Article: Senator Shelby of Alabama on Health Insurance Reform

I wrote Senator Richard Shelby (R) of Alabama concerning my thoughts on health insurance reform. Though there is much I could say about his response concerning his complete misrepresentation of facts to one of his constituents, I am simply going to provide the transcript without such an amendment. Let it suffice to say how utterly flabbergasted and disappointed I am in this person, not merely as a Senator or a fellow citizen, but as a human being. All I will say is, Sir... "You lie." :

"September 16, 2009

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding health care reform. I appreciate hearing from you on this critical subject.

I have grave concerns with the health care reform proposals currently being considered in Congress. Proponents of a public option suggest that the United States government should provide health care to all citizens. While a noble goal, this coverage would not be free and we, as a nation, would have to pay for this massive expansion of the federal government. I simply do not believe the American people desire or deserve what government run health care would result in - higher taxes and larger deficits.

The proposals currently pending in Congress are fraught with highly partisan objectives that do not serve the people of Alabama or our great nation. I cannot, and will not, support any plan that: requires small businesses and the American taxpayer to carry the estimated $1 trillion cost of health care expansion through tax increases; classifies abortion as an "essential benefit," forcing American citizens to directly subsidize abortion-on-demand with their tax dollars; rations health care so that our citizens are withheld important and potentially life-saving treatments; exempts Congressional members from accepting the same public option being offered to the American people; requires taxpayer dollars to fund health benefits for illegal immigrants; and mandates discussion between seniors and their physicians regarding end-of-life planning.

While we need to enact reforms on our health care system that will reduce costs and improve access, our nation's pocketbook cannot withstand the deep deficits this colossal health care entitlement program would create. Instead, we need a system that restores the patients and doctors as the center of every health care decision rather than the government and insurance companies.

There are steps that can be taken to reform our current health care system that would build on the strengths of our present system without adding further government bureaucracy andÂ taxes. By making insurance portable, expanding health savings accounts, reducing frivolous lawsuits that provide only marginal assistance to injured patients and drive up our health care costs, emphasizing preventative care, reducing administrative costs and making insurance more accessible to small business and individuals, we can efficiently decrease the costs that currently burden Americans while expanding coverage; thus, improving quality and making health care more affordable.

By allowing the government to have a heavy hand in how we manage our health care, we are asking for a decrease in flexibility and options for both patients and doctors. As Congress works to improve our current health care system, it is important to remember that there is a difference between government -run health care coverage and actual access to medical care.

Please rest assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as Congress continues working to improve the health care system in the United States. If I may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Sincerely,
Richard Shelby

RCS/s

P.S. Please visit my website at www.shelby.senate.gov"