I want to thank Congressman Gordon for his public support of the health care reform bill being voted on in Congress very soon.

It is clear he recognizes the critical nature of this bill in revitalizing America's global economic competitiveness. The U.S. squandered 17.6 percent of its gross domestic product on health care last year, more than twice what was spent by other major economies. GM estimates health-care costs add between $1,500 to $2,000 to each car they make.

Aging small business owners like me wonder how we can carry coverage if our employed, covered spouse ever gets laid off, with pre-condition clauses by wiley health insurers locking out even the healthiest 50-somethings who've followed doctors orders but had age-recommended tests performed.

The good news is, Gordon is on the side of history and the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office who recently announced this plan will decrease the deficit by $100 billion in 10 years time.

Thanks Bart. Sure you don't want to run again?

Maura Satchell

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I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for supporting the Health Care Reform Bill. I also want to tell you about a friend who is in need, and whom we hope, this bill will help greatly.

She is 13 years old and has a severe eating disorder. Her heart rate gets into the 30's, barely conscious; the hospital gets her turned around, only to find the next step in her care, the mental health aspect, has maxed out, and is not covered by the family's health care (both parents worked until recently). So, they are in the process of selling their home to pay the $140,000.00 the treatment center must be guaranteed to get their daughter the treatment she needs. They have also been threatened that if they do not get care for their daughter, DCS will intervene and could place their daughter in state custody. This "yo-yo" approach to care must be stopped. This child's life and the lives of many others depend on it. Thanks for listening, and for helping in this desperate situation.

Bobby Turner

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If Ms. Satchell can name one government entitlement program that is better than a free market solution, I would like to know about it. Virtually everything the government touches declines in quality and increases in cost and inefficiency. Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Fannie, Freddie, Postal service are all examples of government programs that are teetering on the brink of failure and this proposed legislation will eventually destroy our health care system as well.

If you don't believe me, check out health care in Great Britain. Granted, our health care system needs reform, but it is the federal government that has caused many of the problems that currently exist. Handing over the best health care system in the world over to a bunch of crooked politicians to administer is total insanity.

There are many simple solutions to making health insurance more affordable and accessible, such as tort reform and health savings accounts, however, the Democrats in Washington refuse to consider them due to their being in bed with various special interests such as tort lawyers and labor unions.

Be careful what you wish for, Ms. Satchell. You may just get it.

As to Mr. Gordon, one has to wonder what he has been promised to change his vote from no to yes. Hopefully, the voters of his district will elect a more principled person for his seat.

James Nelson

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Of course, if it passes, the $100 billion "savings" will be needed to create a health care czar and numerous government agencies to oversee it all. Savings, please.

Marty Fields

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Bart Gordon is planning to vote yes for health reform. I am surprised but very glad.

Since 1947 Senator Edward Kennedy has struggled to get health insurance for the middle class.

I hope that you will take this into consideration and that ya’ll will come out on the side for health reform.

Diana Millsap
Murfreesboro

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It is a good thing he is not running to get elected again or he would be wasting a lot of time and money, is what I have to say about him and anyone else that voted for this creepy health nonsense. Just watch what I am telling you come November. I hear the Democrats talk about Obama doing the heavy lifting, making the tough decisions, etc.. Well, he is really going to need to do some heavy lifting come the next election when the whole process crushes him and his supporters. You still don't believe me, look at Massachusetts.

No one cozy's up to the idea of people that have it hard, and everyone has examples. But how can you feel good about a bill that does 90 percent bad and 10 percent good? That my friends is a lack of good common sense. There are fixes for these bad experiences, but hundreds of millions to Nebraska, Louisiana and other slimy deals, come one, have a conscious, doing bad does not make it right in any means.

Another thing, you are being charged 10 years for 6 years of service, and that is the math they are using. Saying the costs are for 10 years, when actually, the costs should be averaged for the 6 years is the fact with 10 years of taxes, levies and fees. What happens then, ask yourself, after the first ten years? Are they, the Democrats, going to stop service and build up funds for 4 years, then start the services again? No way would that happen, instead deficits or bankruptcy will happen, so look at the facts and the big picture and think of the scam many have thrown their futures into.

This bill was a mistake, and Mr. Gordon sucker punched us all on his way out the door. That is nothing to thank him for in my humble opinion.

Joe Bleinvs