I was truly disturbed to see the glee of Republicans as they celebrated passing the House health care bill aimed at reducing health care services for Americans. We have all been in situations where difficult choices had to be made, but we don’t find joy or satisfaction in having to make those choices unless there were other motivations.

It seems transparent that for these Republicans this vote was fundamentally about viewing the neediest Americans as the most unworthy and the richest as the most worthy. It’s the familiar Republican Party theme. To understand the story just follow the money; ask who is going to pay more and who is going to get lower taxes.

The American dream is not just that each American can do better but also that our government is there to assist us and is our friend.

I am embarrassed and angry that this government is so mean spirited and is trying to make life worse for the less fortunate of us. It is only a friend of the richest Americans.

Tom Toth

East Lyme