Reform not possible without public plan

Of the many "smoke and mirrors" tactics whispered into the ears of Congress by lobbyist groups such as American Health Insurance Providers, the promise of "even though we created the health crisis, we'll fix it" is the most outrageous.

The result - a promise to include the choice of a public health insurance plan, yet delay its implementation - is by far the sneakiest idea of all. While these so-called reformers flash a smile and promise an option for a government plan down the road, their suggestions for legislation are copied down so carefully that they make sure that no public option will become available and that their monopolistic profits will continue to dominate the American public.

After watching President Obama's town hall meeting in Green Bay on health-care reform, I am glad that he and Congressional champions like Sen. Teddy Kennedy are pushing for the option of a public plan.

There should be a practical choice between keeping your insurance through Blue Cross or Humana, and having the option to buy into a realistic government insurance plan that doesn't deny 47 million Americans the right to coverage. A public plan, the ethical and long-term financially sound solution, will lower costs overall and prevent the continued squeeze on the savings of millions of individuals and small businesses who have insurance.

Moderate Democrats and Republicans who insist we need further health-care crises to trigger the choice of a public health insurance plan, something that's supported by 73 percent of the American public, are doing a great injustice to their constituents.

What would be done to trigger any change in the system is quite vague and yet another roadblock to real reform. I only hope Congress will support a real freedom of choice by including the public health insurance option in reform!

Steven Titus

Gages Lake