Insurance Scandal

Re “Reports on Quake Claims Made Public,” June 13: That an elected representative, state Sen. Martha Escutia, can come under fire because she is sharing consumer information with the public is frightening. That there would even be such a law on the books is frightening. Just how many laws and regulations shield unscrupulous activities from the public? We are not talking about the protection of national security here, unless the unbridled pursuit of profit is the foundation upon which our collective security is built.

MARY CARBONNEAU

Hollywood

* Jerry Davies, spokesman for an insurance trade group, seems to believe that illegal activities recorded in “market conduct examinations” are protected by state law. He then states that “Sen. Escutia has placed herself above the law” by making this information public. This is an amazing position and will be difficult to defend in court. The insurance industry’s arrogance is alive and well.

GLENN YOKUM

Aguanga, Calif.

* The Quackenbush scandal shows us one of the prime differences between Republicans and Democrats. California Republicans are not in great shape these days. Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush was one of the stars of the party, one of the few who might have credibly challenged Gray Davis for governor in two years. Yet Republicans are speaking out against him as loudly as the Democrats. He has abused the powers of his office and Republicans are turning their backs on him.

Republicans tend to show a fundamental sense of right and wrong, even when it’s not in their own political interest. It makes you wonder how long the country would have had to endure the indignities and embarrassments of the last eight years if President Clinton were a Republican.

THOMAS A. DAGLISH

San Diego

* With all the damning evidence mounting against Quackenbush, can someone please tell me why he still reports to work every day and collects a salary.

ADELAIDE TATTO

Pacoima