The state of building codes in hurricane-prone regions has a direct impact on the cost of insurance premiums. Insurance companies capitalize on the inadequate building codes to charge higher premiums, as discussed in the recent cover story titled “The Big Reason Your Insurance Is Getting More Expensive” (Aug. 26). It’s worth noting that insurance would be unnecessary if disasters and accidents were completely eliminated.
Certain communities in Florida have taken proactive measures by constructing homes that can withstand winds up to 150 miles per hour. This forward-thinking approach sets a standard that should be adopted everywhere. By ensuring that buildings are resilient, we can avoid shouldering the financial burden caused by poor building codes.
Climate Risks: A Complicated Reality
The growing concern of climate change is undeniable, albeit progressing at a gradual pace. The accompanying rise in sea levels may seem insignificant, merely measured in inches, but it carries significant consequences. A reader from Santa Barbara, Calif., reflects upon living in a paradise that comes with its own set of challenges (“Why People Are Still Moving to Places With High Climate Risk,” Aug. 24). After residing in the area for half a century, they have witnessed numerous fires and have been forced to evacuate on three separate occasions.
Recognizing our vulnerability against the forces of nature is paramount. As humans, we can strive to adapt and coexist, but ultimately, the unpredictability of nature and its occasional wrath prevail.
A Questionable Expenditure of $2.4 Trillion?
To the Editor:
I don’t think that events of the past several years—pandemic, climate change, China aggression, etc.—have opened a door for more government involvement in the economy (“The Manufacturing Boom’s Hidden Costs,” Aug. 23). When hasn’t the government meddled in economic affairs over the past 150 years? One of the purposes of this iteration is to increase U.S. competitiveness vis-à-vis China and the rest of the world. However, the U.S. already out-innovates the rest of the world by a wide margin. If China cheats, there has to be a better response than a $2.4 trillion boondoggle.
Rick Reynolds
Malvern, Pa.
To the Editor:
If reshoring manufacturing will increase costs because of the cost of labor here, how about the much-talked-about artificial intelligence and automation, which tend to increase efficiency and therefore reduce costs?
Shirley Tsai
On s.com
Uncle Sam, Spend Less
Debt Service: A Looming Threat to Federal Expenditures
Debt service alone is now claiming a significant portion of federal expenditures. Consequently, this places limitations on crucial spending areas such as defense, government operations, and entitlements. As a result, the government finds itself in a cycle of continuous borrowing to meet these obligations, leading to a perpetual increase in interest rates. It is clear that solely relying on taxing citizens will not solve this colossal debt problem. Instead, substantial reductions in spending are imperative.
Gary R. Layton
Interlaken, N.J.
