JUDY L. BRADLEY, Pasco

Yes, Virginia, there was an America.

That America had a government by the people -- not a dictatorship.

There were three branches of government that made decisions so there was always a check and balance.

Wealth was built by hard work, dreams and tenacity.

There was a viable middle class.

Now that redistribution of wealth has been achieved, government has enlarged the poor class. The middle class is no more.

Health decisions were between doctor and patient, and the government was not involved.

Yes, there was free America. God bless the America that was.