Health care reform

Dear Editor:

We are reaching a critical point in the health care debate. The League of Women Voters is calling for bold reforms that guarantee universal coverage and quality care, and keep health care costs under control.

But first we must fight the intentional lies and desperate tactics of those who oppose health care reform.

The House and the Administration have put forward plans for health care reform that will:

1.                       Provide universal coverage for all Americans, and include a public option.

2.                       Control health care costs.

3.                       Improve safety and quality of care.

4.                       Ensure transparency in plans and coverage.

5.                       Provide adequate financing.

These plans will not do the following, despite the false allegations of opponents:

1.                       Will not hurt our seniors or end Medicare.

2.                       Will not ration coverage and care.

3.                       Will not impose long delays on cancer treatment and vital surgeries.

For more detailed information, check out factcheck.org.

Here’s what you can do to fight back:

1. Contact your Senators and Representative. Tell them that you support universal coverage and cost-containment—and urge them to keep health care reform legislation moving forward.

2. Tell your friends. Show your support on Facebook and Twitter by posting this to your pages: “Health Care Reform  is under direct attack by the people who mislead, confuse, and sow fear in an attempt to stop much-needed health care reform. Learn how you can help combat the lies at www.lwv.org.”

3. Write your local newspaper. Send a letter to your local newspaper editor about the blatant falsehoods being spread by those who oppose health care reform.

This is our best and last chance to fix our broken health care system, and we can’t hold back. We must denounce those who will lie or use any means to block health care reform, and the best antidote, as usual, is the truth.

Ellen Taylor
Vice President of Action, LWV of Claremont Area