I love J. Paul Brown’s selective endorsement of the use of government in his column (Herald, Nov. 25): It is OK when it comes to the plethora of government hand-outs that make his and a handful of other people’s livelihood (raising sheep) much subsidized, but not for other purposes like providing health care for all us citizens!

As to health care in the U.S., yes, it is and has been a major problem for years. During the debate on this issue that led to the Affordable Care Act, J. Paul’s party spent most of the time denying we had any problem. (Remember: “We have the best health care system in the world?”) Then they proposed changes like tort reform, which then and now, constitute only a small part of cost increases.

Before the ACA, my “free enterprise system” insurance with a deductible of over $5,000 increased an average of 33 percent per year, not to get into the morality of people making money off my bad heath (what would Jesus think?) If J. Paul has done a little research or been to a hospital like our local Mercy for treatment, he should know the reason for the fantastic increases in health costs.

Instead of using the free enterprise system as the solution for our health care, I suggest we try it for the agricultural industry. Sell grazing permits on federal land to the highest bidder in an exchange. Eliminate price supports for wool or agricultural products. And abolish all state and federal agencies that provide free support. Let’s use that capitalism that god gave us! And by the way, are we also paying for J. Paul’s health insurance?

Julie Meadows

Durango