THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 11, 1994 TAG: 9409090038
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
Republicans and Democrats alike must face the inescapable fact that the ``Mitchell, Gephardt, Clinton'' health-care-reform bill cannot be substantively improved. Amendments or delays cannot change its essential character (severe insurance regulations, government-set benefits, arbitrary insurance taxes, individual and employer mandates). Such rules, regulations and controls are in fact a further extension of the already massive, out-of-control welfare state.
Studies have estimated that as many as 100 million Americans would be eligible for government health insurance by the year 2001. Unlike some of the Great Society poverty programs, the adverse effects of the ``Mitchell, Gephardt, Clinton'' bill will be felt immediately by virtually every American who has made health-insurance arrangements for himself and his family.
Mr. Clinton's socialized health-care scheme must be stopped and steps undertaken to prevent its re-emergence.
ROSEMARY RIDDLE
Franklin, Sept. 2, 1994 by CNB