The U. S. House of Representatives recently passed H.R. 3962, the health care reform act. This is historic. The need for a reform has been with this country for decades. It is encouraging to know that our representatives are taking a step to try to get this system operating to the benefit of Americans.
The amount of pressure the media, talk show hosts and some poorly informed leaders placed on those representatives trying to get it right was totally unwarranted. It is very comforting to know that they did have the strength to keep pushing for a change that is long overdue.
Everyone deserves to be fairly covered by health insurance. As I watched the folks that protested at the White House, I wondered how many of them built the kind of wealth they had to resist this bill on the backs of the people really needing the coverage.
I am confident that the elected officials will find the resources to make this work. The funds may come from some of the programs that are not working or that are overfunded. Some companies, many of them protestors, receive many funds from the government that may be in excess and no longer needed. I am hopeful that they are discovered and eliminated.
I hope those that did not vote for the bill look for ways that this bill will help Americans, reconsider and support reform in the next vote.
JACQUELINE ANDERSON
Chapel Hill
Responsible decision
I just want to thanks Rep. David Price for standing up for what's right. As far as I can tell, that's ultimately what health care reform is about.
No, I'm not a naive idealist. And I'm privileged to have great health care and insurance coverage. But I have, for all intents and purposes, made myself sick trying to get my company to pay up. I can only imagine what my kids will face if the insurance industry spiral continues.
And, yes, we are the very, very lucky ones. We thank Price for the fiscally and ethically responsible decision.
This is from a reluctant future member of the AARP.
DELLA POLLOCK
Chapel Hill
Right to choose
I'm very pleased that the U. S. House, and our representative, David Price, voted for H.R. 3962, which included a public option.
I'm distressed that it included an amendment that may limit a woman's right to choose.
I want to thank Congressman Price for his historic vote.
MICHAEL COX
Chapel Hill
