ACA: Check your sources

Regarding Dale Hedman’s letter printed Nov. 21, he needs to check his source more carefully. Jonathan Gruber, an MIT Economist, was a paid consultant on the Affordable Health Act as well as on Vermont’s and Michigan’s health marketplaces. He is presently being discredited by both Democrats and Republicans and those two states who question his veracity after referring to the “stupidity of the American voter” and other comments. That was his quote and his quote alone. To infer that that was the thinking of those working on the Affordable Health Act is simply wrong. Michigan State Rep. Tom McMillin is quoted by the Wall Street Journal (Nov. 21) as saying “He seems to have a proclivity for deception or fraud.”

I fail to understand the vitriolic attacks of so many on the Affordable Health Act. Yes, it is a government-promoted plan and a much needed one for many who previously could not afford health care. Like the start of Medicare and of Social Security, there are many problems that need to be resolved. How wonderful if both Republicans and Democrats could work together to resolve those problems instead of playing politics. Unfortunately, with the climate we have now, I don’t think that will ever happen.

GRACE LUSK

Coeur d’Alene