Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

The strength of our nation and world is in the middle class

Re: Half-million join the Millionaires Club, June 21.

Yes, we want positive news from our media, and the estimate of 8.7-million millionaires in our world last year is certainly positive. A 6 percent growth in a single year speaks volumes as to individual wealth in our nations, but that report is incomplete without the bottom side of that heads-up coin. What percentage of growth is noted in our middle class?

The study, commissioned by Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. and researched by Capgemini in the 10th annual World Wealth Report, offers no comment on the corollary wealth of any economic level below that of millionaire, as if the wealth of nations is determined solely by the wealth of concentrated minorities.

The high point of American wealth, as compared to the rest of our world, is repeatedly referred to as that period between the end of World War II and 1975, a period when our middle class sustained the economic health of our nation. A truly positive study of our nation's and world's economic health would, I believe, include a positive growth of middle class standings and at least a stable measure of our level of poverty.

Capitalism has always developed best in an economic climate that allowed vertical growth of those levels of society that exhibit a propensity to consume the goods produced. Containment of wealth, concentration of wealth, or any restraint on the ability of a majority to consume through faulty distribution of wealth has consistently led to arbitrary, despotic control of a populace. Democracy, under those conditions, is almost impossible.

An increase in our nation's and our world's millionaires, without a corresponding growth of social levels that offer a greater propensity to consume, does not auger well for our economic health. Neither does it support the growth of democracy anywhere.

George Cloward, Inverness

Oppose insurance injustice

Re: Those who plan for old age deserve protection, by Howard Troxler, June 18.

As always, I enjoyed the insights in Troxler's column on long-term insurance. A paragraph he wrote could be apropos for any type of insurance. Noting the wrongheadedness of the insurance industry's decisions regarding elder-care insurance, he wrote:

"It seems wrong to take somebody's money indefinitely, year after year, and then declare, out of the blue, that they don't have coverage."

Sound familiar? I, and many of my friends, have written to our state and federal lawmakers, as well as the president, regarding this egregious practice aimed at homeowners and other insured people.

What else can we do to stop the profiteers in the insurance business from ruining our financial position and our peace of mind?

State Sen. Mike Fasano and Rep. John Legg, in New Port Richey, are trying. We citizens must make our voices heard over and over. It's our only recourse, it seems. Call, write, and call and write again, please.

Lilyan Dayton, New Port Richey

Housing to weather the storm

Re: Acts like a fort; doesn't look like one, June 23.

I want to applaud the Times for putting this article about storm resistant housing on the front page. Letting consumers know about alternative types of construction methods available is of the utmost importance in Florida - actually everywhere. The consumer will demand it and buy it.

Builders should be on the front line offering this type of product that will benefit us all with lower insurance rates related to reduced claims and with higher energy efficiency usually as an added bonus.

Let us see more on the subject and spread the word that we can build better!

No one has mentioned that the Pinellas Living Green Expo at St. Petersburg's Coliseum was (or at least appeared to be) a rousing success. The two-day event earlier this month was attended by thousands looking at sustainable and green products. As an exhibitor, I can tell you the need and desire are there for information and products.

Gray Rideout, Treasure Island

Consider the caregivers

I would like to propose an amendment to the Homestead Tax Law (including the Save Our Homes Amendment, which limits to 3 percent any annual increased in the property tax assessment) to include those who live with their immediate relatives as full-time caregivers.

While the existing law transfers the tax benefit only to a spouse, I believe those of us, myself included, who take care of a family member should be allowed to inherit the house/condo while paying the lower tax. Although some have willingly given up jobs, homes and lives elsewhere, we are penalized after the relative's passing by the huge increase in taxes. For some, the rate hike is so much that we have to give up our home.

I am currently taking care of my 99-year-old father and was also the caregiver to Mom (she had ALS and passed away four years ago). Although I would like to remain in our small home, the assessment has increased by four times. I would have to pay more than three times our current tax rate, and this may be too much for me.

To determine eligibility, I suggest the following;

1. A legal document by the attending physician(s) on the patient's illness and that the inheritor is known to them as a primary caregiver. Also, signed documents stating access to their medical records.

2. Proof of residence at the home for a minimum of one year.

3. A will and/or trust passing ownership to the caregiver.

If you agree with this proposal, please write to your elected officials.

Eric Pearson, Englewood

First-class disrespect

Re: Congressman, audit question need to reroute mail to Tampa, June 23.

One has to wonder what kind of "experts" the Postal "Service" listens to. We are barraged with pleas to pay bills online; we receive "e-vites" to social events these days - and those who continue to use conventional mail are now told by postal authorities that we in St. Petersburg will be described as nonexistent? Why would we continue to purchase anything they offer? Why are they so determined to lose business?

Most of my life I was involuntarily transferred to the places I lived, but I chose to live in St. Petersburg. I do not live in a body of water, nor am I part of Tampa (which we did not find to be welcoming). If the St. Petersburg postmark is lost, a lot of us may seek alternatives to a "service" that disrespects us.

This proposal feels like more of unresponsive government pushing us around just because it can. Why should I cooperate?

Eileen O'Sullivan, St. Petersburg

Helmets can be lifesavers

The husband of a co-worker is currently in a hospital bed, comatose after brain surgery. He was hit by a car whose driver was blinded by the sun. He was riding a bicycle and was wearing no helmet. No amount of "good judgment and common sense" would have prevented this tragedy, absent a helmet.

Yep, helmets are hot and dorky, but they can save your life.

B.J. Mitchell, St. Petersburg

There's a diversity of danger

Re: A flash, then biker is dead, June 23.

This was an interesting article about a motorcyclist being struck by lightning. But I don't see the answer to the question I am sure is on everyone's mind.

Was he wearing a helmet?

Rick Woods, New Port Richey

[Last modified June 26, 2006, 05:45:50]