To the editor:
President Donald Trump and our own Rep. Erik Paulsen have tried and failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act several times. Failing that, they weaken and impair it through executive actions and bill amendments. While the Affordable Care Act is an imperfect bill, it has still provided millions of Americans with access to healthcare.
The Republican Party is risking the heathcare of millions with pre-existing conditions, low income or limited options. This goes beyond policy disputes — for many, it’s a matter of choosing between dinner and medicine. Last year, 45,000 people in the U.S. died due to lack of healthcare.
A country should be judged on how it treats its most vulnerable. It’s time we had politicians who recognized that. Instead, we have politicians like Paulsen who toe the party line, even when people’s health is at stake. I believe his votes hsould be guided by compassion, not partisan politics.
Our district needs a compassionate representative who will vote based on the people’s needs. I think we’ve found that leader in candidate Dean Phillips. He believes health care is a right and he wants to work to improve the affordable care act, not demolish it without replacement. For the past 10 years, our representative hasn’t represented us, and it’s time we elect someone who will.
Karen Siegman, Shorewood
Eden Prairie Sun-Current, July 5, 2018