Rep. Altmire needs to turn hope into action

I read U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire's explanation of his vote on the House health-care bill (H.R. 3962). His arguments seem well thought out and well presented ("Why I Voted No on Health Reform," Nov. 20 Perspectives). I strongly agree that this bill does not achieve its intended goals.

How a group of seemingly well-educated, well-informed and well-paid people could develop and present a piece of legislation so lengthy, convoluted and off the mark as this, astounds me to no end. It is almost as if they intended it to fail. The Founding Fathers must be spinning in their graves to think that this group has devolved into such incompetence. I was never the smartest person in any group, but I think I can, in five minutes, come up with five alternatives that cost less and accomplish more with one-tenth the verbiage.

But what I object to most is Mr. Altmire's last paragraph. He says that "I am hopeful that Congress ultimately will pass a bill that represents true health-care reform. ..." Hope? Mr. Altmire, you were elected to act!

Please stop hoping for good results and get in the game. Either start scoring touchdowns or get on with your life's work. Don't tell me what is wrong with the bill. We have legions of "pundits" who tell us what is wrong with anything and everything in America. Make something right -- soon!

 

GLENN RUSSELL
Plum