Submit Letters to the Editor
NorthcentralPA.com welcomes readers to submit Letters to the Editor and to post comments about our articles. We retain the right to edit letters for grammar, spelling and length. We will not print letters that do not conform to our editorial policy in regards to coherence and courtesy. We do not accept mass email submissions. Please include your name, address and contact information (email and telephone) for verification. All posted comments are monitored and objectionable material will be removed.
Comments
The Health Care Debate--An In the Middle View
The Health Care Debate--An In the Middle View
When some type of health reform has been needed for the past 40 years and virtually nothing has changed during that time period, it appears to be “good” that something is finally coming to fruition.
I have to admit that I am tied of the wrangling on both sides of the Congress and the many letters and television and radio commentators as regards the health care debate. Being one of a group of citizens that attempt to understand both sides of the debate, aka a moderate or an independent, it pains one to see the lack of bi-partisanship on both sides of the federal isle.
Everyone Democrats, Republicans, conservatives, liberals, moderates and independents know that the present health care system is broken. Health care reform was tried in the mid 90’s but party wrangling back then stalled the process and no politician or party has attempted to really deal with the issue until now.
Granted the process is flawed, on both sides of the isle, however, a large number of politicians have literally put their careers on the line to try to take the first step toward meaningful reform. Yes, there are unknowns, yes it is not perfect, however, it is a meaningful start in the “right “ direction.
Not to approve a system in the reconciliation of the versions from the US House and US Senate will be a disaster of economic and historical proportions. If not approved, no one, yes no one, will attempt meaningful health care reform for the coming 20 years. During that time period our health care system, for all practical purposes, will either collapse, or, be so expensive that only the more affluent will be able to take advantage of it.
Unfortunately, we will not have to wait 20 years for the disaster of a failed commitment to health care reform to occur, in 5 or 10 years we will find that good health care for the majority of us is no longer affordable.
Give the new health care system that is being proposed a chance to see the light of implementation. Over time, it will be modified to more accurately reflect the changes for a health care system for all of us. Yes, it may be different than what we have today. However, what we have today is unsustainable.
Al Smith, Williamsport
Post new comment