I have a friend who is waiting to find out if her job as a teacher's aide will be cut along with other aides and custodial jobs because her employer can't afford Obamacare. It has to do with the 30-hour rule.

This really bothers me because I've been unemployed before and I had to decide whether to send my last $300 for COBRA health insurance or pay my utility bills. I made a decision based on my health and my financial situation to pay my utilities. The way I was raised, it was called living within our means.

I stayed afloat and am now gainfully employed again with health insurance. So if that were to happen again, I would not be allowed to make that decision? Government would fine me for not paying my insurance? Is government going to put me in an overcrowded prison if I can't pay? Force me to foreclose my home?

Why aren't we fined for not paying our utility bills? Have our politicians never been in this position?

I am concerned. I think I better rethink replacing my 10-year-old car.

Jan Robinson

Swansea