The children are left to suffer

Re “Child health veto risky to both parties,” Oct. 4

While not at all unexpected, President Bush’s veto of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program bill was hugely disappointing to those of us on the front lines of the healthcare crisis.

I’m reminded of the aphorism, “It’s very expensive being poor,” and in no way does a poor person pay more than with his or her health.

This bill is not about funding, it is about justice. It is unjust to force children from poor families to go without the care they need, or to ask hospitals to go uncompensated for seeing patients who cannot pay.

The first five years of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program were a successful test run, but only a test run. It couldn’t reach all the children whose families are too poor to afford private insurance.

I urge the president and Congress to finish the job.

Frank Matricardi

Chair, Board of Directors

Venice Family Clinic

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In 2000, Bush campaigned as a “compassionate conservative.” His veto of the children’s medical bill puts the final nail in the coffin of that and other such promises. His action does not fit with the mantra of Christian values so often touted by the Republican right. Although Bush doesn’t hesitate to spend billions per month on an ill-conceived war, he has suddenly become “fiscally conservative” on the backs of our children.

Adrian M. Wenner

Santa Barbara