According to Michael Barone, National Review Online, May 26, in the 14 months since the Health Care Reform bill known as “Obamacare” was signed in March 2010:

— (So far) 1,372 businesses, state and local governments, labor unions and insurers (covering 3,095,593 individuals) have been granted waivers from Obamacare. Union members have gotten 50.3 percent of the Obamacare waivers.

— Two of the states granted waivers were Nevada and New Hampshire, both states considered crucial in next year’s presidential election.

— In April, 38 waivers were granted to restaurants, nightclubs, spas and hotels in the congressional district of former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. (Her office said she had nothing to do with it.)

Given the above, it is fair to ask: If Obamacare is so great, why do so many people and organizations want out of it? If 1,372 waivers have been granted so far (most of them to organizations supporting President Obama), how many do you think have been denied? (Can anyone say “Chicago politics”?)

Lest anyone forget, this is the legislation about which Pelosi made the famous (on film) claim “We had to pass it to see what was in it.” It is also the (2,700 page) legislation that Maine’s Rep. Mike Michaud claimed to have read through (along with attached amendments) before his “yes” vote.

Terence McManus, New Sharon