We need assurances on health care

I am increasingly distressed with the bitter tone and lack of productive dialogue among candidates across the board. In making my choices this year, I will want to know who goes beyond attack mode to tell me what they will actually do once in office.

On the national level, affordable health care for all, including my adult daughter with a pre-existing condition, is my No. 1 concern. I hear many criticisms of “Obamacare” but hear no alternatives with any meat on the bone. So far there are only two models on the table, Affordable Care and Single Payer (the European solution), neither of which is acceptable to critics on the right.

I do hear phrases like “patient-centered care” and assurances that the needs of those with pre-existing conditions will be met, but critics — like Mitt Romney and Peter Roskam — do not say what will replace the Affordable Care Act or how they will otherwise reduce the costs of health care. If the cost reduction side is thrown out with the individual mandate concept, what will take their place to accomplish the same goals? Gentlemen, give me specifics and I may have at least one good reason to vote for you! At the state level, Mr. Democrat, tell me you are really going to face down union leaders, eliminate abusive pension provisions and scale benefits closer to those received by workers in today’s private sector (aka voters). Mr. Republican, admit that at the end of the day outstanding obligations must be met, children must be educated, the poor must have health care, and you really do not know how the state budget can be brought back into balance without increased revenue from someone, somewhere, somehow.

America and Illinois are in trouble. Candidates must come forward with solutions. Peer T. Lykke

Barrington Hills