HEALTH BILL: Doesn't provide right reform

As I was mentioned four times by name in a recent Press letter and accused repeatedly of misstating facts, I wish to respond. The writer stated as “fact” that individuals could keep their current coverage under this new plan. It is true the President has said that over  and over in large public rallies, but he has also said (albeit more stealthily) that he wants a single payer system, and speaks of this bill as a transitional step: “Canada did not start off immediately with a single payer system, they had a similar transitional step. You can’t transform 1/6th of the economy in one fell swoop.”  Joe Biden: “You know we’re going to control the insurance companies” and Nancy Pelosi: “Once we kick through this door there’ll be more legislation to follow.” 

I would have respected the debate more if it were upfront and honest.  If the ultimate goal is single payer national health care, then just say it and convince the American people of its’ merits. This bill IS the “transitional step” to national health care like they enjoy in the United Kingdom – where they provide mammograms only between the ages of 50 – 70 and have an 88 percent higher breast cancer mortality rate. By the way, I attended the presentation by a few of the local doctors last Saturday as to why we need health care reform, and I agreed with almost everything they said.  No one has said we don’t need reform. The debate and issue is what is the best way to protect was is good while fixing what is not.  I fear we have lost that debate.

DENISE GRAVES

Hayden Lake