbing. One reason he is today recognized as a genius is because he was able, so forcefully, to put his soul into his work. He seems to have been unconcerned with the marketability of that work.

Van Gogh’s work has ceased to be disturbing. In a society where art has become so thoroughly commodified, we are, perhaps, no longer capable of being disturbed by that art. This does not mean that we understand the art of Vincent van Gogh any more today than it was understood during his lifetime. To paraphrase Don McLean: “… We would not listen / we’re not listening still / Perhaps we never will.”

— Kenneth Baitsholts

Anchorage

How transparent and easy to see can it be? Christine Flowers’ commentary (Oct. 24) was nothing more than a lurid rehash and regurgitation of anything and everything thrown at the Clintons over the past 30 years. Does she receive some sort of vicarious pleasure spitting out ancient accusations — or is she just on board the “Kill Hillary for Prez Bandwagon”? Probably a lot of both, I’d say.

The word enemy is not hard to apply to anyone who takes an intractable and calculated approach to thwart efforts to move the government forward in a positive manner — Clinton just fully realizes that Republican obstructionism and do-nothingness will continue in any Democratic administration — it’s calling a spade a spade.

The sooner voters realize the country is being held hostage by a small band of xenophobic crazies intent on cramming guns, Jesus and ancient social mores down our throats, the quicker we will be rid of them and hopefully move towards a calmer, saner future. The enemy was clearly displayed by the author of the repugnant article by Ms. Flowers.

— Mike Gogolowski

Anchorage