GUEST OPINION –

It is now time to look at U.S. health care with a lot of objectivity and at least a dash of maturity. The bill has passed and has been signed, and the earth is still spinning and the sun shines. I for one couldn’t be more pleased.

The greatest concern appears to come from older citizens who are crying “socialism” and complaining about the cost as well as listening to some voices of doom giving false and misleading information. These same people are enjoying their Medicare, and exercising all of the health privileges it confers. Why deny this service to others? The primary duty of any government is to provide for the safety and well being of its citizens. All other developed nations have realized this obligation for a number of years. We are just starting to catch up.

I am 80 years old, a registered Republican, a veteran, a college graduate, I lived through the Great Depression and a bunch of wars, so my opinion is not without the benefit life experience. Embrace this move to extend health services to all, take a deep breath and realize disaster has not arrived. Stop the horrible name-calling and the vandalism. Become mature and become a caring person. Above all give the new health care programs a chance!

Oliver Conover is a former executive director of the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce. – Ed.