Responses

  Reform languishes -   "A failing grade for addressing reform ...

Times-Argus Message Board

Posted: 02/03/06

Dr. Richter correctly analyzes the dishonesty of the Douglas administration's opposition to meaningful health care reform. Our present health insurance policy costs us more in premiums than our high deductible, and we pay as well the hidden health care taxes described by Dr. Richter. Soon we will be forced to drop our coverage and shift the burden of our health costs to the dwindling pool of businesses and individuals who can still afford inflated premiums, thereby further diminishing Vermont's competitiveness. A single-payer system, administered by the state (by far the most efficient manager of health care programs), funded by equitable and broad-based taxes, providing universal coverage and access and requiring annual hospital budgeting is the only reasonable alternative to the unfair, onerous and outrageously expensive chaos evidently preferred by the governor. Democrats frightened by the taxation shibboleth do us no service by failing to educate the public about the benefits of tax replacement over the current practice of cost-shifting.

R.D. Eno
Cabot

Distributed Email

Sent 2/03/06 to Gaye Symington, Speak of the House

I have considered myself to be a life-long Republican who has, in recent years, come to wonder what party the current administration really represents. I have believed in less government intrusion in my life, States Rights and the ability of each of us to determine our own life choices. That said, I find the current form of Republicanism to be something totally different than mine: higher deficits, pro-business in a most disturbing manner, lacking in ethics and with its nose in the most fundamental of family life...such as right to die and right to believe.

All of this, however, is a backdrop to my reason for writing. I attended the press conference some time ago at the Oasis Diner in Burlington and heard Sen. Welch counseling you to soften your stance. I would submit to you that I think that the Democratic Party should not soften its stance one bit. Keep the heat on and do not bend to the Governor's approach. I think people can be made to see that the cost of medical care is already a burden on the taxpayer and adding taxes in lieu of premiums is not a bad deal at all. I know that there are many issues to be worked through but never ever lose sight of the objective. Health care for all Vermonters with some form of single-payer. If this means taxes, then call it what it is and go for it.

Sandy Anderson
Jericho