Having read the column “Agreeing on health care — mostly” of April 28 extolling government-run health care in other countries, I was struck by the fact that economics and politics for these systems were discussed and approved, but freedom of choice by the individual concerned was never mentioned.

Freedom of choice by American citizens is basic to our form of government. Our Constitution guarantees us the rights of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms, freedom to peaceably assemble, freedom to vote — all freedoms of choice by each of us. And amendment #9 of the Bill of Rights states, “The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.”

Helping the poor pay for health care is one thing. But politicians mandating that all of us must participate in their government-run, one-size-fits-all health care system is another. Amendment #10 in the Bill of Rights states, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution nor prohibited by it to the states are reserved to the states respectively or to the people.”

Personally, I want my health care decisions, if any, to be made by me and my doctor — not by politicians and social engineers. Any successful American health care “system” must respect these rights. But don’t hold your breath for that to happen.

Cary M. Hodson

New Vienna