I am writing in response to a letter written by David Steffes on the right to universal health care. He seems to be under the impression that you can control every aspect of your life. I worked at a job for 17 years before an injury caused me to have to resign. I am now 53 years old and without health insurance coverage. Yes, I purchased coverage for myself at the cost of $500 per month, but I had to cancel the coverage about a month ago. I only have my income and that amount was quite a strain on my budget because I have to have lights, food and shelter. It is also nice to be able to drive a vehicle to work. I was fortunate to find another job in my 50s but they cannot afford to supply health coverage for the employees due to the high cost of coverage.

I have three years of college education, but it is not easy to find employment if you have to start over again in your middle age. Some of these people that Mr. Steffes said chose to quit school may have had to quit in order to help out with family expenses or emergencies. I am a true believer that no one person on this earth is any better than another. I am also smart enough to know that life can sometimes throw us unexpected curves. I am aware that we make some of our choices in life, but I am also aware that life and chances make others for us.

In this great country of ours, I think that right to health coverage should be given to all not just a few lucky or unlucky ones.

In most other countries, they have seem to know that a healthy person can be more productive in employment areas. Maybe we should take a look at what seems to work in other countries and try to fix our unfair system.

Good luck to you, Mr. Steffes. Maybe you will be one of the fortunate ones who can chose every path that you may take in this life. I myself was not so lucky.

PANDORA WILLIAMS

Greenville