What other public options might await?

Watching "health care reform" pass the House and the Senate has been both interesting and frightening. Although for different reasons it seems that as many on the political left as on the right don't like the legislation.

For the political right the House and Senate bills do too much and for the left they don't do enough. Few seem satisfied, yet the Democrats plow ahead out of fear of accomplishing nothing. The political left won't be satisfied until the politicians run the U.S. health care system, but Americans will not tolerate that, so the Democrats will lose power in the next election for even trying.

It will also be interesting to see how the courts rule on several items: 1. Can Congress legally exempt one group of citizens from paying higher taxes or fees based on where they live? 2. Can Congress legally compel Americans to purchase something against their will? 3. Can Congress legally set up an enterprise to compete with private sector companies?

If Congress can exempt Nebraskans from increased Medicare costs, why then could Congress not exempt New Yorkers from federal taxes based on how that state votes in congressional elections? If Congress can compel Americans to buy health insurance against their will why would Congress not then be able to order Americans to buy a new car every year, or assault weapons?

The legislation in the House would set up a government entity designed to reduce the profitability of one industry (health care insurance). If it is appropriate to create a "public option" to reduce health care insurance industry profits what would constrain the Congress from setting up "public options" to compete with computer companies, or food companies, consulting firms, mining companies, etc., to make their products "more affordable"?

Are these really the things you want your government doing?

Wayne Sills

Winfield