To the editor:

What a pleasant surprise to read your Opinion Page of the Feb. 12, Record. Congratulations on the words by Dan Freeman, Robert Jobe and Tom Ewell.

Congratulations Egypt, for the non-violent revolution, which has a real chance to illustrate what can be done when reason prevails. I would like to add another quotation from a wise American to that of Sinclair Lewis. Samuel Johnston said, “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” Another, “Patriotism is the first, last and middle range of fools,” is H.L. Mencken’s addition to Johnson’s dictum.

Certainly, big business and banking interests, insurance and lawyers, hide behind the flag and the cross, and claim “patriotism.” Then they make statements in the media like “the American people do not want “Obamacare,” and fund political candidates who tear down the hard work of our elected representatives to reform the runaway costs of healthcare, fueled by corporate profits. What a waste of time.

Houses of Congress and the Senate should be progressive, instead of watching the world pass by as we diddle and procrastinate in the same old way. These claims do not speak for me.

Well, hear this, I am American, and I want fair equal healthcare for every American! It is a long overdue step in the right direction. (No doubt if anyone has the money, and chooses to pay for a higher level of care, it will be available. Opting out is never going to be off the table.)

Interesting, I do not know anyone eager to avoid Medicare. I do know some that put off going to the doctor until they qualify, because they know they cannot afford it.

Thank you for printing some positive, well thought out letters.

Mary Vaughan

Greenbank