Gomers -- What's Going Wrong

A LEMON: Ok, we understand why Coralville has a city ordinance requiring vendor permits during RAGBRAI's July 29 ride into town. It aims to reduce the risk of possible health problems at temporary places frequented by thousands of people. But having police shut down several kids' makeshift lemonade stands because they didn't have the $400 permit? That's going too far. Surely, people can make their own decisions on whether to spend a little pocket change and support a little entrepreneurism among youth.

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CHARITY CARE: Another sign that more people are without health insurance coverage amid a struggling economic recovery is the Iowa Hospital Association's announcement that its 118 member hospitals provided more than $850 million worth of uncompensated care that, combined with unpaid medical debts, rose 6.8 percent in 2010.

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FROM THE ASHES: A July 30 fire destroyed a three-story commercial/residential project in southeast Cedar Rapids. The intense fire also damaged the nearby new Brickstone apartments. Good to hear that owners plan to restart the mixed-use project. The Brickstone also will be repaired.