Health care vote was a failure of compassion

Published 9:38 am Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Last Thursday, House Republicans passed a truly awful health care repeal and replace bill.

Public polls indicate that approval numbers are very low ranging from 17 percent (March Quinnipiac poll) to 37 percent (April Washington Post/ABC News poll). It is strongly opposed by every major health care organization, including the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and many others.

Hardly anyone likes what the bill contains except House Republicans and Donald Trump. They held a celebration at the White House following their immoral vote, and all participants in photos posted on the internet looked satisfied and happy.

How can the majority representation of this country be so out of tune with the vast majority of the population, as well as the medical professionals? The answer can only be money.

This measure backs off the levies on the very rich that supported expansion of Medicaid and coverage for low-income citizens. I am sure all who voted yes are anticipating increased campaign contributions should the bill become law.

What of those who could lose health coverage if this atrocity comes to fruition? Well, it is back to Emergency Room coverage that pre-dated the ACA.

You do nothing until it is critical and then suffer the consequences.

Congressman Fred Upton, you had your chance to demonstrate reason and compassion, but you failed.

You held an initial position against the measure, but in the end sold out to a meaningless amendment that experts say will not modify the ill effects of the bill.

Your hands are just as bloody as those of the right-wing extremists who claim health care for the less fortunate is simply a bad investment.

Melissa Clapper

Benton Harbor