The health care reform law is not socialism

There may be valid concerns about the health care reform law but one so-called argument that is asinine is to say it is “socialist.” The people using that word either don't understand the term or are intentionally misusing it to scare people who don't know any better.

By definition, a socialist takeover of health care would require the government to own all the medical facilities and equipment. The doctors, nurses and staff would all be government employees. It would look, in fact, like the Department of Veterans Affairs medical system.

No, this new law is not socialism. Health insurance is still unfortunately a for-profit industry. We are merely adding some controls and rules that are long overdue.

Jenny Rutafan

Cedar Rapids