Violence will not change an unfair health care system. We need a single-payer system now | Opinion

Counterproductive measures

“Sacramento County to let deputies clear homeless from public land without offering shelter,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 22)

People are the most valuable resources we have. With this in mind, consider the implications of breaking up homeless encampments: Aren’t these communities a step toward the very stability we encourage? By forming a camp, aren’t individuals taking the initiative to connect and create a semblance of order? To dismantle these communities is to contradict the values we promote for everyone else. Holding unhoused individuals to a different standard is not only unfair, it’s counterproductive.

We are not only contributors to the problem, we are complicit in prolonging it. Addressing homelessness requires us to confront these realities and align our actions with the values we claim to uphold.

John R Hague

Davis

Violence will not change an unfair system

“Luigi Mangione must be punished. But what about corporate CEOs who deny life-saving care? | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 15)

Dr. William Bronston was correct in his recent letter to the editor condemning the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. As he also points out, the business plans of private health insurance companies have been to increase profits. The news is full of stories that highlight the resulting untoward outcomes. People are rightfully angry. However, violence will not change an unfair system.

It is past time to acknowledge that a change is needed from models that make money to a model that can save lives. Other countries have universal health care financing systems. Economists around the world have demonstrated that a single-payer financing system can cover all essential health care.

Health Care for All – California invites residents of California to be part of the single-payer movement. Together we can hold our legislators and governor responsible to change the system so that everybody is in; nobody is out.

Mildred S. Braunstein

Davis

Be prepared

“Should CA cancel its call for a constitutional convention?” (sacbee.com, Dec. 17)

I appreciate State Senator Scott Wiener’s concerns about a possible Article V Constitutional Convention given the number of Republican controlled Legislatures in America. But I would also recommend that Democrats begin preparing their national agenda and priorities for thoughtful debate in the event that a Second Constitutional Convention is convened.

Thomas Jefferson had anticipated that the Constitution would need to be regularly updated as the world evolved, and there are several important amendments that Democrats could propose as a counterpoint to negotiate a compromise.

John Maa

San Francisco

Retribution

“How Donald Trump plans to challenge California policies,” (sacbee.com, Nov. 18)

Donald Trump is an influential, powerful leader who seeks retribution while he builds his cabinet. He has convinced millions of people that truthful, reliable information is a menace to society and to him.

He is a threat to Democracy.

Alvin Vopata

Antelope