Davis and HMO Reform, Prop. 5

* Re “HMO Reform, Davis’ Way,” Aug. 23: I am outraged by the distortion of our political system foisted on us by profit-making HMOs. Your editorial told us we should “transcend the impasse,” by caving to industry pressure. Talk about cynicism, your editorial was dripping with it when you suggest that we must be satisfied with what’s possible under the current climate.

HMO accountability is fundamental, and the voters want it. I know because I personally talked with dozens of voters as I lobbied public support for SB 21 in front of supermarkets. It’s an interesting coincidence that Gov. Gray Davis announced his go-slow policy on HMO reform four days after HMO representatives raised over $100,000 for him.

BRAD DRAKE

Vista

* So Davis is putting his very limited managed health care overhaul plan under the control of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, and not the Health and Human Services Agency.

I also recall Davis pouncing on California’s public school educators on the very day of his inauguration. Gray Davis--the most loyal Republican the Democrats ever elected.

ANNE McCAFFREY

Tustin

* First Davis ignores the will of the voters in systematically dismantling Proposition 187. Now he wants to find a way around a court ruling that Proposition 5 is unconstitutional and justifies his action by saying he wants to try to find a way to enforce the will of voters who approved Proposition 5 (“State High Court Overturns Indian Gaming Initiative,” Aug. 24).

Davis thinks he and only he should decide what California laws will survive. First he disregards the voters, now the courts and state Constitution. It seems California elected a dictator, not a governor.

BOB SHEA

Simi Valley