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Aiding the wealthy

The full-page ad in The Spokesman-Review (Dec. 5) by the American College of Radiology Association thanking Representative McMorris Rodgers for her support of HR-3269 is a shining example of why our Congress and political system are broken.

It appears that the federal government (Medicare) is reducing payments for diagnostic imaging services provided by the members of the radiology association. Those same radiologists enjoy Bush tax cuts. Lower taxes collected by the federal government means less funds available for Medicare payments.

The congresswoman wants a balanced federal budget, and to keep cutting taxes. Now she is supporting higher payments to radiologists. So Cathy, tell us where you are going to get the money to pay the radiologists’ bills? You voted for a budget that turns Medicare into a voucher system. What happens when seniors run out of vouchers?

I have seen the bills submitted by radiologists, and my reaction is “you have got to be kidding.” The ad said that “Cathy McMorris Rodgers has come to the rescue, yet again.” Who is she really rescuing and with whose money? Didn’t we pay for the full-page ad with our last X-ray? How many radiologist Medicare dollars will become campaign dollars for our congresswoman?

Pete Scobby

Newport, Wash.

While shopping this weekend I noticed car after car, all with drivers on their cellphones, most not paying attention to the road, holding up traffic due to their lack of attention or, in one instance, a driver running a red light because she was on her phone. “No cellphones” is a primary stop. I understand police should be catching bad guys, but a driver talking on a cellphone is as impaired as a driver with a .08 blood-alcohol level, and a driver who is texting is as impaired as a driver with a .16 blood-alcohol level. That’s double the legal limit.

In Washington, D.C., a police officer stands on the shoulder of the beltway next to his car with a radar gun. If you are speeding, he motioned you over and another officer would give you a ticket. A cellphone violation is no different.

I know city budgets are tight and they can’t always spare an officer or two, but the amount of money that those officers make in writing tickets could easily clear up most budget shortfalls in a matter of months, considering each ticket is $124.

Yavett States

Airway Heights

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