Members of Congress: Having returned to Washington, D.C., after your August recess, I ask you to do your job and heed the call of the people in the districts you represent. You must remember their concerns regarding the current health care reform proposals when a health care reform bill is presented for your vote.
The people have spoken, and they do not want long waits for their medical needs, increased taxes, government access to their bank accounts and the government determining medical necessity.
I have experienced the sort of health care that you likely will be asked to vote for and it was not pleasant. One day prior to a business trip to Vancouver, Canada, I was stung by a bee. By the time I arrived in Canada, my ankle had swelled beyond recognition. My co-workers urged me to seek medical attention immediately at a Vancouver emergency room.
I witnessed crowds of people with colds and nonemergency needs. It was standing room only, inside and outside of the emergency room's waiting room. When I finally got to the check-in area and explained my medical situation, I was told that there would be a four-hour wait.
My physician in the United States advised me that my condition needed immediate attention and four hours was beyond the amount of time I could handle. My physician diagnosed my situation over the phone and made medical decisions immediately until I could get back to the U.S.
So, members of Congress, now that you're back in Washington, remember the crowds. Remember our faces. Remember our stories and our concerns. Remember that you represent us and your districts. It is your responsibility to be our voices and to vote against health care reform.
Remember that we will be watching and we will also be voting.
Leanne Rubosky
Pleasant Hills
