The nation's health care "system" is the Titanic. Comparable ships of state cost half as much to operate, but are twice as seaworthy. The U.S. is ranked 37th by the World Health Organization. We can rearrange the deck chairs and listen to the band play until we drown, or we can get off this barge while there is a chance of making it to the life rafts.

Every year, the pirates running the ship have extorted double-digit payment increases. Under this taxation without representation, so many small businesses have had the life crushed out of them that it threatens the nation's overall economy.

Despite a protection racket that would embarrass the Mafia, the quickest way to get tossed overboard is a diagnosis of cancer or something that will cost the pirates money. What villain kills more than one hostage per hour, let alone 583?

A Harvard study detailed that 44,000 people die every year for lack of insurance coverage, and the number grows daily.

Well, thank God for Reps. Chellie Pingree and Mike Michaud. They know the ship is sinking.

Maine's approval of the public option is roughly the same as the rest of the country — two to one. I hope Maine's senators remember Jefferson's philosophy: The majority aren't always right, but we're usually right.

Government of the pirates, for the pirates, by the pirates is literally killing us.

Tom Bulger, Avon