Health care passage

Despite the lobbying efforts of special-interest groups, the rhetoric of mass distortion and scare tactics by political leaders, and the frustrating imperfection of the congressional legislative process, up to 32 million Americans who have no insurance are on the verge of being able to make an appointment with a doctor.

Because the U.S. House of Representatives voted for health care reform March 21, up to 95 percent of Americans will be able to afford health insurance. It also will be illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions, and dependents can stay on their parents’ insurance plans until age 26.

Not only was this the right thing to do, it was the fiscally responsible thing to do. The Congressional Budget Office — Congress’ nonpartisan, independent referee — says this law will reduce the federal deficit by $138 million over 10 years and $1.3 trillion over 20 years.

Thank you, President Barack Obama and lawmakers, for standing up for middle-income and impoverished Americans. This historic legislation will prove as significant as Social Security, Medicare and civil rights legislation.

Blake Burleson

Waco

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This is a huge government takeover of not only our health care but our individual rights as U.S. citizens. This hypocrisy will create 159 new government agencies just to oversee health care. It is estimated this will create 155,000 new government jobs — 16,500 new jobs at the Internal Revenue Service alone.

A poll at Investor’s Business Daily estimates 50 percent of doctors will leave medicine because of this bill.

This administration has given the Congressional Budget Office a complete false document to score. They have left out items such as the $400 billion doctor’s fix. They are robbing Social Security to expand government. They are also collecting money for 10 years to pay for six years of services. The CBO says that after the first four years, when they’re paying out money, the deficit will soar.

This will destroy states that are swooning in debt now.

The only legislation this Senate and House should be working on is the impeachment of Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and the dismantling of this government.

Butch Miller

Robinson

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If there is any American who still believes what Obama and liberal Democrats are dishing out, then they deserve what is about to happen with health care.

The trouble is that the rest of us will unwillingly have to suffer along. Mark this date, folks: A lot of us will be saying “I told you so.” But it’s going to be too late.

Ken C. Strickland

Axtell

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I was appalled that U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, voted against health care reform. How does he live with himself? He’s so worried he’ll lose his seat that he voted to please Republicans.

He should have stood up and done the right thing for the thousands of his constituents who need health care.

Karen Gartman

Waco