I am not representing an insurance company, or any other interest, save my own. I am a 53-year-old citizen to whom America’s freedoms mean a great deal.

I have no reason to believe that Rep. Rick Larsen had other than good intentions, to cast his vote on health care reform as he did. But I respectfully disagree with his belief that this bill rejects the status quo. On the contrary, this bill adds yet another expensive entitlement onto the taxpayers.

My parents were working adults when Medicare passed into law. It seemed a good idea at the time. They believed their government when they were told that the program was a good one that would pay for itself.

Social Security and Medicare have run deficits for years now. A common, if rueful, saying among my peers is that, “By the time we retire, there’ll be no Social Security left.”

I don’t want to take Medicare away from my 86-year-old mother. But frankly, I had hoped to have something better and more stable for myself, when I retire. If government mandates and restrictions run private insurance out of business, I’ll have no choice in this matter, will I?

I am confident that we can solve our health care problems without resorting to the measures and mandates in this legislation! May all our lawmakers, House and Senate, be granted wisdom to take a second look at this matter.

Melanie Hammons

Oak Harbor