Disconnected BlackBerries

Thanks for your stunning article “A Clockwork BlackBerry” (AA&B September 2011).I've long had a sense of unease at the disconnect I observe amongyoung people who seem so remote from my own world. I've watchedkids text each other sitting at the same table rather than speakaloud to one another. Not unsurprisingly, it has become a challengeto find a younger person in command of the English language thesedays. Where a story of another's suffering can still move me totears and make me want to find a way to help, it's not uncommon tosee a kid shrug it off with a casual “stuff happens” dismissal. Thetechnology piece is, as you eloquently point out, second nature tothe Gen-Yers, and with the disenfranchisement due to a failededucation system, no real sense of responsibility andaccountability, the growing attitude of entitlement, and thecurrent economic struggles we all face, it's easy to see howtechnology could become a ticking bomb. Helping our insureds copewith the potential explosions will be our challenge.

You've taken the larger issue and drilled down very effectivelyto the underlying dynamics, and given us all a lot to think about.Well done. I'll be looking for your byline on future articles.

Judy Rapp
Spokane,Wash.

The “growing underclass,” as you mentioned, is probably thebiggest threat we face. There is a lot of rhetoric about workers'compensation and Medicare—but hardly a peep about Medicaid, whichis the biggest elephant in the room. Our gutless leaders are afraidto address this problem for fear of being “racist” or “politicallyincorrect” but unless we reverse the “nanny state” mentality, ourprospects for the future are bleak.

GuyHatfield
Fairfield, Conn. 

Certainly Helped

Barry Zalma's many articles are priceless. His September 2011article (“CertUncertainty“) has certainly helped me. In short it appears toconfirm that the practice should be that if you are adding byendorsement an additional insured in one coverage line then youwould be well advised to request the aforementioned endorsementagainst all applicable coverage lines for the insured whenrequested.

David K.Combes
Washington, D.C.

We have been requiring copies of the additional insuredendorsement for many, many years. To have our position bolstered bycase law almost gives you goose bumps. Thank you.

Frank R.O'Connor
Dubuque, Iowa

Timely Reminder

Anita Z. Bourke's excellent article “Payit Forward With Customer Service” (AA&B October2011) offered a timely reminder. It is easy to get busy and forgetto make the customer feel important and appreciated.

VickiCota
Springfield, Mo.