The following quotes are from our Chinese tour guide: “My mother is a doctor in China. She had four years of schooling including college and medical school. She makes the same salary as a factory worker or a tour guide.” She said, “There is no way my mother could have the medical knowledge of a doctor in the United states. A doctor in the U.S. has eight to 12 years of college and medical school. The government tells us whether we will be a doctor, a tour guide or a factory worker.”

There are not enough eight- to 12-year medical school physicians for all the people in the United States. Most people are not dedicated enough to take the time, do the studying or do the less than pleasant training. The debt for schooling and medical liability are a tremendous concern.

Consequently the Affordable Care Act will be implemented by nurse practitioners and doctor assistants. They have a little more education than a doctor in China. Sounds like we’re becoming a lot like China, except that they own a lot of our $17 trillion debt. Now we’re the peons.

Winifred Richardson

Glenwood Springs