An Open Letter to Rep. Ron Paul, regarding his July 20 posting “Healthcare is a Good, Not a Right”

Dear Representative Paul,

Your website says, "citizens in countries with nationalized healthcare never would have accepted this system had they known upfront about the rationing of care and the long lines." Having spoken to people who have actually received this type of care, I must tell you plainly that it compares favorably with the type I have personally received under private insurance. We know a national system will not be perfect, however to pretend that our current system is ideal seems disingenuous. Countries with nationalized healthcare, like Canada, spend less per capita on healthcare but with better results.

You say that, "the more money and power that government has, the more power it will abuse." Currently, it is the insurance companies that have all the power and all the money. I cannot, on my own, demand better coverage or prices. Nor can my neighbors. So we are stuck with unreliable coverage.

President Obama's plan gives us a public option, but leaves the private option open. Were I happy with my current coverage, I could keep it. But I ought to have the freedom to choose a public plan if that is what is best for me.

Many Texans need and deserve better healthcare than they currently have access to. Healthcare may be a privilege, but it is one that we are more than capable of extending to all Americans. I think it is about time we tried.

Sincerely,
Rachel Nusbaum

Read Paul's full post on why American citizens do not deserve quality healthcare here.