Daily Local News letter, 8/27/09 p. A6:

The public option for health care is comprehensive, progressive capitalism. Health care is in a continuing crisis and a political jam cannot continue.

Without this option, there is no change, no choice and no progress. It is a medical emergency which must be dealt with now. The insurance companies have had more than 50 years to bring innovation and lower costs and have done just the opposite, no innovation, higher costs and less choice. The insured are paying for the uninsured and the insurance companies’ gluttonous profits with sky-high premiums and discriminating, restrictive care.

It is about the American people, families, workers. It is about just reform. A public option gives a choice. The insurance companies will have to compete instead of rule. It will enhance the present system so that everyone can be included and not just the economically elite.

Health care is not a commodity to be rationed or restricted. It is a right and we have an obligation to each other to provide this. What we have is so obviously not working and it is way beyond time to enact something new and modern and progressive that is no threat whatsoever to capitalism, a more equal paying field and fair and just reform.

It will benefit everyone in the long run, its critics included. Obama has got to use his intelligence aand judgment and strong dedication to the people and go forth with his unquestionable strength of character and gather the guts he has and needs to plow through this in a strong and decisive decision. We will all benefit.

Years ago when there was so much fear and argument against Medicare, I remember the pamphlets in my grandfather Dr. J. Evans Scheehle’s waiting room, warning of the dangers of socialized medicine and Medicare. We are all beneficiaries of Medicare and it is a great program with few complaints from its members. Programs evolve as the society evolves. Change is necessary for progress.

Fear and greed erode capitalism and society.

A public option is the way to a just and inclusive system of health care. The time has come for change. What is needed now is simply the guts to just do it.

EILEEN LYONS
West Goshen