In the last election the Republicans called for repealing the Affordable Health Care Act, even though initially these were mostly their ideas. Thankfully, America's voters rejected them because we desperately do need healthcare reform.

Besides the obvious moral case for universal healthcare, there are major financial reasons for affordable healthcare in this country:

Millions of American workers over 50 already have earned adequate retirement benefits. Many could, and would, retire except they'd lose health coverage and can't afford it out-of-pocket. If they had the option to purchase affordable insurance, or even better, were eligible for Medicare at an earlier age, they could retire. Then guess what? Suddenly millions of jobs would open, dramatically reducing unemployment.

In addition, many working people (both older and younger) hesitate to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors because they can't count on finding affordable health coverage for themselves and their families. They need the security of their current job for health benefits. Many people with great ideas and business skills never become entrepreneurs for this reason alone. These are major untapped resources. If these people could migrate to self-employment, their jobs would also become available to others, reducing unemployment even further.

If America didn't have the worry of finding affordable healthcare like most other civilized countries, imagine the potential. Affordable, government-managed and mandated health coverage will actually make Americans more free to pursue their dreams. And this fresh infusion of business ideas and energy could completely revitalize our economy.

Universal, affordable healthcare is just common sense.

Kevin J. Gagen

Belleville