There are not many who disagree that the USA needs health care reform. However, what the majority of citizens do not want is a government-run health care system. Government-run health care systems have proven to overtax and overburden everyone in every other socialist and free country of the world.

What we do want is for more competition in health insurance and pharmaceutical companies, no more denials for pre-existing conditions, and reform of malpractice lawsuits. It would be very helpful if we could go to a doctor and pay cash to check out a cold, sore throat or sinus infection, you know, the minor stuff. Who needs all the insurance paperwork for this? We need insurance for major medical only from private sources, and skip the small stuff.

How about low-cost medical clinics staffed by nurse practitioners for minor medical emergencies like minor injuries, colds, the flu, infections?

Do not let your rights and freedoms be stolen from you by being ignorant and thinking the government has your best interest in mind. The government is wanting to control you and take this country in the wrong direction.

Who is really going to pay? This health care reform will, as it stands now, destroy this economy as we know it. Your children and grandchildren will dearly pay.

Diane Gerig, Jefferson