Published: March 18, 2010 (Rutland Herald)
The Rutland Herald has published two letters from Michael and Judy Olinick relating to Vermonters’ access to health care. These letters have been followed each time by an "answer" by Ralph Colin.
I believe the Olinicks’ first letter was a statement offered for readers to consider on the merits of the information offered. Mr. Colin’s first response resorted to name calling and insults along with stating his version of the facts. The Olinicks’ second letter was again a reasoned statement, respectful of different opinions but still making the case for universal health care in Vermont. And then, Mr. Colin came back with another counter-argument.
Here is what I’m reading: The Olinicks, regardless of how anyone evaluates their ideas about health care, are really searching for a better way. They want Vermonters to do whatever it takes to bring us together so that no one falls into the tragic circumstances that lead to needless pain, suffering, and sometimes death that come when people lose or cannot obtain health care.
Mr. Colin, on the contrary, is doing his very best to tell us why this can’t be done.
I want to say to the Olinicks, thanks. And to Mr. Colin I say, if you disagree, please make your arguments on the merits of the case, and please do not resort to name-calling.
What is too often lacking in our great country is not a lack of resources, but a lack of vision and will. We have more resources than most other people in the world. We live in a country and a state with good and generous people. We can find a way to provide health care for all of our neighbors. It won’t hurt anybody to do this; everybody will be better off when all are cared for.
GEORGE KLOHCK
Bridport