Editor,
It is obvious from Sen. Lindsey Graham's statements last weekend that he is opposed to any major changes in the health care program.
He resurrected the old fear about long delays under government run programs. Strange, those living in The Netherlands, Great Britain and Canada don't experience this.
He cautions against government bureaucracy coming between patient and doctor. Strange, this doesn't occur for those of us using Medicare and Medicaid.
Perhaps Sen. Graham really believes his statements against a government option plan. This becomes difficult to swallow, however, when upon looking at his Web site one discovers that Blue/Cross Blue/Shield is one of the top 10 contributors to his election war chest.
Is it not the health insurance companies such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield that now stand between patient and doctor — denying coverage; when covered, denying care citing pre-existing conditions; putting profits before sick people?
Ralph Stutzman
Seneca
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June 26, 2009
7:53 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I agree with eddo on Obama's nationalized health care program. This program will eventually drive the private insurance companies out and if you find yourself in this program medical care will not be as we know it now. Government officials will tell you when.....and if you may see a doctor, and who you might see. Does this sound good when one of your love one is needing treatment?? I don't always agree Mr Graham but he can see what this program is all about.
June 26, 2009
8:48 a.m.Report inappropriate content
And, why, oh, why, do we need insurance companies? Why is no one pushing for single-payer system with insurance ONLY for catastrophic issues. Get rid of the profit-mongering insurance companies ... put those people to work actually helping to improve the health of Americans. THEY are the bureaucrats between us and our doctors.
Good letter, Rev. Stutzman!
June 26, 2009
9:42 a.m.Report inappropriate content
The politicians have done a bang up job overseeing social security, medicare, medicaid & VA hospitals, haven't they?
Now you want them to handle your health care?
June 26, 2009
10:11 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Totally agree gocartmozart! Couldn't have said it any better myself! I have no first hand knowledge but a fellow friend told me of a family member who lived in Canada, who thankfully has enough money to come to the US for healtcare. Otherwise he said there is a waiting list for anything other than going to your family doctor in Canada. And even if it's great every where else, as gocartmozart stated, I don't want to take chances with mine or my loved ones healthcare.
July 3, 2009
11:35 a.m.Report inappropriate content
That's because the average American has become fat and lazy, not because our health care system stinks. The fact that Americans have such longevity, in spite of poor personal health habits, is in fact a testament to the present health care system.
July 3, 2009
3:42 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Republicans want change in healthcare, just not a gov't healthcare. Another issue that needs to be solved is the number of doctors and nurses. The US just doesn't have enough to suddenly start caring for an additional 15 million people. Profit is a good thing for our system. It pushes us to do drug studies, experimental surgeries, etc so that we have the best care available to our citizens. It also motivates people to become doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc. Folks, its OK if someone in America makes money. Lots of money.