Fear stifles debate

J. Gary Post’s recent letter (June 12) is a perfect example of why we can’t have a decent, logical and productive conversation about health care in this country. He writes half-truths and uses the specter of “government-approved age” to produce fear.

A University of Maine study reports the cost of U.S. health care is twice the per-capita spending of other developed countries. High administrative costs from the complex multiple-payer system contributes to the cost. Our country is the only one in the developed world, except for South Africa, that does not provide health care for all of its citizens.

The overall performance of our health system ranks 37th among 191 worldwide countries rated. U.S. satisfaction with health care is 40 percent, while the U.K. is 57 percent and Denmark 91 percent. No one in this administration has proposed a health care plan similar to Britain’s. Our “socialistic” Medicare takes pretty good care of our elderly and, yes, they get surgery for cataracts. Medicare is an example of a single-payer system, with free choice of health care providers.

How does Mr. Post pay for his medical expenses, and what do they cost him? Could his plan be the solution for the country?

Janet Callen

Coeur d’Alene