While I understand Ellen Putnam’s point in her July 11 letter, “Health care: Watch what you ask for,” it’s a dangerous game to encourage total repeal of the Affordable Care Act in an attempt to influence the outcome of the 2018 midterm elections. Millions of people would be adversely effected by such a short-sighted political maneuver.
Our elected officials must cease playing Russian roulette with the health and well-being of their constituents. The Republicans’ health care proposals have been delayed because of the uproar members of Congress are hearing from ordinary people across the country.
Let’s encourage our elected representatives from both parties to act like adults and do the people’s work. The House and Senate health care and Pentagon proposals support bombs and billionaires at the expense of health and humanity. Citizens are beginning to notice.
Make no mistake, members of Congress do pay attention to what constituents want — but only if we speak up. Let your elected representatives know they must not pass budgets that hollow out basic support that millions of Americans need for affordable, appropriate health care. Call Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, at 360-695-6292; or the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-225-3121 to voice your concerns.
It’s time we recognized that health care is national defense.
