A plan that 'looks good' isn't enough

I am excited Richard Rohlfing is aware of the problems within our present medical system. I, too, am concerned. But I am also concerned about traveling a road fraught with new and unexpected dangers, and still may not improve the situation.

Do I have a better system, one that has no problems? No, that is beyond my expertise. But I wrote the letter about my knowledge of socialized medicine in other countries to inform others that what may look to be a solution could add more problems.

The biggest problem I have with the government administering medical care is that governments typically are inefficient and impersonal. Our government has an abysmal record in managing concepts such as public housing and social welfare.

If you think things are managed badly by those who are "profit-minded third parties," examine the record of the government's administration of the chaos after Hurricane Katrina.

As those who will live with the results, we must become more informed about the alternatives rather than reaching for government as a panacea.We must ask some hard questions.

Why are people from other countries coming here for medical attention? Why are medical people in countries who have socialized medicine dissatisfied with the service they are allowed to give? Will some government official really care for you?

Let us not go further down the road because something "looks" better. Let us be forewarned and aware of where we are going.

Charles Peraino

Cary