DIALOGUEletters

SAM TROUT

Debate goes on

of Britain.” I thoroughly enjoyed both trips. In the local cities they hire a local guide and the guides are excellent.

Sister Dianne Fagan, Oakland, California

Healthy reading

I appreciate the articles you publish concerning health issues. For instance, recently you ran an article about the positive health effects blueberries offer and a similar article on vitamin E. You have established Costco as a credible company worthy of trust. There are few companies in America that can claim this.

Henry Hanflik, Flint, Michigan

In response to the October Debate, “Should voting be encouraged through lotteries?”

Y ES. Rewarding people for participation in a desired activity is the American way. Bonuses, raises and scholarships are rewards for doing good work. Voters should have incentives, as there are many deterrents to voting.

Herbert Roskind, Scottsdale, Arizona

 

NO. Contrary to what some say, it does not encourage nonvoters to become educated on the issues, but rather encourages uninterested parties to slap down a random response so they can have a free lottery ticket. There would be more votes but they would be random responses, only generated by a chance at a million dollars.

Laura Rightmyer, Kingston, Washington

A winning strategy

I’m writing in response to the article “Tuition prep 101,” in the August edition of The Costco Connection. The strategy for business owners to hire their own kids in order to get their children started on the road to retirement is right on the money. Starting these kids (and their families) thinking about retirement at an early age allows for all the benefits of compounding to take hold.

Great job in bringing this important situation to light.

Barry Specht, Huntington, New York

Hammering out cancer

In April 2005 The Connection ran a story on our company, Tomboy Tools [“Ladies, fasten your tool belts”]. The article generated more than 800 inquiries. I’m writing to let you know that we have partnered with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (www. komen.org) and are selling a 13-ounce pink hammer to help “Hammer Out Breast Cancer.” We are donating 70 percent of the net proceeds to the foundation. Our goal is to raise $600,000 by August 1, 2007. Based on the strong response from your article, I believe your readers are interested in our company and may want to help us reach our goal.

Jennifer Imel, Tomboy Tools

( www.tomboytools.com)

 

YES. I feel everyone should vote, and if it takes an incentive to make it happen, then I say do it. I think people will take more notice if they know they are going to vote, even if they are just doing it for the chance at $1 million.

Donald McGovern Wolverine Lake, Michigan

Great products, responsible vendor

I want to thank you for offering environmentally friendly products and organic groceries. I just read your September cover story about Stonyfield Farms, and I am so proud that I am a member. Costco is so large it will truly make a difference on our planet because of its smart, eco-friendly choices. This encourages me to continue my Costco membership and be glad that my dollars and your dollars are changing the world and helping preserve the planet.

Alana Wellins, Santa Ana, California

Mother knows best

For years I’ve been teaching my children the value of acting with integrity, being responsible and showing compassion and forgiveness to others. Your article “Following a moral compass” [October 2006 issue] brings to light just how essential these ethical attributes are in business and life. Maybe a mother really does know best!

Mary Denise Ehret, Escondido, California

 

NO. Anyone who votes just because there is a possibility they could win a lottery is not a “good” voter. Only those who study issues, consider facts and care about the future should vote.

Joe Conway, Broomfield, Colorado

Odds and ends

Travel company connection

I just read the October issue of The Costco Connection. Each issue has proven to be so informative. Being a former teacher, I appreciate articles that are well researched and written with such care.

The travel article on page 47 [“Not your father’s tour company”] was of special interest to me. Trafalgar is my favorite travel company. I did a Germany-Austria-Switzerland two-week guided tour with Trafalgar and a “Taste

Variable annuities revisited

I just read [Suze Orman’s] “Financial Connection” column in the September 2006 issue and I wanted to share a quick observation with you. Suze, you must get up to speed on the benefits that a variable annuity (VA) can provide some of Costco’s members.

You seem to have a tremendous bias against annuities. Sure, VAs have been abusively sold by commission-hungry brokers in the past, but I find retirees love the peace of

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Readers are encouraged to submit letters to our editors on any topic or issue covered in The Connection. Please include your full name and phone number or address. Send all letters to: Dialogue, The Costco Connection, P.O. Box 34088, Seattle, WA 98124-1088; fax to (425) 313-6718; or e-mail to dialogue@costco.com. The editors reserve the right to edit letters for publication.