Universal health care isn't universal

Senators Clinton and Obama both want universal health care of some sort.

It should be pointed out that some British doctors are now recommending that the government medical system should deny treatment to the old (as a retiree, I strongly object) and those who have unhealthy lifestyles.

I do not think that I want this type of "free" and "universal" care. Do you?

The London Telegraph reported that doctors want "smokers, heavy drinkers, the obese(I am overweight too) and the elderly barred from receiving some operations."

In 2005, England's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence proposed age be used as a measurement of a patients worthiness for treatment. Why? Because they can't afford to provide free treatment for everyone. Looks like health care rationing is real in England as the Telegraph reports, one in 10 hospitals deny some surgery to smokers and the obese.

Isn't the threat to cut health care to the old and unhealthy clear confirmation that heath care can't be free?

Our illustrious senators want us to believe this can't happen in America. Bull pucky! They can't guarantee it and our government can't either.

I do not like monopolies -- and what is universal health care? Canada's and Britain's failures haven't stopped our senators. Hopefully, the voters will.

James A. Wagner

Barrington