Why? Because they can!

From John Curry, February 3, 2010

Below is a letter to the editor in the Akron Beacon Journal. I find it pleasant to see a letter from someone who understands the present and who doesn't have the selfish mindset of "I got mine and the hell with anyone else," isn't it?

John

Akron Beacon Journal, February 3, 2010
Health-care reform – now

I am employed, have health insurance and my wife and I are fortunate to have paid off our home. I am thankful, but also feel sadness and concern for those who have been affected by this recession. Many have lost their homes, insurance, incomes and life savings. Many families have been broken by mounting debt. Health-care reform must come soon.

Meanwhile, the ever-skyrocketing costs of health insurance and health care, coupled with diminishing insurance coverage, are starting to take a toll.

My wife and I are getting to the age where health is becoming an issue, and we are to the point where we cannot afford to use it. We feel we have no choice but to drop doctors and cancel tests. With deductibles and co-pays, the bills associated with doctor and hospital visits and, as in my case, specialized medical procedures, I am quickly sinking into a sea of medical debt.

Everyone wants their money now, if not sooner, and with multiple bills from different doctors and hospitals, we are being stretched to the limit.

Reforming health care will not only help people who need to be insured, but it will also ease the burden on the many who are not using their insurance to get health care because they just can't afford to.

Many who are still fortunate to have jobs have had to endure cutbacks in hours, wage freezes or reductions while everything else keeps getting more expensive. They do not qualify for any kind of assistance, while health-care conglomerates are lining their pockets on the failing health of what is left of the middle-class.

Our government is being fed millions to look the other way while these conglomerates monopolize the health insurance industry. With the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to remove restrictions on campaign contributions, they will be able to dictate legislation and, in essence, own our government.

The more the insurance companies charge us, the less they do for us. Why? Because they can. The biggest opposition to reform in our government comes from those who have the most to lose (financially). I think our representatives have forgotten that the reason they are in office is to serve us, and that is the biggest tragedy of all.

Ruben De La Rosa

Wooster