Health care reform bill is a good start

My wife's folks are in their late seventies and have had numerous health problems in the last two years that have resulted in lengthy hospital stays and even longer periods of time in rehab. Just recently we noticed that my father-in-law, a man who is normally upbeat, seemed to be a bit depressed.

He wouldn't talk so we asked my brother-in-law what might be the matter. For the next hour we listened to a story that is being told in households across America. A story involving hardworking honest people who saved all of their lives only to see their life savings slowly squandered away on rising out-of-pocket health care costs. Instead of looking forward to his next visit with his grand children he is worried about where he is going to get the money to pay next month's rent.

I don't know about you but I think it's time we fix our broken system of health care in America. I listen to politicians in Washington say Obama is moving too fast, he's trying to do to much to soon. To them I say how many jobs have to be lost, how many families pushed into bankruptcy, how many uninsured people have to die needlessly, before we do something?

Yes, meaningful reform will take time but the health care bill in Congress is a good start. If it is passed the insurance companies won't be able to sing 'The pre-existing condition song' anymore. It will also provide for affordable insurance alternatives for those in need. Life saving alternatives that today do not exist. I feel like we have run the marathon, now all we have to do is cross the finish line. After all, shouldn't every American have the right to pursue feeling good without going broke.

Michael Donohue

Arlington Heights