I wish to extend a sincere “thank you” to Rep. Adam Schiff for his efforts to bring meaningful reform to our dysfunctional health-care system (“Health-care reform is due,” July 27).
My family’s health-care story is similar to those of millions of Americans. After I lost my full-time job, and our HMO premiums for three healthy people increased to within $50 of our mortgage payment, we dropped our insurance. We are one accident or serious illness away from losing our house or declaring bankruptcy.
For decades, those in government who truly care about Americans have been trying to shape a rational health-care policy, only to be slandered and shouted down by those in government who work for the health-care corporations. They claim that national health care is a “socialist” notion, but we can see that the populations of “socialist” nations are generally happier and healthier than in nations that place corporate profit before the well-being of their citizens.
One of the lies being circulated is that the government can’t run anything, but Medicaid seems to function quite efficiently as a not-for-profit organization. We could comfortably afford $300 to $400 a month to buy into a Medicaid-styled program. It may not be perfect, but to those of us without health insurance, it sure beats the alternative.
JENNIFER RABUCHIN
Burbank
Lions’ presence in Verdugos doubtful
Regarding the July 30 article “Foothill locals warned of lions,” I have a hard time believing that any mountain lions are in the Verdugo Mountains.
