Health care vote makes me fear for soul of our country

John F. Kennedy once said that the way to judge a nation is to look at how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. On Thursday, our nation received a grade of F.

House Republicans voted to take health care away from America’s poorest and sickest people as 24 million are in danger of losing coverage. And their smiles on their faces told the story. Their plan will make a disaster of our already troubled and inequitable health care system.

No one should be surprised. When Ron Paul, a congressman and doctor, ran for president recently, he bragged about the fact that he took no governmentbacked insurance. In a candidate debate he was asked by a reporter what he would do if a patient with a treatable, but possibly fatal condition ( if left untreated) who was on Medicare came to him for help.

Dr. Paul hesitated for a long time before answering. During that hesitation, the audience burst into loud applause. Apparently killing the poor, old and sick was the appropriate response. No one really responded to the question after that. Republicans showed their true colors that night.

I fear for the soul of this country. After yesterday’s House vote, I no longer feel as though my government and the 47 percent who voted for it understand anything about how preventive care actually saves lives and money in the long run. They also do not understand simple human decency. How do these folks sleep at night?

Jan Goldberg, Riverside

Save our state

SOS. Please someone save our state. With Mr. Patch Pocket Plaid Shirt showing off his prowess with duct tape and the silent Democrat, we are in dire need. Please someone make a move to save our state. Dick Durbin, Lisa Madigan ... help!

Eleanor Barrett, Canaryville