To the editor:
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Leader Harry Reid just plain do not get it. They are determined to shove the pending health bill in Washington down the throats of the American people whether they like it or not.
President Obama's attempt to get all sides together for compromise allowing both the Democrats to adjust the harsh bill they now control seems to be going nowhere.
The Republicans could submit their many proposals to help make changes like selling insurance across state lines, rooting out fraud in our present Medicaid and Medicare (losing $48 billion in 2009), and calling for tort reform on lawsuits. These measures presented by Republicans could save approximately $100 billion a year.
So far the Democrats refuse to consider these excellent reforms for the American people in order to pass a 2,200-page bill. They do not understand the bill nor care whether the public understands or trusts this to be good for most people in America.
Democrats could pass this bill with just a 50 percent vote plus one (all Democratic), through a special procedure called "reconciliation."
It is seldom used and full of danger to those that try to force a vote through "reconciliation." It is only used when a political party cannot garner the votes for a bill that is unpopular. It would no doubt be a disaster for the Democratic candidates in November elections.
One might think all is lost and the American people will suffer at the hands of the oh-so-powerful elected in Washington. It may even happen!
There is hope, but why the big rush to push a very unpopular bill on health insurance? Why don't elected officials all get together and unselfishly put the best ideas forward? Both groups have a lot to offer in a bill we all could be proud of as Americans.
I have long seen the abuses of insurance interests and lobbyists having worked for 32 years in that industry.
Most insurance companies are good and honest in their approach to the public and will support a bill to help all Americans. However, some are just a plain fraud on the public.
It does not have to be Obama's health bill or the Democratic or Republican bill. It should be the bill of all American people in this historic moment.
All Americans deserve a right and opportunity to have a health insurance plan. Call them for compromise no matter how long it takes in Washington.
Remember, whether they know it or not, they work for us, the taxpayers. Let's make them do it right after all the talk!
ED BROOKS
Salem, N.H.
