[Rhodes22-list] Coastal Living - Insurance

[Herb Parsons]

Unlike you, I don't mind being "elitist". I think the founding fathers 
had a very good reason for requiring that citizens be landowners (OK, I 
don't agree with their original white, male, over 21 [or was it 23?], 
but those are a whole 'nother discussion); it was because owning land 
(which was much easier to do back then) indicated a certain investment, 
and interest, in local affairs. In other words, it was meant to be a 
balance to the population learning they could "vote themselves money 
from the public treasure", with its predicted eventual collapse of 
democracy.

As we break down more and more "elitist" restrictions, we break down 
more and more barriers of those that want what others have to simply 
taking it. The power over the vote, unfettered, gives them the weapon to 
do just that.

I think we're in the beginning stages of what Alexander Tyler predicted. 
As people discover that they, through the power of their vote, can 
require insurance companies to pay damages for coverage that they were 
not paid for, force them to do business where it is not economically 
viable, force you and I to pay for health care for those that are too 
unmotivated to find the means to do so themselves; I fear we are headed 
down that path.


Brad Haslett wrote:
> Herb,
>
> If you read some of the message boards in Florida and Mississippi it gets
> really scary. -  economic ignorance gone wild! One of the persistent themes
> is "kick them out of the state and don't let them write auto policies it
> they won't write homeowners".  Yeah right, that's really going to increase
> competition in the marketplace. Imagine if we all paid the same rate for
> auto insurance. Instead of enjoying discounts for being mature and safe
> drivers, we all get thrown into one big happy pool at the same rates.
> What's the incentive to drive safely?  We're headed down a slippery slope
> and the masses are clueless.  I don't feel the least bit elitist for making
> statements like that.  Sometimes the truth hurts, and the coming reality if
> someone doesn't stop this coming train wreck is really going to suck.
>
> Brad
>
> On Sun, Feb 24, 2008 at 8:44 PM, Herb Parsons <hparsons at parsonsys.com>
> wrote:
>
>   
>> Brad, do you realize how ominous the last two lines are? (well, the last
>> two of three, "BS" was its own sentence).
>>
>> All of America needs to get ready to ante up as the next new wave of
>> "universal coverage" comes sniffing around. Wanna place bets on the
>> chances of "universal home coverage" as insurance companies make the
>> business decisons that they don't want to operate in high-risk areas
>> where the government arbitrarily increases the "coverage" they're
>> providing after a disaster strikes?
>>
>> Brad Haslett wrote:
>>     
>>> This was predictable.  The Sun-Herald (Biloxi-Gulfport) had an article
>>>       
>> today
>>     
>>> about State Farm insurance and the fact they aren't writing any more
>>> homeowners policies in Florida. Nationwide and Allstate came to the same
>>> conclusion earlier (boat insurance is sure to follow).  Now I understand
>>>       
>> it
>>     
>>> is hard to love an insurance company, but this is a perfect example of
>>>       
>> what
>>     
>>> happens when 'da gubment' sticks its nose in private business, you don't
>>>       
>> get
>>     
>>> cheaper prices, you get fewer services.  Both Mississippi and Florida
>>>       
>> (and
>>     
>>> other states) have gone after insurers through their state insurance
>>> commissions and Attorney Generals, and the net result has been for the
>>> insurance companies to pick-up their bat, and ball, and glove, and go
>>> somewhere else to play. Those of us who live inland pay as well - my
>>> earthquake coverage was canceled due to Katrina, huh?  It sounds silly
>>>       
>> but
>>     
>>> that's the way it works.  The 2004/05 hurricane season gave the big boys
>>> bloody noses so they reduce their risk somewhere else to limit their
>>> exposure. Now here is the next thing that's predictable as hell,
>>>       
>> politicians
>>     
>>> will line-up during an election season and spout how they're going to
>>> protect you from those "greedy" insurance companies.  BS.  This is
>>>       
>> reality
>>     
>>> and the only thing you can do to remedy the situation is to take on more
>>> risk yourself, or move. If you love FEMA, you'll really love universal
>>> health care.
>>>
>>> Brad
>>> __________________________________________________
>>> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>       
>> --
>> Herb Parsons
>> S/V O'Jure - O'Day 25
>> S/V Reve de Pappa - Coronado 35
>>
>>
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>>
>>     
> __________________________________________________
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>
>
>
>   

-- 
Herb Parsons
S/V O'Jure - O'Day 25
S/V Reve de Pappa - Coronado 35