Help shouldn’t require destitution

We need health care reform. It is ridiculous that our great nation has fallen so far behind in caring for all of its people. We need health care for all, cradle to the grave, pure and simple.

I have worked in private and public health care and social services for 30-plus years, and have seen treatment of our fellow countrymen that would greatly disappoint you. Many seeking help or aid are certainly given different treatment depending upon their ability to pay or their insurance plan, and many leave without help. (Remember the book “In God We Trust All Others Pay Cash.”)

Many who are not quite destitute enough are turned away for governmental aid due to things like their clunkers being “blue-booked” at a few dollars more than the amount allotted, or maybe they had a savings account that was not drained completely. People do lose their homes because of a medical situation completely out of their control, and it happens more than the average American seems to realize.

In our extended family, not one of our relatives from Canada, or any of their friends, has ever lost their place to live due to illness.

I have also heard from friends and family and neighbors that they wish they could come to a meeting to show support for health care reform but they are too busy holding on to their jobs in these trying times.

Joan Douglas
Mukilteo