THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 21, 1994 TAG: 9410210009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A20 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
Millions of Americans do not have health care and greatly desire it.
The U.S. Senate has a chance to reform the health-care system and bring relief to these many people, but instead a minority uses its opportunity to obstruct and defeat the needed aid.
Republican Sen. Bob Dole (himself well-insured) mouths platitudes about the ``American people defeating health care'' when the Senate GOP members clearly defeated the issue with their filibuster threat.
Sen. Dole then piously intones that, if there are enough GOP upsets in the upcoming elections, he will reintroduce the issue next year (i.e., so he can take credit for it). Obviously needed is a giant dose of cooperation and genuinely putting the needs of the American people before the needs of any party or senator's ego.
Of all the arrogance.
What tragedies will befall vast numbers of Americans in the coming year who still have no health care? Mr. Dole apparently has no concern about this prospect.
Republicans, Democrats and independents alike should remember on Election Day who blocked the health-care program's passing.
Throw the bums out!
JUDITH STEVENS ALLISON
Virginia Beach, Oct. 11, 1994 by CNB