STIFLING BUSINESS IS LAST THING WE NEED

I propose a two-year moratorium on City Council proposals to close businesses. This state is on a lifeline and needs economic stimulus, not fiscal sabotage.

The ban on shark tours is a classic example. Based on this proposal, that means we should close the aquarium, Sea Life Park, the Honolulu Zoo, ban fisherman and crab catchers, and close other attractions that allow for animal interaction.

The focus of our appointed leaders should be strictly on generating revenue through economic enhancements and incentives, not on ways to stifle growth. It's amazing to me that our "leaders" are spending an ounce of time on bills that limit revenue generation at a time when the economy is in the tank, unemployment is rising, wages are falling, and people are clearly struggling to pay their bills. You guys have done enough damage. Either lend a hand to help grow our businesses or get out of the way.

John MacGregor | Honolulu

HEALTH CARE

A LOOK AT FRANCE'S SYSTEM BEGS CAUTION

There have been many interesting articles and letters about pending health care reform — almost all of them espousing the virtues of universal health care provided by European countries and Canada. Yet, I don't think that most of us know how their systems work or the costs incurred by their people to support their systems.

Let's look at France, rated by the World Health Organization as one of the top health care systems in the world, versus the U.S. France has universal health care. What is the price? Almost 12 percent of GDP in 2005. What does that mean? In France workers are taxed like we are for Social Security and Medicare. Premiums are mandatory and deducted from your paycheck. The cost? Almost $4,000 per year per employee, and that does not include your co-payment.

In France, you pay the doctor bill and the government reimburses you 70 to 85 percent of the bill — your co-payment is based on your income and can be as high as 30 percent. Income taxes in France exceed 50 percent of income, versus less than 30 percent in the U.S. Plus France has a value added tax (VAT) of up to 15 percent.

Sounds to me like we need to go slow and careful with health care reform. We may be buying more than we bargained for.

Win Schoneman | 'Aiea

UNION TALKS

PROBLEM LIES WITH GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

Why is nothing mentioned in the news about the fact that the mayors of the counties have settled with the various unions?

I believe Mayor Hannemann has his budget already done, as do the other mayors.

Seems to me that Gov. Lingle is hell-bent on union busting for no good reason.

The Legislature should realize and understand the many members of the various public workers unions supported them and voted for them.

The problem is not the workers.

The problem lies in the lack of leadership in the governor's office.

Vernon Okamura | Retired city employee, Kailua