Promote general welfare

Austin Allison’s letter of July 26 makes three claims. First, the U.S. has the best health care coverage in the world and all have access to it. There is no responsibility for any American to help any other American. Finally, the American dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness doesn’t entitle any health care.

There are about 40 million uninsured in the U.S. and at least 50 percent of all bankruptcies in America are health care related. So, if we have health care, it is only at the cost of our economic well-being. The CIA ranks the U.S. at 50th in average life expectancy. Americans are not getting the health care they deserve.

The Constitution states: “The people of the United States, in order to … promote the General Welfare … establish this Constitution.” Our founding document tells us to watch out for each other.

Lastly, if you have a major life-threatening disease, it’s hard to do more than dream of life, and if you are ill, pursuing is as close as you’ll get to happiness.

Jeff Bourget

Coeur d’Alene