If you want a wider seat, pay for it
Re: “Letters to the editor: Planes should fit fat people,” Feb. 28:
We already have seats of varying sizes on today’s planes, they are called first, business, and economy classes.
It always baffles me as to why people would resent paying more for a wider seat with more leg room which would fit them better, but not for a larger and heavier package shipped to another locale.
John T. Chiu
Newport Beach
Groundbreaking news is buried
Re: “Long-anticipated fuel cell unveiled,” Feb. 25:
The article by Tiffany Hsu on the new fuel cell technology and its capabilities was buried on page B5 when it contained some of the most exciting news of the century. How many wars will be avoided and how many people employed because this new technology will positively impact energy independence, economic development, climate change, environmental degradation and national security?
Nancy Evers Kirwan
Los Angeles
No wonder customers flee
Re: “WellPoint critics: Rate hike padded,” Feb. 25:
I am an Anthem Blue Cross subscriber whose rates have been increased several times over the last few years. I was particularly baffled at WellPoint’s claim that rate hikes were necessary due to “an exodus of younger and healthier policyholders who are dropping or reducing their coverage.” I, for one, have reduced my coverage and increased my deductible twice in the last three years. Why? Because the rates went up and I couldn’t afford the increase.
Mike Flanagan
Silver Lake
Calling foul on the McCourts
Re: Michael Hiltzik’s business column, “McCourts pitch a shutout on taxes,” Feb. 24:
My 95-year-old mother, whose income is based on a small pension and Social Security, paid over $400 in income tax for 2009. Yet the McCourts who earned over $108 million(2004-2009) paid nothing. What’s wrong with our tax system?
Ron Ploszaj
La Crescenta
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It’s a disgrace to belittle the McCourts for legally adhering to the same laws which apply to you and me. There are those who work for a business, those who own a business and those who own holding companies which own businesses as the McCourts do. They enjoy the lifestyle earned through risks taken in real estate. Bill Brock
Agoura Hills
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Questions: Should the McCourts be allowed to drive their expensive cars on our tax-supported roads? Should the tax-supported fire department respond if one of their mansions catches fire? For those of us struggling to pay our fair share of taxes in this economy, the arrogance of the McCourts is stunning.
Russ Nichols
Los Angeles
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