Reader Letters

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 among young people who seem so remote from my own world. I've watched kids text each other sitting at the same table rather than speak aloud to one another. Not unsurprisingly, it has become a challenge to find a younger person in command of the English language these days. Where a story of another's suffering can still move me to tears and make me want to find a way to help, it's not uncommon to see a kid shrug it off with a casual “stuff happens” dismissal. The technology piece is, as you eloquently point out, second nature to the Gen-Yers, and with the disenfranchisement due to a failed education system, no real sense of responsibility and accountability, the growing attitude of entitlement, and the current economic struggles we all face, it's easy to see how technology could become a ticking bomb. Helping our insureds cope with the potential explosions will be our challenge.

You've taken the larger issue and drilled down very effectively to 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 the biggest threat we face. There is a lot of rhetoric about workers' compensation and Medicare—but hardly a peep about Medicaid, which is the biggest elephant in the room. Our gutless leaders are afraid to address this problem for fear of being “racist” or “politically incorrect” but unless we reverse the “nanny state” mentality, our prospects for the future are bleak.

Guy Hatfield
Fairfield, Conn. 

Certainly Helped

Barry Zalma's many articles are priceless. His September 2011 article (“Cert Uncertainty“) has certainly helped me. In short it appears to confirm that the practice should be that if you are adding by endorsement an additional insured in one coverage line then you would be well advised to request the aforementioned endorsement against all applicable coverage lines for the insured when requested.

David K. Combes
Washington, D.C.

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

Frank R. O'Connor
Dubuque, Iowa

Timely Reminder

Anita Z. Bourke's excellent article “Pay it Forward With Customer Service” (AA&B October 2011) offered a timely reminder. It is easy to get busy and forget to make the customer feel important and appreciated.

Vicki Cota
Springfield, Mo.