Response to President Obama

The other day I received the following letter from President Obama via my email. You can read it below.

I decided to respond with an email. You can also read it below. In the news the next morning I was suprised by what I read -- that voting on the health care reform has been postponed. So I thought to myself, hmmmm, now it is very unlikely that anyone really read my email. But, but, but look at what is in the news, today he's not pushing it through. Somehow I believe that all of us offering up prayers intentionally and unintentionally through the Spirit's groanings are vital, critical. I am inspired to continue my contact with Mr. President. Here we go!

The White House, Washington

Dear Friend,

If you’re like most Americans, there’s nothing more important to you about health care than peace of mind.

Given the status quo, that’s understandable. The current system often denies insurance due to pre-existing conditions, charges steep out-of-pocket fees – and sometimes isn’t there at all if you become seriously ill.

It’s time to fix our unsustainable insurance system and create a new foundation for health care security. That means guaranteeing your health care security and stability with eight basic consumer protections:

* No discrimination for pre-existing conditions
* No exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays
* No cost-sharing for preventive care
* No dropping of coverage if you become seriously ill
* No gender discrimination
* No annual or lifetime caps on coverage
* Extended coverage for young adults
* Guaranteed insurance renewal so long as premiums are paid

Learn more about these consumer protections at Whitehouse.gov.

Over the next month there is going to be an avalanche of misinformation and scare tactics from those seeking to perpetuate the status quo. But we know the cost of doing nothing is too high. Health care costs will double over the next decade, millions more will become uninsured, and state and local governments will go bankrupt.

It’s time to act and reform health insurance, drive down costs and guarantee the health care security and stability of every American family. You can help by putting these core principles of reform in the hands of your friends, your family, and the rest of your social network.

Thank you,

Barack Obama


--------------------- My email response ----------------------

Dear Mr. President,

Greetings. Not sugar coating it, I am disturbed by your impatience. You must slow down. You must not run this through at this pace. We are becoming a nation of fast-made decisions that will and are destroying us. Wisdom is found in thoroughness and in time.

Go to the wise men, find them, search high and low and don't be surprised by who they are. How can anyone make decisions based on such a sizable document, the Health Care bill,within the time frame you have allotted? They can't. You must take the time, you will benefit, our nation will benefit from time. Your daughters need for you to slow down.

Make sure that you take the time to educate the American people about this reform, don't rush it through. There are so many creative ways to help the situation, look for them.

My husband and I understand the health care crunch. We own a small business. Our deductible is very high -- almost like we don't have health care insurance. We have had to go directly to the Billing Department of the Hospitals our children have been in to arrange payments. Both hospitals have worked with us. We have made decisions to not do doctor visits sometimes because of the money. But, we are healthy, we are grateful and socialism is the last thing we want in the health care arena. My husband's mother almost died in the hands of Canadian physicians because of a laissez faire attitude. Take your time, President Obama, take your time. I hope you don't parent this way!

We have discovered that our medical savings plan would likely be eliminated under your new plan. This does not bode well, Mr. President.

We will not be going to Martha's Vineyard this summer and would never be able to afford what you possibly will be able to afford there. But we will be paying for your vacation. This doesn't go down real well. You need to lead by example. Because of the tightness of money we have not had a family vacation in years. We are trying to pull off a wedding on a budget of $5000. My husband had to sell his share in a group airplane that he has been a part of for the past twenty five years.

There is money, President Obama, but where is it being spent? We, the American people are getting the picture. It seems like politics is a good money making venue. Lead by example.

I am still praying for you, you are an important person, worthy of prayer and you have my prayers! I know that in a social setting we would have much to talk about and much to laugh about. Please know that I deal in directness, let's just get it out there, but my directness is not a lack of respect.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Lynne Burkholder