Affordable health care should be a right

As a parent, grandparent and teacher, I am appalled at the uncivil behavior of many attending town hall meetings focusing on health care reform. Such behavior would not be tolerated in the school setting, workplace or my home.

The venomous language directed at President Obama is particularly disturbing.

This is not a demonstration of free speech, but lack of manners, respect for elected officials, and outright distortion of facts. In fact, it impedes the exercise of free speech.

Aside from the name-calling, the shouters seem to ignore a major fact: Medicare and Medicaid programs are lifelines for millions of our citizens. Do they want to forego Medicare when their turn comes for public health insurance? Do they want those who qualify for Medicaid to be without any medical assistance? Is it a sign of a compassionate society that the wealthiest nation in the world allows medical debts of the uninsured to destroy financial futures?

Regarding the cost of health reform: Do they think those of us who are insured aren't already paying dearly in premiums for the losses incurred by hospitals for those who can't afford insurance?

Affordable health care is a right of every citizen. If we want to have the greatest medical care in the world, which statistically is not now the case, let's show the world how to do it.

Selma Dannenfelser Brigham

Cedar Rapids