George,

Back in the middle nineteen sixties as the debate for Medicare was in full swing, I remember getting weekly visits from a "Mr. Roberts" and Doctor Edwards--briefing me as to why I, as a young business man, should be joining forces with the Chamber of Commerce and fellow business folk to speak out as to the dangers of "socialized medicine" looming on the horizon--in fact, I had several calls from other local business men urging me to "get involved".

All the reasons given then are now being rehashed by the opponents of ANY health care reform--"government takeover", "socialism", "legislation the American people don't want being rammed down our throats," blah, blah, blah. "Deja vu all over again".

These same folks have opposed every piece of social legislation in the United States since the beginning of the republic., the voters need to be reminded. Nothing has changed in that arena

The simple truth is the United States' current position in the world of health care concern is a disgrace! Yes, a disgrace! A nightmare of horrors!

Without exception, every industrial democracy on the planet has universal health care--Germany, for example, has had it since the time of Otto Bismarck.This health care debate should have ended in the Truman Administration!

The stupidity of the arguments against any program border on a "see no evil, hear no evil" approach--AMERICANS ARE DYING because they either have no health insurance or can't take the risk of running up huge medical expenses. It is the number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States!

Those who can no longer bear the pain or ravages of illness, often wait till they are terminally ill before going to an emergency room out of desperation--.the cost of those treatments are paid , either by taxes or higher costs to the insured or affluent--the bills are paid.

Why is it so difficult for a reasonably well educated politicians of either party to recognize this horrific crisis?

It is mind boggling to see the clear evidence of our failing system that costs twice as much as the next most expensive system, , and yet, we rank fifty first in life expectancy, the low twenties in infant mortality.

Surely the Obamacare program is a "half a loaf," but we simply must have a starting point....

I am urging Congressman Periello to vote in favor of what we have, with all its shortcomings!

WE NEED COURAGE!

Harry Tenney (Electronic mail, March 17, 2010)