Debating Healthcare Reform Repeal

Rep. Dave Camp argued that the healthcare reform law was a costly overreach and should be replaced; Rep. James Clyburn wrote that the law represents a moral imperative. A sampling of your thoughts:

Everyone knows that the financial resources of our great nation are strained to say the least, and we need solutions that do not add to the problem. We may not be able to care for everyone. That does not mean that we lack compassion but means that we must meet our obligations head on and do our best. That is not solved by petty political name-calling or by finding the worst-case health problem in the nation to justify our position. We need to grow up and be rational.

CHUCK CHORPENING Laurie, Mo.

[See editorial cartoons about healthcare.]

Both political parties would be well served to try to figure out why the cost of healthcare in the United States is much higher than other developed countries, while the quality of that care is below the levels of other countries. I have serious doubt that the Republicans will do anything that may affect the profitability of the insurance companies. Nor do I think that either party will place blame for healthcare problems on the lifestyle of Americans. Why should I be forced to pay for the health problems of smokers (which I once was), obesity, or drug addiction? It is about time that everyone, of all races, step up to the plate and work at solving their own problems.

KIRK SINGER Livingston, Texas

Absolutely repeal this law. Then Republicans, Democrats, independents, and others hold townhall meetings, take written and verbal comments (support or opposition), and write a new law that works. Write it in the open, not in a cloakroom or back room, and use all ideas if they help the situation. We don't need laws written by a few, out of sight, and not read by legislators before they vote party line.

FRANK WHITEMAN Aurora, Colo.

[See 10 ways the GOP can take down Obamacare.]

As a matter of fact, it is not the government that interferes with our doctor-patient relationship as Republicans aver, it is private insurance companies, each of which has its own set of restrictions and requirements, whether it is which doctors you can see or what medical services they authorize. The difference is the insurance company is most concerned with maximizing profit and minimizing service. The government program has no profit motive and is interested mainly in maximizing service.

ROY F. WILSON Sequim, Wash.

People who argue in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act should start being honest about it. The individual mandate is not about "insurance," it is a healthcare tax. Insurance is something you choose to purchase just in case something happens. The operative word here is "choose." When we no longer have a choice, it is an imposed tax.

JACOB GRIFFEN Fort Worth, Texas

• Check out our editorial cartoons on healthcare.
• See a slide show of 10 things that are (and aren't) in the healthcare bill.
• See who in Congress gets the most from health professionals.