Everyone wants to lower the cost of health care. Why?

Health care is more expensive, and requires a greater portion of our individual incomes because today's health care provides much more care and many more cures than ever before.

Sixty years ago, if you had cancer, you died. Think of all the life-saving, life-extending, quality-of-life treatments (chemotherapy, radiation, gene therapy) and drugs we have today. Think of all the diagnostic tools we have -- MRIs, CAT scans, the increasing number and types of blood testings that can be performed.

If we, as a people, want to stop the increase in the cost of health care, it's relatively easy. All we have to do is stop the improvements in health care. Do not contribute to charities that fund cures. Tell Congress to stop any public funding of medical research and development. Individuals can ask companies to stop researching and developing medical technology. Stop investing your money in health technology companies.

As individuals, ask the doctor for a treatment for your illness that's least expensive. Refuse CAT scans, MRIs, radiology and chemotherapy. Stop asking if the newest drug might help you.

You can't have your cake and eat it, too. You have to make a choice.

Americans are willing to spend an increasing amount of their personal income on advances in information technology and other areas. Think cell phones, GPSs, plasma TVs, Blackberries, WiFi, Wii.

So, are you willing to spend an increased amount of your income for health care or not?

We have the wonderful opportunity to live healthier, longer, more productive lives. Why are we complaining about it?

By the way, I do believe in some health care reform: enact tort and malpractice reforms and allow health insurance to cross state lines.

Margaret Smetana

Pinehurst