I cannot begin to tell you how disappointed and angry I am at Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin's opposition to the Democrat's healthcare reform bill.

I believe this is a complete sell out on her part to the insurance industry. She has disappointed good Democrats like me many times but this one really hurts as it goes to one of the most important issues facing our nation.

Rather than go on my own rant, David Melmer of Custer--a good Democrat--has given me permission to reprint the very thoughtful and comprehensive letter he sent to SHS about her opposition to the bill.

I particularly like his idea of taking away SHS's taxpayer paid health insurance and see how well she manages.

Thanks, David.

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Dear Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin

I was more than disappointed to learn that you intended to vote against the House version of the Health Care Reform legislation. Your reason for doing so does not outweigh the reason for voting in favor of the legislation, that is might cost the state too much for Medicaid.

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In order for this country and our state to regain a foothold on economic stability we need, nay, we must have affordable health care for all citizens. If we, as you are suggesting, maintain the status quo, which is strongly supported by the Republican Party members of Congress, we are not supporting those 50 million people who have no health care coverage and those who cannot acquire health insurance. They will receive health care, at the expense of those who buy insurance. If they had an option, the Public Option, to purchase affordable health care everyone's premium would be reduced. And if there is some way to change the insurance industry from a profiteering group to one of mostly non-profit, we would finally progress to the level of other countries.

I would suggest that you may not be thinking of your constituents who are less fortunate than yourself and your family. We have 60,000 individuals in this state without health care coverage, which is a disgrace and also it is embarrassing. I pray you change your mind when it comes to the final vote on the floor. We must maintain a balance of social structure along with fiscal responsibility in order to sustain this country's greatness. The House Legislation achieves that goal.

To many Democrats in West River you appear to be cozying up to the Republicans a little too much, it could impact your chances of reelection; at least from your past loyal base. Do not listen to the naysayers from the far right, who claim that government run insurance is bad. Corporate insurance is much worse. We have no say in what the profiteers propose. Less corporate control, less corporate welfare is a positive goal for our health care system. People with Medicare and VA and, you, for example are doing fine, under a government payer system. Why not us.

I wish you would consider the future impact of this important legislation; one of the most important pieces of legislation to come around since I can remember. Please vote YES this weekend. Please, for those who are struggling to make high payments to insurance executives who will cut them off in a heartbeat. Please support those single moms with children who may have pre-existing conditions, and who in their future may have serious health conditions that will not be addressed because of the lack of insurance.

Please help those who pay a higher percentage of their take home pay for insurance premiums because of health issues than those who make payments on their Lexus. Please look inside yourself and decide whether you are voting to protect your political career; or if you are considering people and families who need you to make the right decision today.

I will say this. If we were to take away your current health care, as a Congresswoman, and force you to select from various insurance companies, say the two that offer coverage in South Dakota, we would have had health care revisions long ago. Maybe that is an option.

Sincerely,

David Melmer

Custer, SD

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