The auto model

The government doesn't require auto insurance companies to provide oil changes, brakes and other "wear-n-tear" items, yet people aren't marching in the streets? How much is an average doctor visit, $50 to $150? But that's only because people use insurance! If everyone paid cash, doctors would have to compete and prices would plummet.

You can pay $30 for an oil change, and you can pay $50 for you. And for those who can't afford it, how about free clinics? Make doctors volunteer 100 hours a year for a tax credit? Most people -- and there are exceptions for sure -- need only emergency, surgical or a catastrophic illness insurance. You get hundreds of thousands of dollars in coverage for tens of dollars with auto insurance; this would be no different.

So please don't tell me the government needs to give (ha!) us health care. There are plenty of other options without some Ivy League eggheads having a say-so over our lives.

AARON HALL
Bellevue