 |
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Health Care: Send a message
The November election offers Seattle voters a small say on health care.
Answering an advisory ballot question will have little or no direct effect on U.S. health care. But in a society where everyone is urged to speak, the measure affirms civic values.
A yes vote on Seattle's Advisory Measure No. 1 might add to the pressure for national reforms. More importantly, a yes vote is the only reasonable answer. Few people in Seattle doubt health care is a local and state problem as well as a national issue.
The City Council and mayor should, as the measure suggests, advocate for health reform with Congress, monitor local trends and look at improving health-insurance coverage here. Any progress would help city, county and state budgets.
Usually, we disapprove of advisory votes. This situation justifies the council's unanimous decision to put the issue before the public. A senior citizens group petitioned the council. The costs are minimal. And a public vote will have more impact than a routine council resolution.
The issue is as local as the residents who worry about health insurance. Seattle voters should express their dissatisfaction about putting more and more Americans' health care at risk.
Tell us what's on your mind.
My web site
My Yahoo!
Google
· Sales Tax Regime: A flawed start
· Seattle City Light: Still a solid choice
· Middle East: Invisible peace talk
· What counts in the race for president
· FBI doesn't play well with others
· Should we still view Israel as a 'special friend'?
· Israelis celebrate, Palestinians mourn
· Military intel vet blows the whistle
· We'll lose a Cold War with Iran
· DV protection orders can save lives
· Tropical rainforests are planet's lungs
· McCain imagines Judges Gone Wild
more· **Afternoon Snark; Draft of Sales tax editorial, Seattle City Light, President on Middle East; Reader comments
· Afternoon Snark: Polar Bears; Earthquake followup; Draft editorial McCain on global warming; border arrest
· Farm Bill, Polar bear listing and Disabled vets. Reader comments: Addicted to water, Unfit military?
101 Elliott Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119
(206) 448-8000
Home Delivery: (206) 464-2121 or (800) 542-0820
seattlepi.com serves about 1.7 million unique visitors
and 30 million page views each month.
Send comments to newmedia@seattlepi.com
Send investigative tips to iteam@seattlepi.com
©1996-2008 Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Terms of Use/Privacy Policy
