Scare tactics at work with health reform

There is a lot of wild misinformation being circulated about Obama's health reform. Why? There are some very powerful vested interests seeking to torpedo any change in the present system. These opponents to reform are trying to scare people into opposing health insurance reform.

The health insurance and pharmaceutical industries do not want a public option to compete with their business. Currently, these industries set prices and make decisions on how health care is provided with very little public oversight. Their primary purpose is to profit on our health and well being. Between 30 and 35 percent of the cost of private insurance is administrative.

Keep in mind that the administrative cost of the Social Security system is only 1 percent. A public option would be unwanted competition causing private companies to hold down prices hurting their profit margins. The health insurance and pharmaceutical industries are spending millions to fight any change in the status quo.

Another major source of opposition comes from ideological conservatives who oppose any form of public entitlements. Last spring, these groups conducted the so-called "t-parties" that you may have read about in the news. Now they are conducting rallies and shouting down members of Congress and anyone else who support reform at town meetings.

A third source of opposition comes from the leadership of the Republican Party (not all Republicans). The last time health insurance reform was attempted during the Clinton administration in 1992, it was defeated by these same powerful forces. Republican leaders hope to repeat that feat. The key strategy for these opponents is fear. They know that change is scary; people are naturally suspicious and very susceptible to scare tactics. There is little rational discussion of the issues surrounding health care from the opposition. Instead, we hear of death panels, cutting Medicare benefits and other absurd charges.

Tom Suhrbur

Glen Ellyn