Problem overstated on insurance lack

The Aug. 30 article, "Health care reform: A look from the Triangle," cites a figure of 47 million uninsured Americans. This oft-quoted statistic is actually a gross overestimation of the problem, as recent research suggests the number of Americans who cannot currently afford health insurance is much lower.

A new study by Dr. June O'Neill, who served as director of the Congressional Budget Office from 1995-1999, shows that nearly half of those uninsured Americans could likely afford to purchase health coverage. These individuals have incomes at least 2.5 times the poverty level, with the average "voluntarily uninsured" household making $65,000 per year.

We should not rush into the creation of a new, expensive health care system without a better understanding of the uninsured population. As long as we continue basing our arguments on inaccurate numbers, it's hard to see how we can make effective policy decisions.

KRISTEN LOPEZ EASTLICK

Washington, D.C.

The writer is senior economic analyst at the Employment Policies Institute.

Helping neighbors

Thank you for sharing the success story, "'A miracle': Lost man, family in Mexico reunite." We are very proud of social worker Maria Jaramillo, who works for the Durham County Department of Social Services (DSS) and is assigned to Duke University Medical Center's LATCH program to help families navigate our health care system.

Maria's work exemplifies our mission to partner with families and the community to achieve prosperity, permanence, safety and support. We are also grateful to all the partner agencies that helped her to provide support for this man while searching for his family, including Duke University Medical Center, Lincoln Community Health Center and Eno Pointe Assisted Living. DSS was also able to help by paying for one month's rent and for clothing and personal items while awaiting a final decision from Social Security.

This story is just one of many examples of how Durham's human services agencies work together to help our neighbors in need. Thank you for sharing one of our success stories!

SHARON HIRSCH

Durham

The writer is assistant director for communication, Durham County DSS.

Double standard

In response to Jay Williams' letter of Aug. 27, I never mentioned President Bush or the war in Iraq in my letter.

What I did say is that the media treated President Bush's vacations differently than they do President Obama's. If President Bush had used taxpayers' money to take Laura to New York City for a dinner and show, the mainstream media would have crucified him.

The primary point of my letter, which Williams did not address, was that Barack Obama is one of the least qualified people (a community organizer) in the past 100 years to run for president. His performance has proven why his lack of experience is a major problem.

The budget deficit (as predicted by the Obama Administration) will be $1.5 trillion next year, which seems to have eluded Williams and his ilk. That is the biggest deficit ever.

Much of the financial fiasco with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has gone on for some time. President Bush tried to give attention to the situation in 2003. Barney Frank said there was no problem with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. (Go to YouTube and listen to Frank's own words.)

Frank, the ranking member of the Finance Committee, stood in the way of putting restraints on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. And guess who heads up the Financial Services Committee? Barney Frank.

BOB DICKERSON

Durham