We need universal health care

Among the events listed in The Gazette's “Today in History” on July 5: “1948: Britain's National Health Service Act went into effect, providing government-financed medical and dental care.”

For 63 years, Britain has provided health care for its citizens without notable repercussions. Yet the current U.S. health care revision - which is far from universal health care - is viewed as a major addition to the deficit and an incredible burden to every taxpayer.

Some senators and representatives adamantly oppose increasing taxes at this time of great national debt - affiliating themselves with the Tea Party. The Boston Tea Party wasn't about getting rid of taxes. The slogan was “No taxation without representation.” The colonies did not have representation. That was the problem - not taxes.

But we have had a representative government since the American Revolutionary War - so we pay taxes for the things we value like health care, education, police and fire protection, highways and transportation.

We need universal health care. We can raise taxes on those citizens who can give more. Yes, we can.

Carol Nilles

Cedar Rapids