LWV clarifies on health care panel

Recently a letter was submitted regarding the League of Women Voters of Palatine and Arlington Heights-Mount Prospect-Buffalo Grove areas' public meeting on the current proposals being considered in Congress on health care reform. The letter writer noted issues regarding the question and answer session.

This meeting was heavily attended and there were quite a number of audience members who wanted to ask questions of the speakers; therefore, time was limited to questions only. We regret that we did not have time to hear personal stories or personal statements, as we know this issue affects all of us and there are many personal stories proving just how important health care reform is.

The writer also felt that the discussion was one sided. Although there are many differing opinions on health care reform, this particular meeting was very specifically advertised as a discussion of the current bills in Congress. The title of the program was "Do You Know What is Being Proposed?" and the marquee in downtown Palatine read "Healthcare Reform," not forum.

The program was in support of the League of Women Voters' position on health care, which includes "that quality, affordable health care should be available to all U.S. residents," as noted on their Web site at www.lwv.org. We regret that some of the audience members felt that this was a forum or debate where all sides were being represented, as we do in candidate forums.

Democracy is not a spectator sport and only works well with an educated electorate, so we hope that this misunderstanding does not stop those of you who wish to stay informed from attending our programs and candidate forums.

The League invites the letter writer and others who feel passionately about political, civil and humanitarian issues to join the League of Women Voters. Volunteer your time to study and discuss issues, present free programs to the citizens, and advocate with us for improved policies and better governance.

Cathy Duoba, president

LWV of Arlington Hts.-Mt. Prospect-Buffalo Grove

Marilyn Morel, president

LWV of the Palatine Area