Everybody needs it

Having just read the letter from J. Roland Gainsford ("Health Care Is Fine," July 12), I feel compelled to write. Mr. Gainsford, you have Medicare! You are benefiting from "socialized medicine!" Those of us who want single-payer government-run health insurance just want everybody to have Medicare or something like it.

I am a small-business owner and I have been struggling for years with insurance premiums. I am a Type 1 diabetic and literally am dependent upon prescription medicines to stay alive. I am afraid of losing my health insurance because that might mean I won't be able to get it back because of my pre-existing condition. I have decided to look for a full-time position with health insurance and work for someone else rather than stick with my own business.

I can think of at least two other cases where small-business people whom I personally know got into trouble because of health-care costs. Those who purport to be in favor of free enterprise should consider this. Having single-payer government- run health care would remove a huge obstacle from those of independent, entrepreneurial spirit who want to establish their own businesses.

ELAINE SADOWSKI
South Side