Health insurance is a choice

The Wirkkalas are in real trouble, and it is time for them to realize their lifestyle choices require two incomes, not a government bailout, to be sustainable [“On the Cutoff’s Cusp,” Nov. 26]. Their choice to have three children and have a wife who stays at home is a recipe for disaster in America. Their constant worry and concerns over everyday events and activities would serve as a warning to most families that things have to change -- fast.

Children should never have to be constantly reminded that their parents cannot take care of them properly.

K. Sarkis Dinjian

Hermosa Beach

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I was delighted to see your articles on the problems and fears faced by so many uninsured individuals and families in our community. The uninsured are no longer “them”; they are, or could be at any moment, all of us.

Judi Rose

North Hollywood

The writer is vice president for development and government affairs at the Valley Community Clinic.

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Affordable healthcare is a serious issue in this country, but your article highlights a family that has a problem due to a lack of ability to construct a realistic budget. Featuring them is an insult to people who are truly economizing to be able to provide healthcare for their families. We need better, more inclusive healthcare for children, not “snapshots” of aberrant situations undeserving of subsidies.

Rich Swanson

Big Bear Lake