Republicans oddly have lost faith in their much-vaunted private sector

To the Editor:

It certainly has been disturbing to see the Republicans rallying to protect corporate insurance interests over public-health interests during the health-care debate. They are concerned about HMOs having to compete with the government's public-option plan. What gives? Republicans have always proclaimed the private sector more competitive and efficient than the public, so why the fear of competition? If Republicans were to look further afield for answers, they'd learn that countries like Canada and England with their universal public systems also have private health-care sectors, too. The two systems work together.

Medicaid, Medicare and related public programs we now have in place do a good job of providing health care for the young and the old. But why are so many working-age men and women shortchanged in the health-care department? It makes no sense not to protect the folks doing most of the work. But employers large and small are finding it increasingly more expensive to provide their employees health care due to exploding HMO and pharmaceutical costs. The public option helps address that problem.

Universal health care for all Americans would be amplified in its positive impact by also reducing many of the mental-health problems related to the stress and anxiety people confront over health care. The result will be a healthier and happier population. Universal health care with a public option is a good idea whose time has come. Please urge our elected officials to support this worthy cause.

Jonathan Maffay
Athens