If we as a nation were to be really honest, we'd have to acknowledge that what is going on in America today is class warfare - the winners of which will determine our destiny for generations. This is why our politicians are at an impasse and they are willing to fight to the death, holding our economy and the American public hostage. Two very opposing philosophies are at play.
The Reaganomics theory, about the wealthy getting wealthier with a trickle-down effect which enriches the lower classes, has proven to be totally flawed and unworkable.
I've spent the past 30 years watching closely and waiting for this theory to work, and it hasn't happened. Calling the rich job creators is a laughable misnomer. Let's face it, they are only job creators for China and Third World countries -- and wealth creators for themselves. Their growing wealth, which could be used for business expansion, actually ends up in the Cayman Islands, adding to their untaxable personal wealth.
So now we are headed for a society of a few very rich people at the expense of the middle class. the working class and the disadvantaged. Without changing the rules and the system to ensure opportunity for all, we're certainly headed for a worsening imbalance in our economy, which will lead to further decline and greater disparity between the classes. This begs one question: How long do we believe this type of unfairness will be tolerated before there is civil unrest?
Gary F. Nigro
Carson City
Thank you for running the recent article in the Nevada Appeal about health insurance for people with pre-existing conditions. The article explained there is now insurance available called Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). It's for adults and children who have been denied health insurance because of pre-existing medical conditions, and there is a choice in coverage options with reasonable premiums and reasonable deductibles.
In fact, premiums were recently lowered 37 percent in Nevada. What a Godsend for people with cancer, heart disease, diabetes or even asthma. It covers drugs and screenings, and there is no lifetime cap.
It's no secret individual insurance policies are routinely denied people with pre-existing medical conditions or charged outrageously high premiums. How did this change happen for people who could not get any coverage before? Guess what, the PCIP was created under the Affordable Care Act, sometimes referred to as Obamacare.
This is a transition program until 2014 when all Americans, not just those with pre-existing conditions, will have access to affordable health insurance.
However, from the moment it passed, the Republicans in Congress were determined to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and that includes Sen. Dean Heller. The Congressional GOP is OK with you, your family, or your neighbor being one major illness away from bankruptcy, while insurance companies can go back to denying coverage for the families that need it most.
Katherine Winans
Minden
In response to a letter to the editor in the Nevada Appeal on July 26, "Does anyone have the truth about Social Security?" from Ernie Pugmire, I am responding to make it very clear that when I wrote a letter to the editor about Social Security, I did not mention the Douglas County Planning Commission. Nor did I sign my letter as a commissioner. It was signed simply Jo Etta Brown, Gardnerville.
I will not debate the issue of Social Security in this time of crisis for our country. It angers and creates trepidation for me in regards to what will or will not happen before Aug. 2. It is not a debate of who is right or wrong about this issue, and it is not a game. The very foundation of millions of retirees is at stake, and therefore it is not a matter to be taken lightly.
Never before in the history of this country has there been such acrimony and stances that will not compromise. After all, it is our money as taxpayers that is in the center of the debate.
Jo Etta Brown
Minden