Letters to the Editor 8/14

Latest energy bill misses the boat

The latest proposed Congressional energy bill is missing the boat for climate legislation that will help our state gain an energy economy.

Allowing this bill to become law in its present form would not create the change we need to see. The bill must contain a strong renewable electricity standard - no lower than 25 percent by 2025 - and a 100 percent auction of carbon emission allowances, so we actually reduce emissions and create a world-leading clean energy industry.

The responsibility for making the right long-term decisions, and restoring value and substance to the 2009 energy bill, rests with our congressional delegation. Let them know that Nevada can only create an energy economy if the bill has substance to it.

Jana Vanderhaar

Reno

No interest in reform, just keeping status quo

I'm writing in response to the letter the Appeal published the other day entitled "Canadian Health Care Video Recommended."

First, the video was "e-mailed to you by a woman from Canada?" Wow, that's very descriptive and believable. Second, the Web site you direct us to is a right-wing Web site that features content only by right-wing journalists and bloggers. Some of the links have titles like "Obama, Planned Parenthood, and the KKK" or "Barack Obama, Talking Crap."

And we're supposed to take this seriously? Give me a break.

You also point out that 17 million Americans elected not to have health insurance through their employer since they'd have to pay for a portion of it. That proves what? That health care is too expensive and we badly need reform? Thanks for making my point. This letter was obviously planted by someone who has no real interest in reform other than making sure the status quo survives.

Amy Willoughby

Reno

Just say 'no' to just saying 'yes'

My thanks to Dr. Eugene Paslov for letting me know how to become a responsible Republican: Just say "Yes!"

"Yes" to the government to give us health care. This is such a wonderful plan that Congress has exempted itself, the president, federal employees and selected labor unions. These entities have their own plans, which are privately managed, by the way, and are, I guess, too fine for the unwashed masses. Whoever wishes to participate in the government plan should do so, just as those who do not trust the government to do what it says it will do, should be allowed to say "no."

Why the skepticism? Medicare Parts A and B combined have unfunded liabilities of almost $70 trillion. Medicare Part D's liability is more than $17 trillion. To be a responsible citizen, I should trust those in Washington to manage this new health care like they have managed Medicare?

Of the 46 million Paslov claims do not have health insurance, about 10 million are here illegally, about 10 million choose to pay out-of-pocket and about 10 million are young and choose to allocate income elsewhere leaving about 10 million out of a population of more than 300 million who need help. We should help them, and we can with meaningful reform of Medicare and Medicaid. It is truly irresponsible to bankrupt a nation and to curtail civil liberties by forcing millions of Americans (Washington elite excepted, of course) into a plan they clearly reject.

In a free America, I still have the right to say "no."

Ruth Ailes

Carson City

V&T ticket prices seem too expensive

I read with great interest the articles on the V&T Railway. I think it is great that it will be up and running. I have waited 18 years for this to come about.

What I do find disturbing is the schedule of prices for tickets to ride the train. Where and how you came up with these fees God doesn't even know.

For a couple to ride the train (is expensive) - and God help them if they have two or three children - then they are out $200 to ride. Senior citizens on Social Security would not be able to afford these prices.

W.L. Ostermeyer

Mound House