To bring up the 47 million uninsured Americans has got to be the best way to destroy legitimate debate on health care reform ("Public option needs to be passed," People's Forum, Oct. 25).

The "47 million uninsured" chant came into being three years ago. At that time, we had nearly full employment in the U.S.A., so it would be safe to assume that there were people making very bad decisions in their lives when it came to purchasing health insurance. Whether it was alcohol, drugs or simply being too lazy to get a job, most of the 47 million uninsured had access to health insurance and chose not to take advantage of it.

I believe that health care is not only a basic human right, but also a constitutionally protected facet of our economy. We are not talking about fancy cars or televisions here. If the private sector cannot make a profit while keeping access to health care available for the least capable or the unemployed within our society, then who but a fool would want to keep relying on charity care? I ask this in order to point out that I am no shrinking violet when it comes to advocating the government takeover of health care if necessary!

Did I say government takeover? Yes, I did. That's the drama conservatives use, so I am willing to play along.

Back to the "47 million uninsured" chant: It's a haunt. It smacks of desperation or the reluctance to disclose a person's willingness to rely on the government and our Constitution for the preservation of dignity.

The debate on health care reform needs to be about whether we should or should not dramatically increase the use of government. If a person can't or is too shy to make the case, rather than drag up millions of lazy sluggards and drug addicts, just stay out of the discussion.

RANDY BARNA

Elkhart