Michael O’D. Moore should win an award for his May 14 piece in the Bangor Daily News on catastrophic health insurance. Keeping this serious problem in the public eye and moving a specific story into the consideration of a much larger phenomenon shows responsible journalism.

Soaring insurance premiums are unconscionable. That we as a nation allow it to happen is worse. High deductibles may be one alternative for businesses and individuals who can no longer afford out-of-sight rates. But it’s still a short-term fix. The ever-climbing costs associated with this industry affect everyone, at every level of society, at every institution and firm.

Another alternative might be for businesses and individuals, en masse, to suddenly drop premium payments and refuse to pay for a full year. Drastic? Perhaps. But it would send the clearest message to an out-of-control industry and our government that we insist on change now. I’d wager a substantial loss of money would bring faster answers.

This bold protest is offered only half jokingly – and in the same spirit as when our forefathers had had enough and sparked real change by dumping tea into Boston Harbor.

Suzanne AuClair

Rockwood