Readers react to clean air, Donald Trump and health insurance
Clean air
I was disappointed to read that Republicans voted to hamstring the Environmental Protection Agency in cutting carbon emissions.
As an intern with the Missouri Sierra Club, I have met many community members and heard their concerns regarding environmental health. The conversations about the environment should not only be happening in Paris, but among all citizens around the world.
When I went back home to China recently, a haze lay over Beijing. On Dec. 7, Beijing issued its first red alert for pollution, the highest level of warning.
Schools have been closed. People are suffering from diseases caused by air pollution. I am grieved to see Beijing’s smog threatening people’s health. I hope this will serve as a warning and prevent other cities from suffering from extreme air pollution like Beijing.
The environment is a public good. Every one of us has a right to live in a healthy environment, and everyone should fight politicians who harm our environment for their personal interests.
We all need to do our part, including Republican lawmakers who are supposed to be protecting us. Call them to express your concerns about this.
Bing Nan
St. Louis
Trump’s games
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was born, raised and has spent his entire life in the upper-class New York environment. It is much better known for liberal rather than conservative values and political leanings.
Until his current foray into national politics, Trump was not known for outspoken stands on social or political issues. Trump until recently had a cordial relationship with the Clinton family.
Trump is best known by the American public as the star of a successful reality TV show, which focuses much more on entertainment value than on accurate portrayals of actual events.
Trump has been successful in attracting a significant portion of the country that would identify itself as Republican but nowhere near the majority of this demographic.
Trump’s bombastic rhetoric has served to drive a wedge through the Republican base while unifying the Democratic base in its revulsion.
What candidate for president has the most to gain by Donald Trump continuing his campaign?
Hint. The person is not a Republican. Ya think you might be getting played?
Jeff Root
Overland Park
Insurance options
Nov. 1 marked the start of this year’s open enrollment for health insurance.
For the self-employed and employees whose employers don’t offer coverage, open enrollment offers a chance to review options and change insurance plans if they choose.
That’s why it’s crucial that entrepreneurs and employees get all the information they need about their coverage options.
Although open enrollment, available through Jan. 31, affects individuals who need to purchase coverage, it doesn’t affect small-business owners looking to secure coverage for their employees.
Small-business owners can purchase coverage at any time through the Small Business Health Options Program, which is open year-round. Purchasing through SHOP offers several benefits for small employers, including competitive pricing and tax credits to eligible small businesses.
If you’re looking for coverage — for yourself or for your employees — you can head to covermissouri.org to check out your options.
Small-business owners can also learn more about their coverage options by attending one of Small Business Majority’s free educational events. They are held year-round, in-person and online.
You can find out more about our events at smallbusinessmajority.org/missourievents.
Mary Timmel
Small Business Majority
St. Louis
Better gun laws
I was rather dismayed, but not surprised, that my congressmen from Kansas voted against denying gun permits for people on the no-fly list.
Congress has resisted any laws prohibiting background checks for cretins wishing to buy guns, claiming such laws intrude on people’s rights.
Funny, this doesn’t apply to women who wish to get an abortion.
The Republicans have called for improved mental-health services, which is ironic because most states have cut these services. Go figure.
I hope these elected officials feel safer than I do when they are in a crowd.
Marlene Shulkin
Prairie Village
This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Readers react to clean air, Donald Trump and health insurance."