Letters to the Editor

This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

The New York Sun
NY Sun
NEW YORK SUN CONTRIBUTOR

‘As Lawyers’ Profits Soar’


The paper Alec Magnet reports on in his article “Study: As Lawyers’ Profits Soar, Health Care Suffers” [New York, October 28, 2005] is not saying anything new; it is a rehash of the insurance industry’s party line – prices are up because of greedy trial lawyers daring to sue for malpractice. Wrong. Insurance companies are gouging working Americans because … they can. In fact, while health insurance premiums have skyrocketed, so have the profits of the insurance industry, in record amounts.


The insurance industry calls for tort “reform,” but the only thing that really needs reform is an industry intent upon limiting people’s access to the courts when they’ve been wronged, instead of admitting that there is no link between victims suing for negligence or malpractice and the high cost of insurance.


The Manhattan Institute, once the embodiment of pragmatism, is intentionally turning its head at the only proven solution to keeping health care costs down: regulating the insurance industry.


ANDREA BATISTA SCHLESINGER
Manhattan
Ms. Schlesinger is the executive director of the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy (www.drummajorinstitute.org).


‘Autophagy of the Times’


Instead of imploring The New York Sun to dumb down the printed word to simplify reader comprehension, perhaps Walter Stoufer, et al., should elevate their personal lexicon, ditch the disyllabic tabloids, and look up the mystery polysyllabism. [“Autophagy of the Times,” Letters, October 28, 2005]


I, too, didn’t know what “autophagy” meant, but later, upon consulting a reference, was put at ease as to its precise application. Next time, I’ll know.


Here’s my advice when a dictionary is not on hand: Circle the mystery word or fold the page corner back so the dog-ear falls directly on the brainteaser.


Then, after leafing through Webster’s or the Oxford English Dictionary, you’ll have the contextual use. I try to use that very same word later that day to reinforce. I personally find new words mesmeric, but that’s me.


STEVEN P. SCALICI
Staten Island


‘Confronting Affordability Crisis’


The last time we put price controls on energy during the Nixon administration, I seem to recall that the NASDAQ lost about 90% of its value while the Dow Jones Industrials declined 45%. No wonder Nixon was run out of office. [“Confronting the Crisis of Affordability,” John P. Avlon, Opinion, October 28, 2005]


As long as our politicians are in full pandering mode, I’d take a very nervous position on any money in stocks. As Pudd’nhead Wilson (aka Mark Twain) advised, “Put all your eggs in the one basket and – watch that basket!”


CHRIS WIGERT
Manhattan

NY Sun
NEW YORK SUN CONTRIBUTOR

This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.


The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use