Richard S. Davis (Viewpoint, 7-1) claims that a public health care option “will be priced significantly below most private plans and quickly claim market share.” It might be so successful that everyone would choose the public option and drive private plans out of the market, he worries.

A devious government plot to be sure that every American has basic health needs met? A scheme to eliminate the 30 percent of our health care dollars that currently goes to insurance company profits, marketing costs, claims processing and other expenses that do nothing to enhance patient care? Perish the thought.

If you feel that our current system is fine just like it is and that private health insurers need protection from nonprofit competition, then you should join Davis and the Republicans in opposing a public option. But if you want meaningful health care reform now, support a public option.