To the editor:

It is time for us as a nation to join the rest of the world and act like a civilized and Christian state. When will we finally show that concern for the working poor, and the economically excluded in our society means having the right to decent health care?

I have in my family a sister who has had to wait two years to achieve physical disability and finally acquire medicare. We were so glad that she could finally have the operation she would need to alleviate the pain of a torn rotary cuff that she had been living with for over two years, unable to have it taken care of. Unfortunately upon acceptance into the program, she learned that she had lung cancer and that was, of course, the more important issue to be addressed. Due to all that this illness entailed in operation and post op care the shoulder was put on the back burner. She then had more pressing issues with her hand and additional issues with pain, which meant again unforeseen surgery. This was the next thing that needed care.

The shoulder is still waiting for treatment as there have been more strident problems.

Had this poor woman been able to acquire health care over five years ago, she would probably not still be living in a constant state of pain. Is it really fair that health care should be about what you can or can not afford. I wonder how anyone can go into public life and justify the decision saying they are there for the public good and then not support health care reform? The bottom line at the moment is: There is a historical chance to take our country forward. I ask our elected officials who have the power to provide change: What is more important the subsidies you receive from the health care industry or the lives of ordinary Americans?

Those of us who have much can afford to give a bit more, also, when it comes to taxes! As an aside, I find it interesting that those who are against health care reform cite fiscal responsibility and yet, had no trouble expanding our national debt in taking us into two wars, one of which was definitely not justified! Is the financing of war, more important than the health of our citizens?

Cheryl Fausel

Cape Coral