Raging debate
To the editor:
The health insurance debate rages on. During the August congressional break, representatives held town hall meetings all over the country. We heard so much about the outcry of citizens not wanting the government to take over our health insurance. Well, it sure seems that the town halls were all for nothing because we’re hearing that the “public option” is still being considered. Some representatives have stated that they will not vote for a bill that does not have a public option. Our representatives heard us, but they don’t listen. This issue has been around for so long that many people are just getting worn down, it seems. Stay vigilant. Continue to let Rep. Tom Perriello, Sen. Jim Webb and Sen. Mark Warner know that we don’t want this.
President Barack Obama has said that he wants to cover an additional 30 million people without increasing the federal deficit by one dime and with no decrease in quality of care. Add to that the fact that the number of medical professionals will not change. Does that seem possible?
It’s also been stated that the government will not get between you and your doctor. Compare that to the federal government bailout of the banks. After the bailout, the government had a say in how these banks conducted business. They instructed who to buy out whom and subjected top executives to whatever pay restrictions were deemed appropriate by the pay czar. Does anyone think that if the government is paying for people’s health care that they are not going to want a say on how the money gets spent?
SCOTT HYMAN
Danville
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Reader Reactions
Scott,
The link you submitted backs my assertion that a majority (well at least P) do want the public option. About half-way down the page it states:
The Prospect of a Public Option
With respect to one of the more contentious issues being debated—whether the plan should include a government-run insurance plan to compete with private providers (a so-called public option)—Americans are about evenly split, with 50% in favor and 46% opposed.
I do agree we need reasonable reform. I also believe that no American should go without health insurance.
dharrison,
I commend you on contacting our representatives to make your voice heard. However I respectfully disagree with your assertion that a majority of Americans want a public option. I do agree that a majority of Americans, including myself, want some form of reasonable reform. I submit the following Gallup poll results: http://www.gallup.com/poll/123782/in-u.s.-39-say-view-healthcare-depends-details.aspx. This data suggests reform is wanted, but it will depend on the details of that reform at to whether it’s supported.
Educate,
I am the author of this letter. Are you sure I was OK with GWB’s spending? Or are you just assuming I was because I oppose the public option? Mr. Periello has stated that he will not support a plan that not deficit neutral. Any form of government run health care will not be deficit neutral. We will see if the Honorable Mr. Periello remains true to his word. Do you think if Mr. Periello reads names on the house floor, it will make this bill cost any less, or it will give the government any less control over us? Because this Nancy Pelosi bill is about control.
My gosh my piece got messed up. Let me try this again:
The people that put Congressman Perriello in office want a health care plan. Most want the public option as we know that is the only way costs will be driven down. Where was this letter writer’s concern about the deficit over the 8 years that George Bush spent all that money? Did you hear of the tea party group while he was creating deficits? Of course not-they were not even in existence. Maybe Congressman Perriello should, on the house floor, read off the names of Virginian’s who have died without health care.
The people that put Congressman Perriello want a health care plan. Most want the public option as we know that is the only way costs will be driven down. Where was this letter writer’s concern about the deficit over the 8 years that George Bush spent all that money? Did you hear of the tea party group while the was creating deficits? Of course not-they were happen. Maybe Congressman Perriello should follow the lead and on the house floor read off the names of Virginian’s who have died without health care.
I don’t want a public option, I would like some reform first! Like the majority of people I know want.
Sorry Scott, I want a public option and so do a majority of Americans. I continue to let Rep. Tom Perriello, Sen. Jim Webb and Sen. Mark Warner know that we DO want this.
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