Public option could work

“Public option” is being cast as un-American and really bad. Here are some examples of “public option”: public schools, public parks, public roads, public fire departments, public police forces, public libraries, mail delivery, Social Security, public water supply and sewers, etc.

Even in the disputed area of health care, there exist public hospitals, Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration and the National Institutes of Health. These public programs, while not perfect, work well most of the time. If not, Americans would be clamoring to abolish them.

But most Americans seem reasonably contented with them. And when they are not, we can use our democratic rights to reform and refine them.

Those opposed to single-payer have repeatedly told you that public option/programs were “un-American.” Why? Well, those operating the current system tell you that as they pocket huge compensation packages – paid for by about 30 percent of your bloated health premiums. The bottom line is that if an active citizenry would avail itself of its democratic rights to provide for the general welfare, public option would work just fine. Your employees, senators and representative need to be given guidance.

Julian Powers

Spokane