At least offer option of public health care

It appears that the insurance companies are once more in charge. I have little doubt that the insurance industry, with its seemingly unlimited resources, has instigated much for the misinformation and fear expressed at the public meetings held countrywide. There are also certain political interests who would like to see President Barack Obama fail no matter what the cost to the American people.

Do people not realize that many of them are on government programs, e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Congress? Are you willing to relinquish your taxpayer-provided health coverage and purchase your own individual insurance?

I cannot believe that unless people are offered federal health coverage at least as an option there will be any degree of health care reform. Without the competition, I would anticipate the continued escalation of insurance premiums so that even fewer people can afford coverage. Single-payer health insurance is the only way in which there would be real reform. However, please support at least offering federal health insurance as an option.

Ruth Nash

Cedar Rapids