"Pat and Dave (Parker) sat down and composed a ‘Dear Governor’ letter...

‘The health care industry is sticking it to everybody and it must be regulated,’ they wrote. ‘The industry preys on those that are especially weak....

‘Dave voted for you because you are someone who values good ideas. So why not regulate health care premiums and force companies to justify increases, as 26 other states do?

‘Why not standardize hospital fees, like the state of Maryland? Why not buy prescription drugs in bulk to keep costs down, like Canada?’

In their three-page letter the Parkers told Schwarenegger they...were counting on him to do the right thing, even if it might offend certain political donors, whom they listed:

‘Blue Cross Executive Vice President Dennis Weinberg ($21,200), PacifiCare ($31,200), Lawrence Higby, CEO of Apria Healthcare Group ($31,200), Baxter Health ($21,200), Allergan ($20,000), and Johnson & Johnson ($21,200).’

...Pat is still waiting for his call."

From: Steve Lopez, Points West,
"A Skybox Reality – No Cash, No Arnold"
The Los Angeles Times.,
December 19, 2003

As we gear up for the 2004 election, more and more television sound bites and windy orations full of platitudes will assail our ears. The major parties will hold their spectacular, splashy conventions, culminating in hysterical celebrations of their anointed candidates.

As this process evolves, we will be listening carefully to hear what our would-be elected representatives have to say about health care. Who will be most persuasive in convincing voters that he or she has a workable plan to reform the health care system? Who will undertake to tackle the increasing problem of tens of millions of uninsured American families?

Which party is more likely to implement the necessary cost controls on insurance premiums and prescription drugs? Who will rein in the greedy profiteers who fleece patients and providers to fatten their bottom line?

Which candidate will address the simple fact that affordable health insurance that covers all Americans in one common risk pool is more economical and less wasteful than any piecemeal, fractionated system? And will any politician emerge, who understands that when it comes to this nation’s health, a system that does not work for everyone, does not work for anyone?

It’s not the only issue in this election, but it’s not one that voters should ignore. (Ed.)

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