To the editor:

Mike Hoeflich’s June 17 column on a health care plan for the uninsured argues: 1) that he’s unable “to feel great confidence” in the “efficiency and competence” of large-scale government projects since WWII; 2) that he doesn’t want our government to have more access to individual’s information since the potential for abuse and disclosure are too great; 3) the costs will make the “$1 trillion deficit look good;” and 4) that he personally doesn’t “trust Congress or the executive branch” to shape a national policy on health care.

1) His personal feelings may reinforce but cannot substitute for other kinds of evidence. Readers may reject his opinion as atypical or trivial. 2) Begs the question: “If the government gets our records they will be abused and disclosed hence we must oppose this legislation.” Maybe. Maybe not. 3) Draws the unwarranted assertion that new costs will swamp us. Other industrialized nations pay 9.2 to 9.6 percent of their GDP for 100 percent coverage and we pay 17 percent (2008 data) with our system that excludes 47 million Americans and underinsures millions more. Isn’t that paying more for less? 4) If we can’t trust our government to handle government issues who would you trust? The for-profit system that got us into this mess?

He concludes by asking readers to let Congress know what we want for medical care. He could have suggested options with cautions about special interest influences. As it is, millions of Americans face potential financial ruin with our current “health care” system or they’re effectively denied health care.