HEALTH BILL: Slow down, calm down

Thank you for your thoughtful and balanced editorial which encourages all of us to slow down, calm down and learn as much as we can about the Health Care Bill. I don't believe that most of the congresspersons who voted for or against this bill knew the bill well. I think both sides became driven by political considerations which made impossible anything like an informed dialogue. Nor do I think that most concerned citizens know what the bill "really" says or means — they too are driven by ideological or political considerations. And predictions about its effect on the future are well beyond anyone's understanding.

This issue divides us because it raises fundamental values issues of the relative importance of equality and liberty in our national life and the relative size of the Federal Government. These issues are as old as the Republic and we have not found an exact balance yet.

The various individual elements of the bill are not so important as the very idea of the national government accepting health care as a fundamental and legitimate government responsibility. It was thought this question had been answered with Medicare and all the other health care programs that the national government has taken on over the past 35 years; apparently not.

I hope you continue to be a voice for thoughtful and informed opinion on all sides of the crucial issues of our day.

BOB PEASLEY

Post Falls