[A.W. Bowman]

Let's take just one example.

During the Vietnam war an American destroyer, the USS DeHaven, DD 727 (yes, I know some of these people, now in their 80's), was involved in numerous battle engagements along the coast and in the bays, and water inlets, including sailing inland along the deep rivers of Vietnam. During these missions the ship and men were exposed to Agent Orange. A number of the crew came down with the symptoms and were diagnosed as having been infected with the toxic chemicals.

Now, thirty years later, and after many of the crew of that period have died, as far as I know, no Vietnam surviver has yet to receive VA medical benefits for their being exposed to "friendly (chemical) fire". Now, soldiers and Marines have received medical treatment. Why not the Navel personal?

Simple, it is an expression of federal bureaucrats and non medical personal being allowed to make medical decision - and imposing them on others.

Because the Navy personal did not actually set foot on Vietnamese soil, they are not authorized to receive treatment for their medical condition. Selective medical care decisions based on administrative policies. Yes, there are more examples - talk to some vets who have attempted to obtain other denied medical treatment, but this one is sufficient to prove a concept.

In regard to my other posts on this same general subject: If this is how our federal government is handling this one example of how some veterans are being denied medical treatment along "administrative" lines, what can a mere civilian expect at the hands of such folks? Remember, this proposed law is just the authorization - the policies, rules and regulations have yet to be written - or even discussed very much.

Now, can anyone give me one good reason why I should trust this same minded government with my health care - and that of my wife? After all, we see how they have continued to operate for 30 years - bureaucrats don't make policy or make mistakes, and their decisions don't allow folks to simply die off, do they?

Then, there are the many cases of people being denied both medical care and financial support through Medicare because the treatment is not approved for general use, or because that individual is disqualified for one administrative reason or another. Talk to anyone who has been denied treatment, and the struggles they have had to undertake to get some SSDI funds.

Does something need to be done about our American health care? Yes, of course. but see some of my other posts for recommendations. Do we need to push through a bill that is still full of unanswered questions? I say let's read the thing through, word by word - and make our law makers explain each and every word in simple English!