Results needed on health care front

U.S Congressman Kevin Brady came to East Texas last week with an healthcare reform agenda on his mind.

Brady has been touring his district seeking ideas on how the healthcare field can be improved. The conference room of Dickerson Memorial Hospital was filled to capacity with members of the medical field who plead their cases for changes.

Brady listened and wrote down some of their suggestions. He said he would introduce the 50 best ideas during the next session of Congress as legislation in an effort to reform the healthcare industry.

Good luck.

America is facing a huge problem when it comes to health care. For some, health care has already became an unreasonable option and many go without health care coverage. In Jasper County alone, 8,000 are without health care coverage of any kind.

And next year, more than 77 million baby boomers are expected to retire to place an even greater financial strain on the Medicare system.

It was promising to see Brady seek answers to these problems but it will be even more refreshing when Congress takes the problem head-on and that battle begins with the medical insurance companies which seem to rule how and when we all get health care.

Insurance companies have taken medical care out of the doctors and nurses' hands and placed it in a pocketbook.

That needs to change now. Until it does, we all can propose ideas and still plod along with our health care system dictating our future. It's nearing a flat line.

Roses go to….

t To the area churches who brought the Power Team to this community. This group gave an inspirational message and that should have been heard by all.

t Kirbyville school district for their work to secure a grant from the U.S. Secretary of Education.

Thorns go to….

t Those slippery footballs that were used during Jasper's possessions in the second half. Jasper totally dominated the Livingston Lions but couldn't hold on to the football in the second half.