Bird flu prognoses

Re “Risk of Bird Flu Worries Experts,” Oct. 9

Well, it should. The nation now has more than 40 million uninsured, and a similar number of underinsured. The numbers grow every day as more employers cut back on medical insurance. What will happen when some of these people become early flu victims? They will avoid seeking medical help because they cannot afford it. Finally, their symptoms will become so serious they will desperately seek help in crowded emergency facilities. How many others will they have infected in the meantime? The U.S. healthcare system is broken. Federally administered universal health coverage is the only viable solution.

ED CARSTENS

Santa Clarita

*

President Bush planned the war in Iraq. Bush managed the aftermath of Katrina. Now Bush is deciding what to do about a flu pandemic. Does that make you feel more or less secure?

ERROL MILLER

Chino