LETTERS: Advocating for coal a Stone Age step

The editorial attacking the Clean Power Plan is grossly out of step with the realities of our state (“Cutting off coal a terrible policy,” March 7 Review-Journal). Nevada has led the way in transitioning to a clean energy economy, including a commitment to end coal burning at the Reid Gardner power plant.

Coal-fired power plants are devastating for the communities near them, contaminating our air and water, and producing toxic coal ash, all of which makes those areas vulnerable to asthma attacks, heart failure and premature death. Apparently, the authors of the editorial have already forgotten the voices of the Moapa Band of Paiutes, who spoke out so powerfully in recent years about the impacts of Reid Gardner on our local air quality and health, and the need for strong federal protections from its emissions and waste.

With so much progress already made, and so many opportunities for clean energy jobs ahead, why does the Review-Journal want to drag our state back into the Stone Age?

Vickie Simmons

Moapa

Gas prices

Earlier this month, regular unleaded gasoline was going for $1.85 per gallon in Boulder City. At the same pumps a week later, the price was more than $2.35. This is one of the most rapid changes I’ve seen. I’ve heard President Barack Obama advocate for an oil tax that would hike gas prices, though I don’t know what the revenue would be used for.

My concern is that the Republican Party and its presidential candidates haven’t protested such an increase. The federal government doesn’t deserve more tax revenue until it can handle what it currently receives in a rational way. As citizens and commuters, the price of fuel is of significant importance. Robbing us of income to provide more revenue to strain through the inept federal government is not a logical decision.

Our president and legislature may ride around in government transportation, and with a chauffeur as well, but we don’t. How about an intelligent and detailed reply to my question: What caused a 50 cents-per-gallon price spike in one week?

Robert Campbell

Boulder City

Trump needs Fiore

In light of the recent actions of state Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, who defended those who defend themselves against the overbearing, institutionalized, career-driven and uncaring federal government, I think Donald Trump should bring Ms. Fiore into his campaign. Without a doubt, we can gain our country back from political leeches who don’t care about me or you.

Democrats and Republicans might be on different sides of the boat, but you can bet they are the only ones with life rafts.

Terry Allen

Las Vegas

Medicare misinformation

Since 2014, I have been practicing as a podiatrist in the Sun City area of Summerlin. My intent was to treat the many seniors residing in the area. What I didn’t know when I opened my practice was there were a large number of Humana Gold Advantage Medicare members living in Sun City. Humana Gold Advantage denies access to podiatric foot care to these members, based on a quota system.

The elderly unwittingly signed up for a Medicare plan that wasn’t serving their best interests. I contacted Health Care Partners, which administrates the Advantage plan locally, and was told the company would not consider additional podiatrists within 20 miles of Sun City. So I contacted Rep. Cresent Hardy and explained that many of the residents do not drive, are blind and disabled. These patients were not savvy enough to know what their Medicare Advantage plans covered, and they should not be penalized for the misinformation they received.

Since contacting Rep. Hardy’s office, I still haven’t gotten any help. What type of representation do the residents of Sun City have in Washington, D.C.? These members paid for Medicare benefits throughout their lives, and they deserve to be seen and treated for their conditions, regardless of their Medicare plan.

Ted Cohen

Las Vegas