Talking Back to the Post

Some good letters in Sunday's New York Post, responding to the tab's unintentionally ironic editorial on "Bruno's Betrayal," i.e., supporting the WFP's Fair Share for Health Care bill.

One local business owner writes:

The Post is wrong to claim that Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno is betraying New York's businesses by supporting legislation that would require companies that employ 100 or more workers, like Wal-Mart, to provide at least some health-care coverage for their workers ("Bruno's Betrayal," Editorial, March 12). Far from betraying anyone, the legislation would protect New York taxpayers' wallets and large businesses that do provide health-care coverage from unfair competition from companies like Wal-Mart.

And WFP Manhattan chapter member Shirley Littman writes:

Is The Post suggesting that public programs should continue to shoulder the burden of workers' health care? If so, you're barking up the wrong tree, because Bruno is absolutely right. He's saying that, for a little bit of money, an employer who has over 100 employees can give his employees health-care coverage. Taxpayers like me think it's about time.

Finally, a single-payer advocate wonders why the legislature is considering Fair Share rather than immediately implementing a universal health care solution. The WFP's policy director, Josh Mason, considered that question here a few days ago.