The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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November 21, 2009

Your View: Proposed system not perfect, but a start

By Doris Berger, Janesville

Congressman Tim Walz has voted for a health care plan that would be nationwide. He has heard from the people of the First District who tell him about the financial burden of insurance premiums and the cost of high co-pays. These costs have caused financial ruin for many families.

Now the naysayers come along and call him a socialist and worst. The naysayers want government “out of their lives.”

I do not understand their thinking. Medicare works pretty well. (There is a fraud issue now. That is the fault of the people, not the plan.) Social Security has been wonderful, it may need some changing, but it works well.

“Government” is a way of organizing people so the needs of the group can be met. From nomad chiefs, kings or county commissioners, government helps us get on with everyday business.

The naysayers want government out of their lives. I ask what government would that be? The system that allows us to vote for representatives? The postal system? The fire department? The police department? Our public school system? The highway department?

In any system there is room for improvement but it does not make the system bad.

The health care system Walz has voted for may not be perfect, but it is a start.

The U.S ranks 27th or worse in infant mortality. I ask the naysayers how that is not going to be corrected without government intervention.

Walz is trying with all his might to help those babies and help families facing financial ruin. He needs your attention and support.



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