I can't believe Paul Gordon actually believes that "only the government can solve the impending health crisis." (Aug. 20, Community Forum).

If he is referring to the health care bill that is causing such a controversy right now, he's seriously misinformed.

Mr. Gordon, it is the government that got us into this mess in the first place. I would challenge anyone to name one government program that is run efficiently, cost-effectively, and is an example of good customer service.

The post office? The Veterans Administration? Medicare? Medicaid? Amtrak?

One of the main reasons we had a meltdown in the mortgage industry was due to government meddling from the likes of Congressman Barney Frank (Democrat) and Sen. Chris Dodd (Democrat).

Mr. Gordon cites a survey of physicians where the prevailing opinion is that they would leave their practices if they had an alternative.

What he doesn't ask is, "Why?" Physicians are being squeezed form both sides — the rising cost of insurance, coupled with caps on rates from the government.

The work load on doctors and nurses increases with a corresponding increase in pressure with relatively lower pay. I would leave my profession as well under those circumstances!

Mr. Gordon may be retired, and therefore should understand the dynamic of an increasing cost of living on a fixed income. Try it when the income is shrinking each year!

I can agree with Mr. Gordon if he actually means that the government should enact tort reform, (limit damage settlements from medical suits), stop illegal immigration by closing the borders, and lower taxes so that the overall cost of doing business is cheaper.

If the government option being debated in Congress is so wonderful, then why are members of Congress writing themselves an exemption?

Tom Wimsatt, Mount Airy