Obama (I just can’t make myself refer to him as “president”) has repeatedly promised that Americans (1) wouldn’t see a tax increase if they make less than $250,000 and (2) if they like their health insurance, they can keep it. It seems now that he has no intention of keeping those promises.

The health care legislation which he supports would impose a significant tax hike on most working people. Additionally, for senior citizens, Medicare will face more than $400 billion in lost benefits. His legislation promises increased cost, reduced access, an increase in the budget deficit, bureaucratic control, new taxes, watered-down quality and rationed care for patients.

More than 182 members of Congress support a three-day waiting period so that the Congressional Budget Office can estimate the cost and Congress and the American public can read the final legislation. With health care legislation as long as Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” a three-day waiting period so that legislators and taxpayers can read it seems like a good idea — particularly so when taxpayers will be asked to pay $800,000,000,000 or more. Amazingly, several Congressional leaders think otherwise.

 This is irresponsible governing — and it certainly fails Obama’s campaign promise of legislative transparency. Government-run health care isn’t right, it isn’t fair and it’s failed everywhere it’s been tried. As taxpayers and patients, we simply can’t afford the cost and the risk.

Malcolm Allred

Vicksburg