Letters - Sunday

PRICE FIXING

Morse means well, but doesn’t know economics

I appreciate Sen. John Morse’s willingness to fight for justice (“Morse defends stance on gas-gouging measure,” Letters, March 22). But his position on what a Safeway, Sam’s Club, Loaf N’ Jug or any other large business might do with gasoline prices is misguided. It appears Morse doesn’t fully understand true economics, or that the free market is a better regulator than nanny politicians

His example of California having fewer “small, independent gasoline stations” and, ergo, that being the reason for their having higher prices rings hollow. Using California as an example for almost anything is specious. The state is an anomaly.

Morse writes, “When only large companies are left, we have less competition and with that we get higher prices.” That’s bull. But even if we were to end up with only large companies, won’t those companies compete against each other and bring prices down even further? It’s the natural law of economics and free trade. McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s, etc, compete against each other. We consumers benefit.

We consumers are protective of our monies. We will buy that which makes sense for ourselves.

I ask Morse and his ilk to quit trying to pass poorly-thought-through, tilting-atwindmills legislation. We know they intend well, but the free market is far more powerful than politicians.

Garry Glissmeyer

Colorado Springs

Government control is never the answer

Sen. John Morse stated in his letter, “I oppose granting permission to large companies to sell some of their products below cost because I do not think that is fair competition.” Granted, he is speaking about discounted gasoline, but when will all of these so-called fair-minded people decide that selling milk below cost or using a store sponsored discount card is not fair?

These are called “loss leaders.”

I may go in for the specials, but make up for it by purchasing other items at full price. I do not see this sales activity as unfair when it saves me money.

Communism has proven that government control of prices and lack of competition leads to bankrupt countries. Is there anyone on the Democratic side of the aisle that has a basic understanding of Economics 101?

Carol Pfeffer

Colorado Springs

THE BRONZE AGE

Higher skin cancer rates linked to indoor tanning

I was disappointed to read the report, “Beyond the tan,” about the expanding tanning salon industry in Colorado Springs (Life, March 22). The article quoted one salon owner’s misleading statement that newer tanning machines are more skin friendly.

As a dermatologist specializing in skin cancer treatment, I am alarmed at the number of young patients I see every day with potentially life-threatening skin cancer. Many of these patients have used tanning booths under the false pretense that tanning is harmless or, worse, beneficial.

The Department of Health and Human Services lists ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning booths as a known carcinogen. Both UVB and UVA light cause damage to the molecular structure of the skin, resulting in premature aging, wrinkling, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Those who use tanning booths risk an encounter with a surgeon’s scalpel. There is no such thing as a “safe tan.”

Every year in the United States, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed. Melanoma, the most serious type, has been scientifically linked with artificial UV radiation exposure.

There is only one service some salons offer that I condone, and that is the Mystic Tan, in which the chemical DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is sprayed onto the skin, giving it a tanned appearance for several days. DHA is safe, and a better alternative for those who “need” to look tan.

Brett K. Matheson, M.D.

Colorado Springs

CITY ELECTION

It’s important that voters connect the dots

I read The Gazette’s March 17 report, “Cable TV provider asks for piece of local pie,” regarding the Morleys’ investment in Porchlight Communications via Outside Plant Engineers and Consultants. I believe that means the Morleys have many “dogs in the fight” this municipal election. The Morleys are financially backing Dave Martin and Tom Gallagher and have common business interests with Greg Timm and Bob Null. By my count, with the connection to Porchlight Communications, the Morleys have a stake in four candidates and one franchise measure.

I agree with The Gazette editorial that council members need to be independent, but does anyone else see a problem with the Morleys having so much influence over our local council, water and CATV future it they were to win all five races they have a stake in? And shouldn’t Tom Gallagher and Mike Schmidt have recused themselves when the Porchlight franchise came before City Council and TPAC?

Let’s hope that local media and the intelligent voters of Colorado Springs can connect the dots and keep a single family from dominating the 2007 elections.

Dave Bryan

Colorado Springs

AWOL ACTIVIST

Black Forest representative failed in his duty

Eddie Bracken turned his back on Black Forest when Black Forest needed him the most. I spent 5½ hours of my Tuesday at the El Paso County Planning meeting. Morely Howard Investments Associates had two items on the agenda. The first was to change the zoning for the Pineries (now called Sanctuary in the Pines) from rural residential to planned unit development. The second was a preliminary plan for 390 three-acres lots.

Both were approved by a five to four vote.

I blame this defeat squarely on Bracken. He is a member of the Planning Commission and he chose to recuse himself from the hearing and vote. He represents the people of Black Forest and by choosing not to participate, Black Forest had no representation.

He has publicly stated many times that he is anti-development, and many depend on him to help defeat aggressive development. Instead, he chose the coward’s way out.

Because Bracken opted out, we will have turning lanes at the corners of Vollmer and Burgess roads, Vollmer and Shoup roads and Vollmer and Hodgen roads, as well as traffic lights at these intersections.

Because the hearing went so long, the public was limited as to what they could say without repeating anything that had already been said. Jim Mastin, who, like my husband and I, owns a lot on Vollmer Road, eloquently stated his concerns about the increase of traffic that will occur and the eventual widening of Vollmer to meet public needs.

Now, incorporation or not, we cannot stop this. Is this why there is a pro-incorporation sign at the entrance of the Pineries?

Pam Devereux

Black Forest

CASE CLOSED?

Investigation found no crime in Plame revelation

After one digs through all the minutiae and strategy surrounding the Valerie Plame Wilson episode, there is still one unresolved question: Was she a covert agent with the CIA, as she claims, when Richard Armitage leaked her name to Robert Novak (“To outed spy, it was like being ‘hit in gut,’ ” The Gazette, March 17)? A federal special prosecutor investigated the issue for months and announced that he found no laws were broken regarding revealing the identity of a covert CIA agent in Novak’s column.

Anything further by a congressional committee is a waste of time and money, and should be investigated as fraud, waste and abuse.

James Davis

Colorado Springs