Profit drive unhealthy

I love Gary Crooks’ levelheaded approach to complex public issues; today’s “Smart Bombs” column (June 10) is a gem. We cannot provide universal health care as long as it’s tied to the profit-making insurance industry. Free markets aren’t designed to serve all comers.

A year or three ago on these pages, I urged lawmakers to separate health insurance from employment, embracing instead a Massachusetts-style individual insurance mandate for all. I’ve come to see, however, that this model won’t work as long as the profit motive – not the health interests of the consumer – drives access and affordability.

Capitalism has its honored place in our sociopolitical system, but we long ago determined it is not the appropriate delivery mode for many of the services that sustain the common good (i.e., national defense, public safety, education, parks and libraries).

When are we going to wise up regarding health care?

The single-payer naysayers suggest a government-run program will undermine patient freedom. How many of us enjoy much free choice in the health care marketplace now? The insurance companies dictate what care we can receive and from whom. Can government involvement make the situation any worse? I no longer think so.

Catherine D. Willis

Spokane