Health system would level playing field

To the editor:

It has been said that one should listen to the words spoken by our elders. I want to thank Gilbert Degenhardt for his letter to the editor concerning universal health coverage.

This is an issue that has been ignored since the Clinton debacle in the early 1990s. I hope people will take Mr. Degenhardt's words very seriously.

The cost of health care is rising faster than any other sector of our economy. As a young middle-class citizen with children, I know how excessive the fees are that our doctors and hospitals charge. I know how difficult it is to deal with an HMO.

I also know that if we had a government program for universal health care, like most civilized countries, it would put each of us on an equal playing field when it comes to health care. No one can deny that our health-care system is in need of a serious overhaul.

Thank you again, Mr. Degenhardt. It is so comforting to know that there are Republicans out there who care about this issue. I pray that the next generation can learn from your experience and wisdom.

JOHN P. CLIPPARD

Cape Girardeau