GOProud takes nuanced approach to gay marriage Re: “‘Gay conservative’ is an oxymoron,” Feb. 12
Star Parker eloquently defends traditional marriage in her latest op-ed. However, GOProud is not the right target for her critique.
GOProud does not take a black-and-white approach to gay marriage. Although the leadership of the organization supports it, they are open to supporting candidates who favor civil unions or who otherwise demonstrate sympathy for gay concerns.
For instance, GOProud recently endorsed Charles Djou for Congress in Hawaii, despite his opposition to gay marriage, because Djou spoke out for extending legal rights to gay couples in the context of domestic partnerships. Whether we agree or disagree with Djou’s position, it’s within the legitimate bounds of conservative thought.
Parker and I agree that GOProud is wrong about gay marriage, but that doesn’t mean that other conservatives cannot make common cause with them, and it most certainly doesn’t mean we should shun their company.
David Smedberg
Washington
New insurance rule is bad for consumers
A new federal rule requires insurers to spend at least 80 to 85 percent of premium dollars on medical claims that will prompt some to trim commissions for insurance brokers. The regulation intends to ensure that consumers get good value for their premium dollars, but by driving brokers from the marketplace, it will do just the opposite.
A recent IBM survey found that 75 percent of consumers who use insurance agents are very satisfied. More than half said that no amount of savings would cause them to drop their brokers.
In a separate survey, Assurant Health found that 64 percent of those who purchased individual medical insurance through a professional agent described their experiences as “helpful.” Only 36 percent of those who purchased online said the same.
Janet Trautwein
Executive vice president and chief executive officer,
National Association of Health Underwriters
Arlington
Condi should spread peace through music, not politics
Re: “Democrats’ race-baiting gets in the way of civil discussion,” Feb. 3
Cal Thomas lauds former President Reagan for saying that America’s greatness does not reside in official Washington, but in the American people themselves. Then Gregory Kane cites Condoleezza Rice as a better black alternative to Barack Obama for U.S. president.
A less widely known fact about Rice is that she is one fabulous concert pianist. Had she chosen the professional concert circuit, she would have been a much better ambassador for world peace than she was as secretary of state. International cultural exchanges create good will where politics and politicians fail.
A black woman at the piano would marvelously prove the Gipper’s point. Condi would demean herself by running for president.
Lawrence K. Marsh
Gaithersburg
