Were they worth it?
Were the bailouts of Chrysler and General Motors worth it for the rest of the country? Instead of letting a normal bankruptcy take effect and allow them both to become leaner and more efficient, our government simply papered over their faults with our money.
Were they worth it?
I am sure Elizabeth Cook thinks so (Sept. 16 column), and I am sure the guys on the assembly line think so, too. But what about the stockholders who were left blowing in the wind? What about the elderly who were counting on their investment in GM to tide them over in retirement.
There are unseen results of any government action. We can always see the so-called good the government does, but never the bad. What could have been done with $65 billion had not the government decided to bail out Detroit?
Perhaps a cure for cancer? … I doubt it.
Perhaps nuclear fusion and free energy? … Again, I doubt it.
But we can never know.
I do know that we simply can’t afford it. As Elizabeth Cook points out, federal taxes have barely gone up. If so, then who pays for Detroit? Who totes the note? And yes, let’s not forget the interest. Organized crime had strict terms; you paid what was due plus interest or they broke your knees. They were masters of the vigorish. We are not so wise, or so lucky. Instead of having our knees broken, it is our grandkids whose knees will be broken.
– Tom Curtis
Salisbury

Improve Medicare billing oversight
Medicare beneficiaries face constant harassment by medical corporations regarding medical bills. These beneficiaries regrettably neglect to examine their bills or do not understand the information. Unfortunately, they are unable to decipher the validity of the charges. As a result, Medicare satisfies medical demands that may not be legitimate because there is no regulatory agency large enough to police it.
Our Republican brothers repeatedly bemoan Medicare’s cost, arguing the national budget cannot sustain the financial burden caused by graying America’s demographics. Much protestation sadly comes from those not yet in need of medical assistance.
A constant refrain from the Republican Party promises to “change” Medicare, making it more in tune with our national fiscal needs. The GOP, however, then challenges regulation, or regulatory agencies, whose purpose is intended to help the population in its interaction with those having little regard for the common welfare. While the CEOs profess they have helped the medical system, area hospitals have increased nursing responsibilities for patient care from one nurse for three patients to one nurse for five patients.
I suggest that Rowan-Cabarrus Community College develop a curriculum to teach students how to identify Medicare fraud and/or negligence bordering on fraud. Insurance companies, which are also victims of the present situation, would provide employment for personnel seeking to reduce the cost of Medicare. RCCC’s nursing program could buttress an anti-fraud/negligence program, and the public would benefit greatly. A recent change that increases the diagnostic codes from 13,000 to 68,000 illustrates the problem. Further, the American Medical Association states the changes would allow for more “flexibility” in interpretation.
We need a regulatory approach based on a program that would improve efficiency and help cut the monstrous national debt while helping care for legitimately needy Americans. I visited RCCC recently to speak with the campus administrators about this idea.
– Arthur Steinberg
Salisbury
Any criticism of free speech is inimical to rational thinkers world over and reveals a profound failure to understand the incalculable value of the 1st Amendment.
Practically all agree that the exploration of ideas is the most profitable use of free speech. There’s another solid advantage that’s seldom cited. Free speech allows bigots, know-nothings and tyrants of every type to expose ethical and intellectual flaws to the world.
– Tony Castelvecchi
Salisbury