Letters to the Editor May 6

Health reform ensures founding principles for all

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Every day during the debate of health care reform, I read and reminded myself of those very words.

Today we live in a society where without health insurance, those ideals are put to challenge once again. Ask yourself why is it that our founding fathers placed life before liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

How do I pursue happiness while learning I just lost my medical insurance because, through no fault of my own, I am now unemployed? How do I continue paying and supplying the medical care of a child who was just recently diagnosed with a life-threatening disease after learning that my insurance company is now denying coverage? How do I as a cancer survivor pay for my medical care after learning that my insurance company now wants to charge me 500 percent more than it did before?

How does a country as great as our own and that was created with the idea of ensuring the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness turn a blind eye to these events?

Those who worked to pass health care reform should be commended for ensuring that the citizens of this great country are not denied the rights this country was established on.

Dennis White

Carson City

Most Nevadans excited for health care reform

I still have not been able to find any information that backs the GOP saying that Nevadans do not want health care reform, unless it was in one of the governor's GOP closed door meetings.

Actually, the majority of us are excited that we are finally going to get medical assistance without having to file bankruptcy as soon as we receive the bill. All Americans will now have the security of knowing that they don't risk losing the American dream if they get sick or are in an accident.

I've worked full time and have health insurance through my employer. The deductible is extremely high and difficult for most of us to pay. Insurance companies will be held accountable - they will no longer be able to hike up premiums, deny care when you need it most or deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions.

Lyndee Bunker

Carson City

The days of bartering are long over

No one needs to assist Sue Lowden to look bad. She has clearly accomplished that herself.

Back in the olden days, the average life expectancy was 47 years. There were no heart bypass surgeries that save millions of lives, no transplants, death for women giving birth was highly likely, and, oh yes, no antibiotics for you.

Are you kidding me? This woman wants to represent my state for me?

I think not.

Take your chickens, goats, house painting and fence repairs back to the olden days. Wake up, woman. Look at your calender - it should read 2010.

Brenda Hayden, RN

Carson City