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Letter to the Editor 11-15-09
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EDITOR: A few weeks ago, I called Congressman Carney's Scranton office and asked if Congressman Carney could find out why Democrats were so opposed to limiting lawsuits, known as tort reform, in any health care reform legislation. I explained this might be one way to reduce the cost of health care and that most people favored some limits. A couple of days later, I received a three page e-mail from Congressman Carney explaining the need for health care reform, etc. There was not one word about tort reform legislation.
I then called his Washington Office and asked why the congressman could not answer one simple question with one simple answer. There was a rather long pause and finally the young man I spoke with stated he knew tort reform was not in the House bill and he thought the answer would be that it would not reduce the cost of health care. I told the young man to inform Congressman Carney that if he voted for the health plan in the House and it did not include something relating to limiting lawsuits, I could not in good faith in the future vote for him.
A week ago, on one of the Sunday morning shows, the health care bill was mentioned and the statement was made that nothing was included about tort legislation except to punish individual states if states attempted to limit lawsuits on their own. I immediately e-mailed Congressman Carney and told him that if he voted for this legislation, I would never vote for him again.
If you believe there should be limits as to what people can sue for and if you believe these limits might reduce the cost of health care, your beliefs are not the same as Congressman Carney's.
Fred Hunt
Standing Stone
10 posted comments
Please give me a call about our friend Carney.
He mentioned that tort reform did little in Texas.. NOt so.. they loved it as it solved their doctor shortage..
We will be in Canton next Tuesday to ask him questions on where he stands on given issues...I suggest YOU be there to get your answers face to face. WE the people deserve an answer, not a form letter! Like you Mr. Hunt, I can not & will not promote Chris Carney.
The American Lung Association, AARP, American Cancer Society, and the AMA agree that lack of affordable, accessable health insurance is a leading indicator for disease and premature death in the U.S.A.
Let us focus on this.
the hands of a health care professional, there should be severe penalties. This is a separate issue, and needs to be dealt with apart form health care. First, provide coverage for every citizen. Then take on tort reform. It would be unwise to muddy the health care debate with this issue. It is a distraction.
National licensing would be helpful as well. Then dangerous doctors who lose licenses in one state, can not just move on to another area. One license to keep or to lose. For Physicians, Lawyers, Nurses, etc.
First Affordable Heath Care for Everyone. Then the side issues.
We owe to our fellow citizen not to be distracted.
Tort reform is essential. However, it needs to be separate.