As proud Americans, we had plenty to say to Rep. Rick Larsen at his recent town hall meeting on health-care reform in Everett: First, good job, and thank you! Only one correction: answer the questions, please.
A veteran, wounded and hospitalized, took umbrage with comments about our government never doing anything “right.” Saying he received good care and is better for the experience, he drew cheers! I appreciate his service in making this the greatest nation ever seen and defending us as advocated in our Constitution.
I believe tort reform is more crucial than health insurance reform (which has many names now). When doctors must run scared of malpractice litigation by ordering redundant tests to protect themselves, those tests will be ordered. As malpractice insurance rates escalate, fewer people will embrace a profession that is too expensive, time consuming and, eventually, risky. Larsen said, “Business as usual is unacceptable for small business owners who cannot afford employees’ coverage.” He is absolutely correct! They cannot afford it because they are being taxed out of business! Employers are a target for every tax imaginable. Entrepreneurs should be rewarded, never punished by the “nanny state.”
Congress has been out of control with taxes and spending too long. Some forget that only Congress can spend our money; not George Bush, nor Obama. A year ago few Americans knew how many zeros were in a trillion (12); today, “trillion” is tossed about as if it were a concept we could actually grasp.
Americans are angry, resentful of the rush to pass unread bills, borrowing Chinese money for our grandchildren to repay. If Medicare is broke, how will this be better? Campaign rhetoric about “transparency” is baloney. We don’t trust Congress or the president, and we need a watchdog. Would you like that job, Rep. Larsen?
Dot Holladay
Mukilteo
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