Dear Mark: The insurance industry is getting busted for trying to help the overall public, and we are catching the brunt of President Obama's wrath. Health insurance exists to assist folks in paying their medical bills. High insurance premiums come from the high cost of medical care. I, for one, do not want to pay for those who don't take care of themselves either through education or healthy lifestyles. What are we to do? — Wishful in Wichita Falls

Dear Wishful: The first thing we do is pull our seatbelts tight because health care reform is going to be a disturbing ride through the halls of Congress. The Baucus Bill that passed the Senate Finance Committee is the first tangible step in the legislative process. The House and Senate will now mix, mash, cuss and discuss to come up with a final version to bring to a vote. Harry and Nancy might even oil wrestle if necessary.

Unfortunately, the transparency that candidate Obama promised is nonexistent, as much of the negotiations are being conducted behind closed doors. Be prepared for a bill to be sent to both the House and Senate and voted on with little or no time for debate. This is a purposeful and insidious strategy to eliminate feedback from citizens in order to cram government health care down their throats.

Remember that a camel is a racehorse designed by Congress. At the rate this bunch is going, the final health care legislation is going to be a racehorse with 14 humps and 10 legs, headed in different directions, containing multiple heads that do nothing but eat our tax dollars and requiring a dozen jockeys to control this beast. Giddyap, horsey.

My suggestion is to call, write and e-mail every member of Congress with your concerns as well as solutions. Enlist the help of your friends and family, and impress upon them the sense of urgency that is required. Good Luck.

Dear Mark: In your face, you conservative pinhead. I am thrilled that Rush Limbaugh was punted from the group trying to purchase the St. Louis Rams football team. The NFL doesn't need that controversial blowhard anywhere near the league. That's what he gets for bashing Obama all of the time. Why don't you and Rush go off and cry into your precious Ronald Reagan dolls and leave us alone for good? — Jumping for Joy in Joplin

Dear Jumping: You must not be a very loyal football fan. If you were, you would know that football has been full of controversial figures since the first bladder was removed from that poor pig. Rush Limbaugh is obviously the victim of the PC police who only believe in free speech when it suits their cause.

His critics accused the popular radio personality of racism while admitting that they don't even listen to his program. Personally, I have enjoyed Rush for over 20 years and find his show to be informative, entertaining and controversial, but never racist. You and his other detractors simply appear petty, spiteful and jealous over El Rushbo's success.

Dear Mark: The blogging site Hottest Heads of State ranked 172 world leaders based on the hotness of their appearance. President Obama only came in at number 15. First the Olympics, and now this outrage. How could they do this when Obama is so dreamy? — Mmm Mmm Obama

Dear Mmm Mmm: Who are you really, Chris Matthews or Keith Olbermann? By the way, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko of Ukraine deservedly came in first place.

Dear Mark is a public platform for your entertainment and enlightenment. Please e-mail your questions or comments to [email protected]. To find out more about Mark Levy, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.