Direct federal health money to states

Who doesn't believe our health care system needs an overhaul? We do not want a slow and stealthy transition from private health care to a government-run system. There is zero evidence such an approach has ever worked here or anywhere else in the world.

There are so many better ideas out there that could be wrapped up to create the sort of reform everyone will benefit from. Consider more favorable tax treatment of insurance premiums, medical expenses and savings for individuals and their employers. Individual states have different needs. One may have extensive direct treatment costs for an aging population, while another suffers from excessive insurance premiums and litigation costs for doctors.

Why not redirect some of the $2.4 trillion in annual federal health care spending to the states? There are lots of sound ideas like these that would do us all plenty of good. The health care debate shouldn't be about consolidating power, creating dependence and developing a voter base. That's what the Democrats are doing. It's our job to recognize this, and make our elected officials do what's right. They are public servants.

Larry Jensen

Wheaton