The Sept. 3 Pantagraph had two interesting articles on health care reform on page A3. "About 150 supporters of a government-run option for health insurance gathered Wednesday for a candle-light vigil and to tell stories of people they say suffered because of a lack of medical coverage." Another story said Tim Johnson talked to "a crowd of about 150 people at a town hall-style meeting at Clinton High School."

I went to such a meeting with Tim Johnson and it was nearly impossible to get his handler to recognize our position. With so many "hoot and holler" people at town halls, that's the last one I'm attending.

Debbie Halvorson has a better idea, as a letter noted. As for another letter, if anyone doesn't know what Dick Durbin backs, they haven't been listening.

Speaking of listening, Ralph L. Smith's excellent letter stating the positives of advanced directives is something my wife and I wholeheartedly agree with.

I don't know if Sarah Palin is a liar or just doesn't know any better. Maybe she hasn't read whichever proposal is being discussed. I haven't either.

Let me add that everyone, no matter what age, should make out an advanced directive and check it annually. It would be really nice if the appointment with a doctor, which would clarify the meaning of the options, would be paid for - even at the time of the review because medical options change rapidly.

All that in one issue of The Pantagraph. Keep up the good work!

Bob Warfield, Bloomington