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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 23, 2009

Alternative energy

Arthur Seaton Jr. ("Nelson wrong on oil," Letters, June 18) and others like him who think the answer to our energy crisis is to open up the Gulf for drilling just off our beaches should carefully read "Drilling off Florida is a false promise" (Our Opinion, June 19) and understand the consequences of how an oil spill would destroy our tourist industry and how high our taxes will go if people don't visit Florida.

Solar, wind and other forms of alternative energy that won't harm the environment are what this state should be exploring now, not drilling off our beaches.

NANCY J. DROLL

Brandon

Socialized medicine

Regarding "Prefers foreign system" ( Letters, June 14): I have to say that Ken Sturmer is just plain wrong.

While the complexity and many pitfalls of government-run health care are too numerous to be tackled in an op-ed, I have just one question for Sturmer: Why should others have to pay for your health insurance?

It is simply wrong for people to get health insurance off the backs of other Americans, except perhaps in cases where one qualifies for Medicare or Medicaid or is unable to work.

No health care system is perfect, including ours, but there is a reason why we have the best doctors in the world, and socialized medicine didn't produce them. Americans as a whole have far faster and greater access to health care than do patients in countries with socialized medicine. One need only look at the lack of choice, forced waiting periods and outright denials of health care to people by the governments in countries with socialized medicine to know that things aren't as rosy as some believe.

Allowing the government to be in competition with private health care or take it over completely will be disastrous. People will go from being patients to being some number on a bureaucrat's desk, and that bureaucrat will be the one deciding if you get that kidney transplant or not.

First it was car czars, then along came pay czars. Will health czars be next?

ERICK WESTLEY

Brandon

Condemn violence

In response to the June 18 editorial "Caution wise with Iran atwitter:" Caution with the political situation in Iran is wise, but taking a clear stand for basic human rights is also necessary.

It is entirely possible for the administration as well as your editorial board to show restraint regarding the election results while at the same time condemning violence against peaceful protesters. It's our moral obligation as Americans to do so in every situation, not just when its politically convenient.

J.R. NICKS

Valrico

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