Why are people so unhappy about the proposed health insurance reform bills in Congress, and they are not unhappy about the “cash for clunkers” program? The “cash for clunkers” plan is an incentive for people to trade in their old, inefficient cars for new ones, but it leaves the people in control. Yes, it does take money from taxpayers, but it helps put people to work and the people are in control.

Compare that to the health reform bills of Congress. This takes control from the people and puts it into the hands of Washington bureaucrats. They tell us what benefits we are going to have; they tell the employers what they have to provide; they tell the insurance companies what risks they must cover regardless of the type of lifestyles. They can be heavy smokers, drug addicts or very obese, and yet they must be covered for the same price as those who try to live healthy lifestyles.

Where are the incentives? It looks like Washington wants to take control of our lives.

Alan Arends

co-chairman

Freeborn County

Republican Party

Albert Lea