I am in private practice and see that sales of hearing aids in the private sector is flat.  Am I supposed to be pleased that the government (VA) is experiencing a nine-fold increase ("Second Quarter Hearing Aid Unit Sales Rise by 1%," The Insider, August 14), compared to the private sector?

I have lost dozens of patients to the VA, that translates to thousands of dollars. As a private business owner, I am in competition with my own government!  You report this as a great thing when in reality this is blatant socialism.

I have no problem with veterans gaining benefits.  It is the method by which these benefits are distributed that is out of whack.  The private sector is completely disregarded and a huge bloated inefficient government progam has been created.

Evelyn Andrews
Via email

The Insider welcomes letters from its readers. Please send them via email to Editor Will Campbell at wcampbell@ascendmedia.com. Letters may be edited for length or clarity.