Cut politicians’ health coverage

Re “Health plan’s death shows system works,” column, Jan. 31

I read George Skelton’s negative position on California’s universal healthcare legislation. I wonder how the outcome and the story might have changed if our senators and Skelton didn’t have and could not afford healthcare coverage? Every developed country except the United States has universal health insurance. I am tired of hearing the refrain that we are the richest country in the world, and yet we keep hearing from politicians and pundits that we need to cut more government services, including the safety net for the less fortunate. If Skelton really thinks the approach is for government to continue to cut costs, cutting the healthcare benefits of those who receive a check from the government (and corporations) would provide a huge savings.

Gary G. Scheppke

Novato, Calif.