Pinching nickels and dimes
I am more than disappointed to read that The Times thinks now is not the time for health-care reform because the economy is faltering [“Put health care aside and fix the economy,” Opinion, editorial, Dec. 20].
Saving money on health-care reform now is as misguided as failing to dispatch the fire engines when the city is on fire because the price of gas is too high.
The most powerful nation on Earth simply cannot afford not to insure all its citizens, regardless of the timing.
— Catherine L. Gaylord, Seattle
Only hope local leaders are listening
I applaud The Seattle Times for speaking out on the shortfalls of the health-care-reform legislation, and for suggesting that Washington state’s congressional delegation stop supporting it — now.
I only hope Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, along with representatives like Jim McDermott, are listening and heed this message. The Times is correct in calling for a unified proposal and an economy on the mend before passing national health-care legislation.
There is a time and a place for everything, and passing a massive spending bill, just to pass something, should get someone fired. The voters of Washington state need to hold our elected officials accountable and should be inundating their offices with demands to vote no on this ill-conceived legislation.
The midterm election is only 11 months away and Washington voters will not forget what our elected officials have done if they help pass this legislation. The unfettered spending in Washington, D.C., needs to stop here and now.
Health care should be carefully debated by the 112th Congress during 2010.
— Thomas M. Lindberg, Seattle