Health care now; health care for all

The very small yet significant step we have made toward leveling the health care playing field for all Americans is now under attack. Some of our newly elected officials feel the voters have given them a mandate — repeal health care reform.

Health care is not a right but the right thing to do. Health care is a resource, not an entitlement. Health care for all will reduce medical debt, reduce the rising cost of medical care and relieve suffering. Health is more effective than illness. Health care is a resource that can relieve worry, suffering, pain, struggle and even death. The debt accumulated by mounting medical bills often wipes out savings, causing people to lose their homes and tumble the sturdiest among us.

Are we not compelled by the God we place on our money, honor in our pledge and talk about in government circles to care for the very least among us to put others before self? How does the repeal reflect these values? What values are at work in the repeal?

Two of my neighbors lost health care when they lost employment. Under the repeal, people with a severe health condition who are now covered for the very first time will once more lose treatment; children newly protected by the health care reform bill will once again lose health care if the reform is repealed.

Now is the time to fight back, fight for your family and your friends, for your neighbors. The people who need health care are not some faceless people in the crowds; these are the people in our communities.

I would like to remind the legislators fighting to repeal health care that they represent all the people in their districts and many varied opinions. They cannot leave my opinion out of their vote, they are now my representative and my opinion counts.

Health care now, health care for everyone. Tell me what you will do for those Americans without health care and tell me now.

Louisett Ness

Woodstock