Mailbag:

Richard S. Stevens states as a fact that “the stated objective of the Obama proposed plan is to virtually eliminate Medicare” (“Don’t fix health care if it isn’t broken,” Mailbag, Tuesday).

How does he know this? Has he read the plan? Which of the five proposals being shaped in Congress at this time does he refer to? So he got a new heart at 69, paid for by Medicare, I gather, to which every working person contributes, whether they have health insurance or not. Before 65 years of age, he would have had to rely on his insurance to pay for it. Is he sure his insurance company would have paid? What proposed guidelines is he referring to that would now deny him a new heart?

I do wish people would stop making absolute statements about the proposed health-care reforms; so often they appear to be based more on political opinions than on facts. When Congress, the House and Senate together pass a bill and send it to the president, who agrees to sign it, we will know what health-care reform we have, not before.

PATRICIA HARRIGAN

NEWPORT BEACH

United States not on top of health-care system

Your paper has done a good job presenting opinions both pro and con in regards to current attempts to change the availability of health care in the United States.

You published a letter from someone claiming that the U.S. health-care system is the best in the world (“Don’t fix health care if it isn’t broken,” Mailbag, Tuesday).

Given that the U.S. ranks 30th in life expectancy after spending by far the highest level per capita, I find it hard to comprehend the writer’s comprehension of facts. We rank behind even Cuba in average life expectancy, and the writer claims we have the best health care in the world. I have to wonder if he is only looking at his personal health care.

At times like this, I can’t help but think of one of my mother’s favorite quotes: Don’t confuse me with the facts.

PERRY ANDRUS

COSTA MESA