Public doesn't grasp health care problem

I recently saw a poll on the Internet regarding health care reform. Fifty three percent of 80,000 respondents answered "No" to the question, "Are you happy with the health care system in the United States?"

The second question was, "In general, what kind of health care system do you prefer?" Fifty five percent answered: "One that is market-based." Coming in second with 26 percent was "a mix," and in third place, with 11 percent, was, "One that is government-based."

The answers to these two questions clearly show that the American public doesn't understand the health care problem, because they chose the system that we already have to fix the system they don't like.

A strong public option is necessary to give the big corporate insurers competition and bring costs down. It would be open to everyone and affordable. U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, from the 6th Congressional District, has already expressed his opposition to a public option, so it must be a good plan. Give him a call or send him an e-mail, and tell him you disagree with his solution to the problem, which appears to be vote "nay."

Diane Niesman

Wheaton