Sent: 23 Jul 2007
Dear Gentlepersons:
'Lacking a national health system, "the U.S. occupies last place among the major industrialized countries ... in child mortality, life expectancy, and visits to the doctor," although it probably leads the world in politicians who talk about "family values."' ~ Paul Kennedy
The people who oppose expanded health care for children are not heartless. Their hearts are simply in a location different from that of the majority of their fellow citizens. Such a problem is not new: "... for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~ Matthew 6:21
Now Congress wants to offer free health care to millions of uninsured children. Who could be against that? But President Bush is afraid insuring kids is a slippery slope -- opening the door to affordable health care for everyone. How terrible.
Many Republican senators are ignoring Bush in favor of insuring kids. But we still don't have enough votes to override Bush's veto threat -- and the Senate vote is just days away.
I signed a petition urging Congress to vote for the biggest health care expansion in over 40 years. Can you go here [< http://pol.moveon.or... >] to participate?
With every good wish,
John R. Cole
Edinburg, VA 22824-9412
Cc: Northern VA Daily - Editor ; Betty Molchany, Esq. ; Bill Maher, Pundit ; ChairmanGOP @ RNC ; Dr Karen Kwiatkowski ; Dr. Sidney Blumenthal ; Editor, Shen Valley-Herald ; Editor, The Freelance-Star ; eppn@episcopalchurg.org ; John W. Whitehead, Esq. ; MarshallAdame4Cong2008 ; matt4sam2008@hotmail ; Mr. Eric Margolis, Journalist ; Mr. George Will, Journalist ; Ms. Heather Wokusch ; nightly@nbc.com ; Prof. Thomas J. DiLorenzo ; Rasoul, Sam, for Cong. 6th ; Richardson, for President ; Speaker Nancy Pelosi ; sub@commondreams.org ; The Sojourners ; Tucker, Cynthia - Journalist
We're number thirty-seven! Guess what -- France, the country we like to make fun of, is number one.
Bob Somerby also loves to quote this passage from a Paul Krugman piece:
"Meanwhile, every available indicator says that in terms of quality, access to needed care and health outcomes, the U.S. health care system does worse, not better, than other advanced countries-even Britain, which spends only about 40 percent as much per person as we do."