Dear Editor: Already the Senate Republicans are decrying recent recommendations on mammograms and pap smears as rationed health care and saying government is making decisions best left to the patient and doctor. “Government should not be making these kinds of decisions!” they cry.

Are they serious? There is already talk about clarifying the new guidelines.

That said, if John McCain had won the election and this report came out, I’m wondering if the GOP would be touting how they were able to cut health care costs by eliminating unnecessary procedures.

I’d like to think if a woman or her doctor thinks the woman requires a mammogram or pap smear, that insurance will cover it. And if the GOP is so concerned about the government making health care decisions for the patient, then why aren’t they all pro-choice? Apparently they think it’s acceptable for the government to make some decisions for women.

It’s also ironic the GOP uses the term “rationed” when they are experts in the art of rationing. Their policies almost always end up putting a higher tax burden on those struggling to make ends meet while cutting taxes for those who can afford it the most.

They continue to fight against legislation aimed at higher wages and better working conditions for workers. Lower wages and fewer jobs put a strain on already-fragile tax revenues, forcing local, state and federal governments to cut (ration) programs and services. These cuts often affect children, schools and the poor.

The monies spent on our misguided past foreign policy could have helped ensure health care for all Americans. Finally, when the far-right talking heads claim we’re on the road to socialism, look at the democracies that have national health care.

Robert Montgomery

Madison

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