Cutting prices would raise sales without hurting profits

While listening to the news today, I heard a local (running) politician say, “Everything is going up except wages.”

Our state government has been asked to reduce spending by 10 percent, and that’s fine; we all know there is a lot of waste. However, what about private enterprise? Profits drive increased prices — doesn’t it all create an artificial inflation rate?

Simple economics would dictate that if all products were mandated to be reduced in price by 10 percent, this would essentially put 10 percent more money in the pockets of consumers. And my guess is that with the additional 10 percent, consumers would buy and spend more. It just seems crazy that government has to tighten its belt and free enterprise doesn’t have to do its fair share.

I would also guess that the profit margin would remain constant or rise as a result, therefore eliminating the artificial inflation.

Bill Zilberman

Niskayuna

Food pantries can use not just food, but help

When I read Steven Cook’s Aug. 29 article, “Food pantry giveaway draws crowd,” I was pleased that the food pantry had received attention.

The food pantry provides a service that helps people stay on their feet despite the declining economy. In the article, [SICM food program director Gail] Van Valkenburgh mentioned that more and more people (100 new families every month) are using the services provided by the food pantry.

I would urge people to help support their local food pantries if they can. While I have never helped at the food pantry, I have volunteered at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York (which can be reached at 786-3691). A day at the food bank generally consists of sorting donated goods into boxes. It is a good place to do community service if you feel like giving back to the community.

William Anderson

Niskayuna

This writer is senior patrol leader of Boy Scout Troop 34.

Keep Ellis ER problems in proper perspective

There have been many letters lately from Ellis Hospital patients or their families who have been “forced” to go to the Nott Street facility instead of St. Clare’s and who have had to wait “10 hours” to even be seen.

As someone who spends a lot of time every day in and out of the Ellis ER, and who has brought many of these patients in, I would like to say that 10-hour waits are not the norm, but rather a gross exaggeration I can only assume is for dramatic effect.

True, you may wait several hours to be seen. However, if you are there because your “tummy has hurt for five days,” you’re not going to be seen before the person who has an extensive cardiac history and severe chest pain. I’m sorry, but ERs operate on a triage basis, as well they should, and your tummy ache is not as urgent as a potential heart attack.

Before you gripe about the wait time, look around at all the patients there, and see if you can figure out how many of them should legitimately even be at the hospital, or who could’ve been treated by their own doctor, a free clinic, or even at home with a couple of aspirin. Decide if, possibly, you fall into that same category. Stubbed toes, minor headaches, and 100-degree fevers do not generally belong in a hospital. Yes, the hospital is crowded. No, the Berger Commission probably did not make the best decision. The blame for the wait primarily lies on the people who abuse the hospital services for minor problems, though.

The staff at Ellis has generally been doing a fine job in what are tough transition times.

Sean Mearns

Glenville

The writer works for a local private ambulance service.

Jilted Hillary supporters won’t pull for Palin

I am surprised at the degree of positive spin the press has put on John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate. They apparently agree with his belief that putting a woman on the ticket will entice many of Hillary’s supporters to vote Republican. I doubt that will happen unless they are willing to cut off their nose to spite their face.

Palin, an avowed conservative, supports McCain’s Iraq war policy, is anti-abortion and anti-gun control, advocates the expansion of oil drilling both offshore and in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, and wants to make permanent Bush’s tax cuts for the wealthy. Almost all are anathema to most disgruntled Hillary fans.

The resume of Palin’s political career includes president of the PTA, mayor of a city of 9,000, and less than a two-year stint as governor of our least populated state. This relatively unknown lightweight would be a 72-year old cancer survivor’s heartbeat away from the presidency.

No matter how angry the Hillary backers are, they are too liberal, too intelligent and too patriotic to vote for the GOP ticket merely because it has a woman on it.

Charles Rielly

Guilderland

There’s hope for Schenectady B&B yet

Alleluia! I rejoice! A psychiatrist has bought the infamous Union Street Bed and Breakfast [Aug. 26 Gazette]. A doctor with his healing skills can transform the house into positives.

Question: How can the “sex dungeon” be exorcised? Evelyn McClean, the Hope Diamond owner, requested a priest to bless the unlucky gem. The “dungeon” can be transformed into a classroom to teach sex addicts about peaceful mental health strategies.

In my college class on abnormal psychology, I gave a research paper on sex addiction. One case study noted that the female sex addict suffered from manic depression. Another case revealed a male sex addict had a brain tumor.

The sex orgy cesspool can now blossom into a sunburst of healing.

Rob Victor Curtiss

Schenectady

State troopers worth the money, is Strock?

Re Carl Strock’s Aug. 28 challenge to opinionate on the wage increases of New York state troopers [“Raises for state troopers to cost $195M”] — a few comments.

First, you get what you pay for! These defenders of our state have exemplary records, especially in comparison to local law enforcement. Check out other agencies for internal investigations, arrests, misdeeds.

Second, our governor is quite capable of reducing expenditures in nonessential areas. We all know how many of those there are in our state. Reduce management to trim excess. Use state monies where it is needed.

Lastly, how about publishing the salary list of all the employees of your newspaper, especially yours. I’m curious to know if you’re worth it!

Joan Monda

Rotterdam Junction

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