I read the column on the value of compromise (Nov. 18) and agree that it is a valuable asset. However, compromise requires both parties to understand the matter under discussion and to note the areas of agreement.

The one-sidedness of the column and the misstatement of facts made me respond. The 1,000-plus page stimulus bill that had to be passed immediately, and jammed through without any of the proponents reading it, is an example of how not to compromise.

This was followed by the Pelosi House health-reform bill of almost 2,000 pages, also being jammed through without voting on any Republican amendments or proposals. The prohibition to spend federal money to pay for abortions (supporting the Hyde Amendment) was not a result of compromise but was included only because many Democratic members would not vote for it without this language.

Then came the Harry Reid Senate health-reform bill. It was written behind Reid's closed door and vetted by the CBO for two weeks without any senator seeing it.

The bill was released for the public and the Republicans on Wednesday evening with more than 2,200 pages and a projected vote date of Friday! This is the Democrats' idea of compromise!

This bill comes in under the trillion-dollar mark with more than $250 billion pulled out into another bill, by taxing for 10 years while providing service for six or seven, cutting $400 billion from Medicare (will never happen), with a federal option included. There will be taxes to support abortion and penalties for not buying insurance, too.

President Obama said nice things about an open process, but as with previous bills, his words do not match his actions. Hopefully, once moderate Democrats and Republicans get a chance to analyze this monstrosity, cooler heads will prevail.

Ray Gatti

Whispering Pines