Letter to the Editor: Free market trumps government intervention

In response to Gregory Sokerka’s letter (published Sept. 8), I agree that there are a lot of things that need to be “fixed” concerning health care and financial security, but government programs are not the solution. First, the 40 million to 50 million uninsured is a highly exaggerated number. Included in this figure are millions who are not citizens, people who are self-insured, those who qualify for government coverage but haven’t signed up, young adults who do not see the need, and those in transition from one job to another. After factoring in all these demographics, the number is reduced by at least half and maybe more. The best way for the American people to have affordable health coverage is for the government to get out of … regulating business and industry and let a free market environment prevail. Competition always has and always will promote the fostering of better products and services at lower prices.

“Divided We Fail” does not have the answer; it will give us more of the same and will lead to something worse than what we have now. When we go to the polls in November, let’s not be so eager to put these issues back in the hands of those who have had control of the Congress for the better part of the last 60 years.

—Bob Lewis, Ash Grove