Ration lawyers, not our medical care

Recently, Obama got on TV, free of charge to campaign for his socialized medical “insurance” and rationed medical care. Obama feels us “unwashed” folks shouldn’t object to his fetish of governmental medical insurance and an inadequately funded program that will continually add to our debt and increase our future tax burden.

Note, the government is already more than $1 trillion and counting in new record debt this fiscal year (another six months to go.)

Obama invoked the “children’s plight” while conveniently ignoring his S-CHIP program expansion of all kids’ insurance coverage, which he funded by raising the cigarette tax by 62 cents per pack just three months ago. That’s the reason I quit smoking and am sending Obama my last empty pack and tea bag. No way will I voluntarily contribute to his socialism and class welfare.

Currently, we have health insurance for: all children, all people over 64, those on welfare (including illegal aliens,) and the developmentally disabled. Who isn’t covered by Big Brother? Working folks, many of whom get it through their employer or those who elect to be irresponsible and not take part in a modest co-pay.

No elected public “servant” has said one word to contain medical costs by limiting frivolous lawsuits and massive awards. (No way, Obama is going to antagonize his lawyer campaign donors not the labor unions.)

To be serious about containing medical costs, Obama needs to push through a law requiring posting a $50,000 bond by the plaintiff, refunded to the plaintiff if they win, otherwise paid to the defendant for having to defend against non-meritous litigation. The plaintiff lawyers can handle the bond, especially since they have a 40- to 50-percent contingency fee. Ration the lawyers, not medical care.

DR. PETER D. HERAPER

Sandpoint