I fully support Walt Minnick as Idaho's only Democratic congressman. I may have concerns, and may want more "Blue" and less "Dog," but I want all my elected officials to listen to their entire constituency, their own council and conscience and then vote accordingly. l am so pleased to have a Democrat representing Idaho and will continue to support Walt in whatever way I can.
Regarding health care reform, it's important that we keep the dialogue going, and open and respectful. We cannot afford to be distracted by myths, misrepresentations and outright lies. Facts on the White House plan are available at www. WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck.
This is about ensuring quality health care for all Americans. Not just care for those that can afford the costs, or premiums but no coverage for those who are fortunate enough to have a plan through their employers but can't afford the deductibles and co-pays. If you have insurance yet still cannot afford to get preventative and minor treatment, that is not health care.
A society is judged by how well we care for those least able to care for themselves—our infants and children, our military wounded, our seniors and those with chronic illness. We can do so much better than we are.
I agree that the more we all support this needed reform, the more successful the corrections will be. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue; this is a need for all Americans to be able to receive the quality care they require, without having to choose between prescriptions or food, mortgage payments or surgery, working or providing the special care their children need.
I strongly encourage Rep. Minnick to work with the White House and to urge his fellow congressmen and women and senators to do the same. Make improvements to the bill where needed, but get it moving. Medical treatment is often done in stages; correcting a system in critical condition is no different. Break it down into smaller sections and tackle them one at a time if necessary. Just don't let the patient die on the table while we all debate which treatment needs to come first.
I'm proud to be Blaine County Democrats' vice chairwoman.
Gini Ballou
Hailey
