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Published: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 / Updated: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 04:34 PM

We should have a ‘public option'

This letter is in regard to and in support for good and affordable health care coverage for all of the American people. Our people must be given the right to choose between “public option” and private insurance. Those are our rights and should be our liberty.

I totally disagree with the Republican Party members' suggestions on health care reform and I am exercising my rights to express my opinion.

For decades, the American people and government have talked about the need for a universal health care system for all of its people and nothing has been done. Meanwhile, the facts remain that the numbers of the uninsured are skyrocketing and so are the profits for the Insurance and drug companies. Health care service benefits are decreasing and eliminated for the many unfortunate which all too often results in needless suffering and, often, earlier death.

Likewise, if the present system continues, it will add millions of dollars to our deficit, stifle our economy and our ability to compete in the world's markets.

In my opinion, affordable health care coverage is a necessity not a luxury for only for the rich, the capitalists, the well insured, special interest groups like the powerful United Federal Teachers Union, government employees and especially our elected officials who decide over the fate of the uninsured by voting only for their own jobs and benefits. This exercise of power over our less fortunate and uninsured also holds true for the employees of the UFTU who get luxury health insurance coverage – along with their families – for life through property taxes that have forced many lower middle income people and seniors to leave their homes and even the state.

Another very sad situation in the “land of the free!”

We all know that many of the uninsured are working people and the unemployed who simply can no longer afford the sinful spiraling insurance costs. There are no justifications for that other than greed. If our people don't get an affordable option then more people will need to go on Medicaid/welfare or drop dead – the only options left in this so-called great nation!

I thought America was build by the people and for the “welfare of all its people.” What happened to that part of the Constitution?

Our government representatives need to work on reducing and eliminating unnecessary spending, abuse, waste and endless wars instead of balancing the budget on the much needed health care reform and the backs of the unfortunate uninsured, unemployed and cutting Medicare.

Universal health care, socialized medicine, public option or whatever you care to call it (and it's a scary concept for many Americans), the facts are that good socialized medical systems do work very well in several first world nations like Germany, France, Kuwait and Israel. Unfortunately, the American people are never told about these superior systems – only the inferior ones to keep them scared, exploited and controlled.

Most of our U.S. government representatives are or should be informed about these superior models. They along with the media should share the information with the American people to allow the people to make informed choices and for government to implement them. For example, the German system, which is rated the most affordable, luxurious and best among first world nations. No denial for treatment and for preexisting conditions, no insurance increases for seniors. Their waiting time for medical treatment is no longer then in the U.S. Why? Mainly because government oversees it to eliminate abuse.

Germany has what are called “Socialized Medical Trustee Teams.” Their responsibility is to double check and reevaluate the patients' conditions and prescribed treatments. This three-way practice protects the patient and the doctor and yes, thee are far less malpractice suits.

My hat is off to Germany, a “Social Democracy” and the No. 1 country in Europe in many ways and rated as having the best in living standards, economy, education and health care. The German people can choose ether private or socialized medical insurance coverage. To me, that is free choice, not dictated like we are here with scare tactics and poorly run systems to benefit the capitalists and powerful only.

The German system is paid for by employers and employees much like Social Security as it moves along according to income. For those who can't afford it, government subsidizes it. The U.S. may have the best medical treatment options, but only for those who can afford it. The people in these first world socialized health systems are no less healthy then we are, in fact the opposite is true.

Many Republican representatives tell our people in need for health care treatments to go to charities, to their neighbors for help or government will give them tax credits toward insurance. That is a joke and manipulation on “how to win friends and ingratiate others for their benefits.” If some of our elected officials like this option so much, then why don't they enact that for themselves? No way, but the taxpayers have to pay for their insurance through taxation.

It's sad and inhumane news in the land of the free! Our government should be ashamed of itself for the way they treat their people and this is known throughout the world.

I used to vote Republican, but not in the last four presidential elections because they failed to do the right things for the people, the economy, peace, health care, education and the outsourcing, illegal immigration problems. So, now we are reaping the consequences of their poor policies. I always have been and will be an advocate for a better America on several issues and especially health care. I am a naturalized citizen from West Germany who married a American G.I. stationed in Germany and have a social science degree from the U.S.

The Republican Party and the representatives from all parties who stand in the way of reform need to remember that times have changed and they need to make policies in accordance to the needs of the people, not politics as usual for the capitalists only. Partisanship, conspiracies and demoralization against good and workable options has to stop and both parties must work together for the good of the people and the nation's future. When they do this, than I will regain respect for the Republicans.

Our people must get a choice between private health insurance and a good public option.

Americans need to speak up for their rights. Contact President Obama and your representatives on this and other issues which effect your protection and general welfare. Only well informed masses can make positive changes!

Erika Richard

Treasure Court

Fort Mill