Letters to the Editor

Rossi vs. Roe vs. Wade

Rossi's not running on the abortion issue, lest we forget

Editor, The Times:

I don't demonstrate in front of schools and clinics with picket signs regarding my thoughts on abortion issues, and I don't know anyone who does.

It isn't relevant this campaign cycle, it wasn't relevant last campaign cycle and it shouldn't be an issue in the governor's race.

While there is no doubt that many in Washington hold the right to choose as their most important right, Dino Rossi is too shrewd of a politician to run a campaign on fixing transportation and smart state spending only to then unveil a secret anti-choice agenda once he's governor. He knows it wouldn't go anywhere in a Democrat-controlled Legislature and in a state that has overwhelmingly voted to maintain this right.

Let's quit the one-size-fits-all attacks on Rossi about wanting to overturn Roe v. Wade or being George Bush's long-lost twin and move to issues that are relevant to this election.

— Christina Schiro, Tacoma

Husky greed

Stadium request too much for taxpayers

Congratulations to the University of Washington for raising more than two billion dollars in contributions ["Small army at UW raised $900K a day," page one, July 16]. With this, however, how do you have the nerve to ask taxpayers to contribute, via additional taxes, for a new sports stadium? How arrogant can you get? Evidently you haven't reached that point.

— Jack Becker, Redmond

Striking folly

Machinists have it good, so why ask for more?

I was embarrassed for the Boeing Machinist union after I read about their rally, vote to strike and free day off Wednesday ["Machinists give strike a chance," Business, July 17]. Here is the perfect example of why America is losing manufacturing jobs to other countries.

This type of "us-against-them" mentality is exactly why Chrysler is facing bankruptcy, General Motors has to cut $15 billion to avoid it and Ford is barely surviving. The greed of American unions is not only appalling, but it is evidence of why they may have outlived their purpose.

Boeing workers are so well paid and have such top-of-the-line benefits that there is zero chance any of them could find a comparable job elsewhere.

How about you Boeing machinists grow up, stop being so greedy, and treat your company like it's your company? Be proud, not stupid.

— Jeff Smith, Mount Vernon

McIver mess

Ethics case casts doubts on council member

The recent conclusion of the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission raises still more concerns about the character and competency of Seattle Councilmember Richard McIver ["Seattle panel says McIver violated ethics," Local News, July 17]. Yesterday's ruling, on top of his recent scrape with the legal system (domestic-violence charges, later dropped on a technicality), reinforce a deteriorating image of questionable integrity and judgment.

This is exacerbated by McIver's violation of state law when he admitted he wanted to hire a minority-owned business, and, in fact, did hire for $42,000 his longtime friend's business after thrice vacationing at her Virgin Islands condo. Initiative 200 made illegal the consideration of race, gender, color, ethnicity or national origin in the final selection of public contracts.

McIver's actions demonstrate a scofflaw attitude, racial bias and moral delinquency. Dubious decisions make him ill-suited to be the chair of the finance and budget committee, or a Seattle City Council member.

— Randy Hansen, Seattle

Rising med prices

Health-care costs, not gas, real concern

Every day we hear in the media about the rising gas prices, but what about health-care costs? I've used about 220 gallons of gas in the past year.

I don't remember what the price was last July, but even if it was $2 per gallon less, those 220 gallons would have cost me an extra $440 during the last 12 months.

But my medical insurance premiums have gone from $223 a month to $309. That's an increase of $86 a month or $1,032 in 12 months for the same coverage.

It's not the gas price that's hurting me so much; it's the skyrocketing health-care costs. I easily can cut my gas consumption, but if I get sick I'm at the mercy of an uncontrollable medical system. If my premiums keep rising at this pace, I may have to drop my coverage some day.

I saw a bumper sticker the other day that really hit the nail on the head. It said, "America's health care policy: Don't get sick."

— Jeff Cassel, Seattle