Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Collective action necessary

I disagree with Paul Swanson's assertion that health care for all amounts to thievery (Letters, Oct. 29). One could argue that every nickel the government spends amounts to wealth redistribution, but I think most of us enjoy good roads, high-quality education for our children, the promise of Social Security payments when retired and the assurance of Medicare.

Such expensive social services take money from my pocket and give it to employees on the public dole, or to unproductive retirees such as my parents (just kidding, Mom). I am willing to pay for the services provided even though I don't directly benefit from, or agree with, the way every tax dollar is spent.

It may seem that reforming health care offers less tangible benefit than building a road. But, hey, plenty of roads have been built with my money that I will never drive. Our health care delivery system is broken. The only way we stand a chance of seeing meaningful repair is through collective action (Eww, ick! Bad concept, right, Paul?) that includes coverage for all.

Contact your senators and representative (good luck with Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers) and tell them health care coverage should be universal, permanent and portable.

Michael Nelson
Spokane