Your Dec. 28 editorial concerning the evil machinations of the drug companies to keep the price of their wares for senior citizens outrageously expensive left me thinking I should start smoking again, start eating stupidly again, and give up exercising.

Why should one attempt to live into old age only to be tormented by a health care system that values people only for what assets they may bring to the game of life and death? Better to live hard and die quickly of a massive heart attack than become carrion for the drug companies, insurance companies, for-profit health care providers, and all those involved in health care who insist unfettered capitalism can coexist with a humane way of helping and treating the sick and dying.

Why is it that every other civilized nation on earth can provide decent care for their citizens without bullying and bankrupting them? Voila. In this matter they tell the money grubbers to take a hike. We open up the vaults and tell them to go ahead, provided they leave a little pocket change for the politicians. I think I’ll go to the store for come cigarettes. David Calder Skowhegan