The U.S. health system needs a structural overhaul
Ironically, just a short time after I’d finished reading the Post-Gazette article about the town hall meeting held by U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle (“Big Crowd Sends Message: Keep Our Insurance,” March 19), filled with tales of concern from people who are afraid of losing their health care coverage, I received a phone call from a friend who is in prison. He told me about some health problems he’s been having and said he was scheduled to be taken to a hospital in the next few days for a number of tests.
I am not suggesting that I think those who are incarcerated should go without necessary medical treatment, but I feel it is a very sad commentary on our health care system when criminals can obtain free (to them) care “as needed,” while many law-abiding, hardworking citizens must forgo it due to high costs.
I am not a fan of either the current or proposed health care design and believe that putting a different-named plan over an abysmal system is the same as placing a new cap over a rotten tooth — both will cause much pain and are bound for failure. Obamacare, Republicancare, Trumpcare ... it makes no difference unless the inefficient and exorbitantly expensive underlying structure is first rebuilt. Until that occurs, how about calling any offering “We-seem-not-tocare” or “Squeeze-u-dry-care”? BEV COLLIER
Sheraden
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pack of lies from Mr. Trump.
One thing we can be pretty sure of: Sen. Pat Toomey, senator-in-absentia, being the sheep and coward that he is, will not fight for Pennsylvanians. All very nice. JEFFRY HARRIS Squirrel Hill
As I would not pass by a man, woman or child bleeding on the sidewalk, I would want a universal health care system to pay for their good care. Fate is capricious. Today it may be others who are struck. Tomorrow, it may be you or your family.
The emerging Republican plan attempts to pick winners and losers, the deserving and the undeserving. This not only is morally wrong but also will create an army of bureaucrats busy parsing who fits into which category. The existing system is designed to protect the profits of the health care industrial complex. I want to pay my fair share of tax dollars to fund a universal care system that covers all citizens.
What happened to the moderate Republican Party of the past that understood the moral imperative and financial efficiency of a truly universal health care system? I urge Sens. Pat Toomey and Bob Casey to vote against the destructive plan that is emerging from the Republican Party. NORMAN WIEN
Regent Square
I was very disheartened when I read the letter “Why Did So Many Fail to Protect These Children?” (March 21). According to the report of the hospital on the day of the so-called accidental running over of the boys by their mother (“Trial Opens for Mom in Drowning of 2 Sons,” March 9), as they were being treated, a nurse observed the one boy’s reaction to his mother. The nurse called ChildLine, the state’s abuse reporting hotline, to report the accident and then was overruled by her supervisor.
This nurse should be recognized for her effort and not be included in the group who did not see or believe the warning signs. LORRAINE LAU Kennedy