Health-care plan would hurt workers

President Obama was asked by a physician at his health-care news conference if he would subject his own family to the restrictions of a national health-care plan, even if specialists recommended treatments that weren't covered.

First of all, President Obama, as would members of Congress, would be exempt from any new health-care plan that is enacted. Secondly, President Obama's income before his election was already headed into the multimillions of dollars category and will only be enlarged after his terms in office. He will be in a position to afford whatever is necessary to provide any medical care for himself and his loved ones, either through generous government coverage or his ability to pay out of his own pocket.

The president's response to the question was, "... if it's my wife, if it's my children, if it's my grandmother, I always want them to get the very best care..." What American wouldn't want that for their loved ones?

The reform of health care is going to require taxing of current employee health benefits. That's where the money is. However, Democrats in Congress are already carving out exceptions for union-sponsored programs in order to gain their support. If it's not costing union members in increased taxes, I dare say they'll support anything.

That leaves the bulk of U.S. taxpayers with the burden of increased costs without the benefit of having the ability to provide the best care possible for their loved ones.

Steve Sarich Grayslake