Health care is right for all

So, the public option in the current health care reform bill is “down but not out.” Five of the 13 Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee voted down any option that would have been made available for those who could not afford the skyrocketing premiums that insurance companies get rich on. I wonder how many of those senators who voted “no” receive campaign contributions from health insurance providers.

Should a final bill be passed, without a public option, insurance companies will continue to increase their rates; they will have to cover pre-existing conditions and no limits, which are in the Baucus bill. They will not be held accountable and, without a government option of some type, won’t have to worry about being competitive.

Those opposed to a public option continue to rant about its impending costs, but where were these people who were silent for eight years when we were spending $10 billion a month in Iraq?

Health care for American citizens is not a conservative or liberal issue, it’s a right. This discussion should never come down to dollars and debt, not when you’re discussing the health of those who don’t have and can’t afford health insurance.

Joe Speranzi

Spokane