In his guest opinion in the Sept. 24 Acorn (“Our country needs jobs”), U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly said that, according to the chair of President Obama’s White House Council of Economic Advisers, Speaker of the House Pelosi’s healthcare plan “will destroy as many as 5.5 million American jobs over the next 10 years.” But Gallegly didn’t mention job losses due to doctors quitting their practices if the bill were to pass.

A recent Investors’ Business Daily/TIPP poll states, “Two of every three practicing physicians oppose the medical overhaul plan under consideration in Washington, and hundreds of thousands would think about shutting down their practices or retiring early if it were adopted.”

This being true would create a massive shortage of doctors at the same time as millions of more people were being forced into the system.

I’ve been working with doctors who tend to agree with the IBD/TIPP poll. They’ll speak at a Forum on Healthcare at 7 p.m. today, Thurs., Oct. 1.

It will consist of a panel of medical professionals and others discussing the healthcare reform debate. The purpose is to exchange ideas for reasonable reform that preserves liberty and choice for the individual, and to inform the public about options on the table in Washington, D.C.

It’s a free, nonpartisan event. No signs or clothing displaying a point of view will be admitted. Security will be provided.

The forum will take place at the Calvary Chapel, 2697 Lavery Court, Ste. 10, Newbury Park, and is sponsored by the Conejo Coalition for Responsible Government.

For further information call (805)262-2477. Carolyn Guillot Thousand Oaks