Yes vote would benefit majority

   Early voting already is underway for approval of 22 propositions that would amend the Texas Constitution.
  Area newspapers have written that some of the propositions are good and that some are bad.
  Voters can look to the local papers in making their decisions, but the important thing for voters to do is simply to vote.
  A brief look at the 22 propositions indicates most of them should pass.
  However, some are too vague and too broad for passage at this time.
  The most heated proposition of the 22 is Proposition 12.
  Good points have been made for a yes and a no vote, and voters are confused as to what exactly the proposition will do.
  The Fort Worth Star-Telegram and The Dallas Morning News both recommend a no vote on Proposition 12, but perhaps voters need to take a closer look here. The time for Proposition 12 has arrived, and voters should pass the bill.
  To explain the Proposition, a yes vote would limit medical malpractice awards.
  It also would authorize the Legislature to determine limits on non-economic damages in other civil disputes.
  Opponents of the proposition say the amendment is too far reaching and could deprive citizens their day in court. As well, opponents believe prop 12 would aid well-funded special interest groups to seek and possibly receive from lawmakers' caps on non-economic damages.
  Major opponents of the bill are injury trial lawyers because the amendment would cap arbitrary non-economic damages in medical liability lawsuits.
  But the bill's proponents see many assets to its passage, and we agree. Proposition 12 will improve the Texas Constitution and its jury system.
  The proposition will provide access to the courthouse for those who truly need it.
  As well, the new law would make health care more affordable and available for all Texans.
  Proponents also say the proposition will restore confidence in and improve accessibility to health care systems and hold down liability insurance costs.
  We have seen steady erosion in health care.
  We have seen doctors suffer from outrageous insurance costs.
  We have seen businesses back away from providing health insurance to employees because of costs.
  The medical problems are enough to make us lean toward passage of Proposition 12. In today's world, health care is paramount to all families.
  Many of us cannot now afford our medical bills, and doctors are backing away from practices to avoid lawsuits and exorbitant malpractice insurance.
  Perhaps we cannot perceive the far-reaching effects of Proposition 12, but for now, the amendment moves in the right direction of protecting Texans.