Healthcare reform -- Republicans versus Democrats -- and the 'tea party' movement

It may not be the best possible bill, but it gladdens the heart of this naturalized citizen to see that this country can still muster its collective courage, will and intelligence to overcome irrational fears and divisive forces.

Congratulations to President Obama, the Congress and my fellow Americans.

Mei-Ling Liu
Arroyo Grande

After Sunday's healthcare vote, Obama proclaimed: "We proved that this government -- a government of the people and by the people -- still works for the people."

Well, Mr. President, as of Friday, polling showed your healthcare bill had support from only 38% of the people, your bill had zero Republican support and millions of Americans who actually pay the taxes in this country were screaming for you to redo the bill.

I hardly find this a "government of the people and by the people."

Brian Haueter
Ventura

After watching the way the Democrats ignored the wishes of the American people, I want Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid to hear me loud and clear:

As a Vietnam veteran and someone who has been elected to public office twice, I am truly ashamed to be an American for the first time in my life.

Michael Luhrs
Joshua Tree, Calif.

With the onset of Obamacare, are we now the United Socialists of America?

Lillian Brock
Chino Hills

Although I support the concept of universal coverage (not necessarily run by the government), I do find this bill's claims on cost-saving deceptive.

The bill raises taxes on many to subsidize the uninsured, and would be better characterized as cost-shifting. Given that the legislation doesn't include comprehensive tort reform or obesity prevention, it calls for faith to believe that, left unrevised, it will lead to lower costs.

On the other hand, I do feel that this bill will lift a heavy yoke off the shoulders of many Americans who may be just one illness away from going bankrupt.

John T. Chiu
Newport Beach

As a pediatrician, I cheer "terrific!" for the passage of healthcare reform legislation.

However, insurance companies and their profits now gobble up about 30 cents of every healthcare dollar, while Medicare uses only about 4 to 8 cents.

We can't afford the for-profit insurance industry any longer. We will see in the next few years that an improved Medicare-for-all is the only affordable way to go.

Robert Vinetz
Los Angeles

I am not sure I understand how a vote of 219 to 212, with not one Republican voting for the healthcare bill, is "change." If the idea was to extend the hand across the aisle, it appears the hand was closed.

For such a sweeping reform to not have the backing of anyone other than Democrats speaks very strongly against the president's hopes.

If ever we were divided, it's now. I'm saddened that the aisle is now wider than ever before.

Denise Gee
San Clemente

It's the GOP that must explain

Re “Democrats now turn to damage control,” News Analysis, March 22

Why wasn't your analysis article headlined "After healthcare vote, Republicans turn to damage control"?

Surely it is the Republican Party that has outed itself as racist, rude, dishonest and greedy. Surely it is the Republicans who are weakened and damaged.

Neglecting the needs of their constituents, they pulled out every weapon possible to prove that they could prevent Obama and the Democrats from achieving any reform goal, and they lost.

Surely it is the Democrats who, in proving that they actually are willing to enact important legislation in spite of nearly nuclear blasts of partisan warheads, have risen immeasurably in stature.

I know that I am, finally, heartened and ready to return to walk precincts for my Democratic representatives, something I would not have said two weeks ago.

Shelley Bookspan
Santa Barbara

Taxes and abortion

Re “How 3 holdouts made the call,” March 21

Why do the anti-choice forces always get their way regarding tax money helping to pay for abortions?

There are many things that I hate to see my taxes paying for, including wars, military buildups and prisons. Though I'm sure I am not alone in my opinions, there seems never to be any question as to these allocations.

The majority of Americans are pro-choice but are constantly overrun by the minority. These people's insistence on their way is undemocratic and out of proportion to an often important need for women's health.

Julie May
Los Angeles

When members of the House such as Dale E. Kildee (D-Mich.) must obtain prior approval from their religious leaders in order to support legislation, how does this differ from Muslim Sharia law?

Bonnie Ann Baker
Irvine

'Tea partyers' don't get it

Re “Stage is set for historic health vote,” March 21

The irony displayed in the photograph on Sunday's front page would be funny if it weren't scary.