A Point In Time

Dear Friends,

Some time ago, I’d complained that the government reaction to lower usage of mass transit or parking was to raise fares or fees. Business is a bit quirky in this regard, as well. Recall the flood of paperwork earlier this year surrounding fees, etc. for credit cards. Some held their position… very few did that. Citi raised one of my credit cards from 13.9% to 21.9% for no reason other than to get by coming legislation that would limit such usury. I complained and they gave me 50 bucks. Hmmm. Needless to say, I am looking for a new credit card company that doesn’t yank my chain every other month with new rules or reduced benefits.

The latest debacle is with Anthem Blue Cross. As we watch this health care fiasco, one has to wonder what Anthem Blue Cross was thinking when they announced a nearly 40% increase in rates at such a sensitive juncture. If I were the chairman of that company, I would have fired the CEO for such a blunder. One can only think conspiracy theory and that we are all being set up. I.E. Obama and his lackeys have been chastising Insurance Companies when they take time off chastising Wall Street. Suppose there was government/insurance company collusion on this issue to help the passage momentum Stretch Pelosi is trying to muster in the house. We’d all heard that certain mandates would be a short-term windfall to insurance companies until the illusive government option puts them out of business long after the current Blue Cross CEO is out of the picture. Be watchful.

GEA