Health care
Americans want national health care
Friends, the fox is in the hen house. While 64 percent of Americans polled favor a national health insurance program for all, even if this would require higher taxes (CNN), and while at a House subcommittee hearing health care professionals testified in favor of a single-payer health care system as the “only workable option for health care reform” (Huffington Post July 7), the foxy Sen. Max Baucus who opposes a national system received more campaign money from the health and insurance industry than any other member of Congress (“Democracy Now,” June 16).
The Washington Post reports that 30 key members of Congress who sit on committees that will impact the health care debate also have significant investments in health care companies. The wife of Sen. Chris Dodd, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, earned more than $200,000 from her board membership on four different health-related companies.
One might think from what you hear and read in the media that the debate in Congress is about health care “reform.” Rather, it is about making sure the foxes get fat while pretending to respond to the public outcry about bankruptcies — 68 percent due to medical bills among those with insurance (“Yes” Magazine, July 3) — and lack of health care.
— Kate Hunter
Primary election
It’s important to vote in the August primary
It would be easy to let the Aug. 18 primary slip by, but it’s very important that your vote be counted. We now have a “top two” primary system. Regardless of party, the top two vote-getters will be on the November ballot.
The candidates don’t have to identify any party affiliation or views on the issues. If you want your views to be represented, you need to inform yourself and then complete your mail ballot (remember to sign where required) and return it by mail.
On our primary ballot for 2009 will be eight candidates for King County Executive (including Vashon’s councilmember, Dow Constantine); three candidates for Port of Seattle commissioner, position No. 3, four candidates for Port of Seattle commissioner, position No. 4, and two candidates for a King County Court of Appeals position.
If you need to register to vote or change your registration, call (206) 296-VOTE (8683). Check your status online at www.kingcounty.gov/elections.aspx. The League of Women Voters of King County South maintains an office in Burien. Call (206) 243-7161 if you have election questions or for membership information.
— Ellen Kritzman, League of Women Voters Vashon unit
