Congressman Chris Lee was quoted in The News as saying, “In my district, it is still broadly opposed.” The “it” he was referring to was a public health care option. He further stated he opposed a public health care option because “I’ve yet to see the government run anything efficiently or effectively.”

Did Lee conduct a poll to determine if a majority of his constituents oppose a public option? All the people I know in his district, especially those who have lost their jobs or their benefits, need an affordable public option since the private sector is clearly not delivering proper health care coverage.

Also, has Lee lost touch with all the public health care agencies that are on the front lines in the battle against swine flu? Does he think the private sector is going to open clinics to service the poor and disabled in response to this national emergency?

Finally, what about Veterans Affairs? Does he think this public institution should be contracted out? I have yet to hear of one veterans organization calling for privatization of the VA.

Lee needs to get in touch with his constituents and reality when it comes to the issue of health care reform and the need for a public option.

Richard Denesha

Amherst