Health law a blow to small business, will stifle job creation

If I’m a small business owner, once I grow to have 50 employees the Obama administration is going to force me to pay for my employees’ health care insurance or pay a fine.

Could someone smarter than me tell me why I would want to hire more people?

Our problem in this country is jobs and it appears this president is more concerned about giving everyone welfare instead of trying to get them a job.

Small business is where most of the new jobs will come from and this president is killing small business.

Dick Meyer

Charlotte

High court did the right thing, left it up to voters to decide

Bravo Chief Justice Roberts!

You’ve just kicked the can down the street to Nov. 7 where it belongs.

The decision on the health care system is not for the politicians or the Supreme Court to decide, but for the American people.

Let’s see how “The People” decide which direction America goes, left or right? Very clear choice now.

Murray Coulter

Charlotte

Get facts before you swallow GOP ‘massive tax’ storyline

Before we drown in the Republican talking point that the Affordable Care Act is actually a “massive tax,” let’s understand who pays this “tax penalty.”

If you are buying health insurance, the Act is estimated to bring down the cost of that health insurance. It does this, in part, by ensuring that everyone buys health insurance.

Those who choose not to buy insurance after 2014? They’ll be charged a tax penalty for what would be their contribution to the overall health care funding.

So, if you buy health insurance, there is no tax. If you don’t, then there is a tax penalty.

It’s as simple as that.

Chris Porier

Charlotte

Affordable Care Act a start but not the ‘real’ reform we need

The Affordable Care Act sloshes billions more dollars into a bloated corporate bureaucracy charged with maximizing profit, even at the expense of the sick.

The Affordable Care Act does include some consumer protections, but it’s not the real reform we need.

A single national health plan combined with privately-delivered care is the only way to rein in skyrocketing costs, improve care and cover everybody.

We already pay more than twice as much per person as other industrialized nations and still leave millions uninsured or struggling to pay medical costs. Single-payer is simple, it works and it’s way overdue.

Phillip Davis

Ellerbe

In response to “ Obamacare ruling: I’ll be taxed for your unhealthy lifestyle” (June 29 Forum):

Like Obamacare or not, taxes levied for the greater good

Arguments that start off with “I don’t want to pay for your (fill in the blank)” make little sense.

I didn’t go to public school but I pay taxes for public education.

I’ve never taken the bus but I pay taxes for CATS. I rarely drive on the highway but I pay for roads to be repaired.

I’ve never called the fire department but I pay taxes for the fire department to help save the lives of others, and so on.

There are plenty of good arguments for and against Obamacare, this just isn’t one of them.

Farrell Murphy

Charlotte

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In response to “Inaction could cost N.C. control of health exchange” (June 29):

Berger’s inaction on benefits exchange reprehensible

N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger’s inaction on the insurance exchange was arrogant and wasteful. The states were given a deadline to submit a plan, and Berger sat on it.

He was quoted as saying the prudent thing is to study the Supreme Court’s decision then act. The prudent thing would’ve been to at least have an outline from which to sculpt and present by the deadline.

It does not matter where you stand on the health care act, but to go unprepared is inexcusable.

Stephen Sissons

Charlotte

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In response to “House votes to hold attorney general in criminal contempt” (June 29):

Dems who walked out of House session not worthy of office

It was a disgrace to see a bunch of immature elected officials walk out of a session of Congress. Actions like this make them comparable to a bunch of kids who did not get their way.

I wish these people would just keep walking and we’ll replace them with someone who wants to do their job. We Americans fight for what we believe, we do not walk away from a problem.

Gene Ford

Matthews

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In response to “Budget impasse shelves projects” (June 27) and related articles:

Budget process failed due to lack of clear vision, strategy

The unraveling of Charlotte’s capital plan demonstrated how critical it is to first develop consensus around a clear and compelling vision for the city.

This process broke down because it started with a list of well-meaning projects then tried to make a plan that fit the projects. That’s backwards.

Mayor Anthony Foxx and the City Council should step back and first create and agree upon on a long-term vision and strategy for Charlotte that encompasses the priorities and interests of our community stakeholders.

A clear vision/strategy will make the decision process regarding tactics, projects and priorities a lot more successful.

Tim Tindall

Davidson