I was pleased to attend the Health Care Forum presented by ACC on the 26th. All of the panel members were well spoken, some predictable, and others like Dr. Easton were quite remarkable in their knowledge and approach to the subject matter. (ACC may well be advised to consider a second forum allowing the good doctor to act as a lone presenter or perhaps as a debate moderator on the topic.) Trina Gray was noteworthy and well placed at the end of the discussion as a positive note to a subject that most people are frustrated and confused by, and illustrated the need for individuals to improve their own well being.

One facet which was missing from this discussion was in regards to the most powerful forces directing the future of our "health care." Simply put, the most influential voice(s) which will sculpt what is to come are from the lobbyists in Washington, and those that influence our representatives in state. As individuals, our influence pales in comparison to that of the industries posed to lose with changes in the system. Sick people are big money. Big money controls politicians. We strive not to teach and heal as a "health care industry" but rather as Dr Easton commented, we have created a disease and injury maintenance system. Most care today is not directed by physicians, but rather by the insurance and pharmaceutical industries themselves (who handsomely fund politicians). Ironically the only denials and rationing of care I have been aware of in 25 years of practice were those imposed by third party insurers, the same entities most want to watch the hen house.

Those that represent the people should concentrate on the public's welfare; unfortunately we lack the voice and money to apparently get the attention of the elected.

Richard E. Chura, D.C.

Alpena